Work Permits for Foreign IT Specialists in Belarus

Despite global challenges, the IT industry in Belarus continues to demonstrate steady growth. The country maintains its status as an attractive jurisdiction for IT business operations thanks to its well-developed infrastructure, the presence of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP), favorable taxation policies, and a strong demand for qualified professionals. In this environment, interest is growing in attracting foreign specialists who possess niche expertise, unique skills, or experience in implementing international projects.

However, employing foreign nationals in Belarus involves several mandatory procedures. An employer must not only assess the candidate’s professional qualifications but, in certain cases, also obtain a specific work permit (hereinafter — the permit). This is particularly relevant for IT companies aiming to quickly hire developers, analysts, system architects, and other specialists whose knowledge is highly valued in the market.

In this article, we will explain when a work permit is required, how the process is organized, what exceptions exist for Hi-Tech Park residents, and what employers should consider when onboarding foreign IT specialists in Belarus.

Who Are Foreign IT Specialists and When Do They Need a Work Permit?

In the Republic of Belarus, the employment of foreign nationals, including IT specialists, is regulated by legal norms, which also define the procedure for obtaining work permits. However, certain exceptions allow specific categories of foreign workers to be employed without obtaining such a permit.

Categories of Foreign Citizens Who Require a Permit

Foreign citizens who do not have a permanent residence permit in the Republic of Belarus are required to obtain a work permit to be legally employed in the country. This rule applies to citizens of countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and to EAEU citizens who do not hold a residence permit in Belarus.

What Is a Work Permit in Belarus?

A work permit in Belarus is an official document issued by a Belarusian employer to employ foreign citizens and stateless persons who do not have a residence permit in the country. The permit gives a foreign national or stateless person the legal right to work for a Belarusian organization.

A permit is not required in cases determined annually by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. A work permit is necessary if a foreign worker intends to stay and work in Belarus for more than 90 days.

Employers are responsible for obtaining the permit. It is issued for each foreign employee individually and is typically valid for up to one year. Additionally, companies that employ more than 10 foreign specialists at the same time must obtain an additional permit for the use of foreign labor.

Which Foreign IT Specialists Can Work in Belarus Without a Work Permit

Certain categories of IT specialists may work in Belarus without a work permit. This is important for IT employers to know, so they can confidently attract experienced specialists. Here’s a list of foreign IT specialists who can work without a permit:

Citizens of Countries with Visa-Free or Labor Migration Agreements with Belarus

Permits are not required for citizens of CIS member states and EAEU countries (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia), who can work in Belarus on general terms.

Highly Qualified Foreign Specialists

Some professionals, particularly in IT, may undergo a simplified procedure or be fully exempt from obtaining a work permit. Each year, the Ministry of Labor approves a list of positions and professions eligible for employment without a permit. For example, the 2025 list includes software engineers and certain technical specialists.

Foreign Founders and Managers of Belarusian Organizations

Foreign citizens who are both founders and managers of IT companies registered in Belarus are not required to obtain labor authority approval for a work permit.

Specialists Working Under Civil Law Contracts

When a foreign IT specialist is hired on the basis of a service contract or other civil law agreement, the employer is not required to obtain a permit. This applies, for example, to specific project work contracted by a Belarusian company.

Persons with Refugee or Other Protection Status

Foreign citizens who have been granted refugee status, additional protection, or asylum in Belarus are entitled to work without their employer obtaining a work permit — within the validity period of their status documents.

Employees of Hi-Tech Park (HTP) Resident Companies

Companies registered with the HTP are allowed to hire foreign IT specialists without obtaining a work permit, simplifying the hiring process and reducing the administrative burden.

Ukrainian Citizens

Special provisions allow citizens of Ukraine to work in Belarus without obtaining a preliminary work permit. This also applies to IT specialists.

Foreigners Employed for Short-Term Work (Up to 90 Days)

If a foreign IT specialist is invited to Belarus for up to 90 days — for example, to work in educational institutions, perform assembly or dismantling work, or train staff on IT equipment — no work permit is required.

Graduates of Belarusian Universities

Foreign students who have completed an IT-related degree at a Belarusian educational institution can work in their field of study for one year after graduation without needing a work permit.

Foreigners with a Belarusian Residence Permit

Citizens of other countries who have obtained a residence permit and authorization for permanent residence are entitled to work for Belarusian IT companies without any additional documents, on equal terms with Belarusian citizens.

How to Obtain a Special Work Permit for a Foreign IT Specialist

If a work permit is required to employ a foreign IT specialist, it’s recommended to follow this procedure:

Step 1: Prepare the Required Set of Documents

The employer collects documents confirming the justification for hiring a foreign specialist. The document package includes:

An application to the Citizenship and Migration department
A copy of the passport or refugee certificate
Documents proving education and work experience in the stated specialty
Proof of payment of the state fee — 5 basic units (as of May 2025 — 220 Belarusian rubles)

Step 2: Submit Documents to the Citizenship and Migration Authorities

The employer submits all documents to the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the location of the employer’s registration. The review period is up to 10 working days, and in some cases faster. Typically, the permit is issued for one year, but for highly qualified specialists, this term can be extended to two years.

Step 3: Labor Market Assessment

If required, the migration authorities will forward the documents to the labor and employment office. This agency issues an opinion on the appropriateness of hiring a foreign worker for the proposed position.

Step 4: Obtain the Work Permit

Upon a positive decision, the authorities issue a special permit, granting the right to employ the specific foreign specialist under the stated conditions.

Step 5: Sign an Employment Contract

After receiving the permit, the employer can conclude an employment contract with the candidate and officially register them for work.

Thus, the registration process involves several mandatory stages — from collecting and submitting documents to obtaining official approvals and signing a contract. Compliance with all requirements ensures the legality and transparency of labor relations with foreign specialists.

When a Work Permit for a Foreign IT Specialist Will Not Be Issued

Employers seeking to hire a foreign IT specialist should be aware of cases in which government authorities may refuse to issue a work permit. As of 2025, the following grounds for refusal are in effect:

Failure to Post the Vacancy

If the vacancy has not been posted in the “National Job Bank” for at least 15 working days before the application, this will automatically result in a refusal.

Incomplete Document Package

All required documents must be submitted for the application to be considered. The absence of even one document, or the submission of expired or incorrectly completed paperwork (e.g., an expired passport), can lead to rejection at the preliminary review stage.

Employer’s Wage Debt

At the time of application submission, the employer must not have outstanding wage arrears to employees. Otherwise, the permit will not be issued.

Multiple Refusals to Hire Belarusian Citizens

If the employer has recorded three or more refusals to hire Belarusian candidates for the same vacancy, this will be a reason to deny a permit for employing a foreign IT specialist.

To avoid refusals, employers should carefully review compliance with all formal requirements in advance and consult with specialists familiar with current administrative procedures.

Conclusion

Hiring foreign IT specialists in Belarus is a process that requires careful attention from both employers and candidates. Despite various benefits and exemptions — especially for Hi-Tech Park residents and highly qualified professionals from EAEU countries — most employers are required to go through the established procedure for obtaining a work permit. Failing to meet deadlines, submitting incomplete document packages, or ignoring job posting requirements in the National Job Bank can result in a rejection from the authorities.

For IT companies actively growing in the Belarusian market and interested in attracting foreign talent, it is especially important to establish a systematic process for legalizing foreign labor. This helps avoid unnecessary delays, legal risks, and administrative barriers.

The Recruitment.by team offers comprehensive solutions for recruiting and officially employing foreign IT specialists. We provide support at every stage — from assessing the need for a permit to successfully signing an employment contract in full compliance with Belarusian law. Partnering with experienced professionals allows you to focus on growing your business without getting bogged down in bureaucratic procedures.