Work permit application
We manage the full work permit application process on behalf of the employer – vacancy notification, document preparation, submission and collection.
Work Permit for Foreigners in Belarus
Licensed lawyers at AMBY Legal assist Belarusian employers and foreign nationals with obtaining special work permits – managing the full process from vacancy notification through to permit issuance and employment contract registration.
Our clients
Work Permits in Belarus
A special work permit is the document that authorises a foreign national to carry out employment activity under an employment contract with a Belarusian employer. Obtaining it is the employer’s responsibility – not the employee’s.
The standard work permit is issued for 12 months. For highly qualified workers, the permit is issued for 2 years. The permit specifies the employer, the position, and the foreign national’s personal details. It is a strict accountability document – issued with an official seal and the signature of an authorised officer of the citizenship and migration department.
For most foreign nationals taking up employment in Belarus, a work permit is a prerequisite before any employment begins. Getting it wrong – or starting work without it – exposes both the employer and the employee to legal liability.
Who Needs a Work Permit
Most foreign nationals who do not hold a permanent residence permit in Belarus need a special work permit to work legally. However, certain categories are exempt.
Who does NOT need a work permit:
Citizens of EAEU member states – Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan – benefit from a simplified employment procedure in Belarus and do not need a special work permit.
Foreign nationals holding a permanent residence permit in Belarus.
Employees of HTP resident companies – foreign specialists employed by Hi-Tech Park resident companies are fully exempt from the work permit requirement. This is one of the most significant advantages of the HTP regime.
Foreign students and graduates of Belarusian universities, heads of representative offices, and foreign nationals employed in certain preferential positions.
Winners and laureates of national or international competitions with awards in their professional field.
Everyone else – foreign nationals from countries outside the EAEU who do not hold a permanent residence permit and are not employed at an HTP company – requires a special work permit.
Legal Opinion in Belarus
Obtain a legal opinion in Belarus considering international standards and local regulations.
Documents Required
The document package includes: copy of the foreign employee’s passport; employment contract; medical certificate; documents confirming the employee’s qualifications and work experience. Legalisation of documents is not required for this process – this is one of the practical advantages of the Belarusian work permit procedure compared to many other countries.
The full list of required documents depends on the category of the foreign national and the type of employment. We prepare the complete package for each case.
Our Services
Eligibility assessment
We assess whether a specific foreign national requires a work permit – or falls within one of the exemption categories – before any employment steps are taken.
Employment contract registration
We handle the registration of the employment contract with the citizenship and migration department following permit issuance.
HTP immigration support
We advise HTP resident companies on the work permit exemption and manage residence permit applications for their foreign employees.
Employer compliance audit
We review an employer's existing arrangements for foreign employees and identify any compliance gaps before they become legal problems.
Why choose us
Employer focus
We advise the employer throughout – the employer carries the legal responsibility for the work permit, and we manage the process on their behalf.
HTP expertise
We have specific expertise in the HTP regime and the work permit exemption for IT companies – the most relevant framework for international technology businesses operating in Belarus.
EAEU knowledge
We advise on the simplified employment procedures available for citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan – and identify when a formal work permit is and is not required.
Remote handling
We manage the work permit process remotely – the employer does not need to attend the citizenship and migration department in person for every step.
End-to-end
We handle the full process from eligibility assessment through to employment contract registration.
FAQ
Who is responsible for obtaining a work permit in Belarus – the employer or the employee?
The employer. The work permit is obtained by the Belarusian employer before the foreign national begins work. The foreign national cannot apply for their own work permit independently.
Do citizens of Russia need a work permit to work in Belarus?
No. Citizens of Russia – and other EAEU member states including Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan – benefit from a simplified employment procedure in Belarus and do not need a special work permit.
Do employees of HTP companies need a work permit?
No. Employees of Hi-Tech Park resident companies are fully exempt from the special work permit requirement. This is one of the key advantages of the HTP regime for international IT companies operating in Belarus.
How long does it take to obtain a work permit?
The citizenship and migration department takes a decision within 15 calendar days of receiving the complete document package. Document preparation and vacancy notification add additional time – we recommend starting the process at least four to six weeks before the intended start date.
Can a work permit be extended?
Yes – the permit can be extended for a further period. The extension process follows a similar procedure to the initial application. We manage renewals and extensions alongside the employee’s residence permit renewal.
What happens if an employer hires a foreign national without a work permit?
This is a violation of Belarusian immigration law. It can result in cancellation of the employment contract and legal consequences for the employer. We advise employers on the correct procedure before any employment begins.