Document checklist and preparation
We provide a complete document checklist tailored to your nationality and manage the apostille and translation process.
Relocation to Belarus for IT Professionals
Licensed lawyers at AMBY Legal provide end-to-end relocation support for foreign IT specialists joining Hi-Tech Park resident companies in Belarus – from the initial document preparation through to residence permit issuance, registration and settlement.
Our clients
Relocating to Belarus as a Foreign IT Professional
Belarus has one of the most developed IT sectors in Eastern Europe. The Hi-Tech Park – HTP – is home to over 1,000 resident companies ranging from early-stage startups to established international technology businesses. The combination of strong technical talent, a favourable tax environment and a relatively low cost of living makes Minsk an increasingly practical destination for IT professionals looking to work in the region.
For foreign nationals, the immigration process for HTP employees is significantly more straightforward than the standard route. There is no work permit requirement. The residence permit is issued for the full duration of the employment contract. And the process, while requiring correct preparation, is predictable and manageable.
We handle the full relocation process for foreign IT professionals joining HTP resident companies – from the first document checklist through to the residence permit in hand and the bank account open.
Why Belarus for IT
The Hi-Tech Park regime gives resident companies – and their employees – a distinct set of advantages. Companies pay no corporate income tax and no VAT on their main activities. Employees benefit from a flat income tax rate of 13%. The result is a compensation structure that is competitive with Western European markets at a significantly lower cost base.
Minsk itself is a modern, well-connected city with a developed infrastructure, good public transport, strong healthcare facilities and a well-established expat community centred around the IT sector. The cost of living – housing, food, transport – is substantially lower than in most European capitals.
For IT professionals from Russia and other CIS countries, the move involves minimal bureaucratic friction. For those from Europe, the United States or Asia, the process requires more preparation – but the HTP immigration route is specifically designed to make it manageable.
The HTP Immigration Advantage
The standard immigration process in Belarus requires two separate steps – first a special work permit obtained by the employer, then a residence permit for the employee. HTP resident companies are fully exempt from the work permit requirement. This removes one of the most time-consuming steps from the process entirely.
The residence permit for an HTP employee is issued for the full duration of the employment contract plus two months. For highly qualified specialists – defined as those with at least five years of relevant experience and a salary above a defined threshold – the permit can be issued for up to two years regardless of the contract duration. This means less time spent on renewal and more certainty about the immigration status.
High Tech Park company registration
Professional legal assistance in the field of HTP entry and company registration.
Documents Required
Criminal record certificate: Issued by the competent authority in your country of citizenship – typically the national police, justice ministry or FBI equivalent. Must be apostilled if your country is a party to the Hague Convention, and accompanied by a notarised Russian translation. This is the document that takes the most time to obtain – start early.
Passport: Valid for at least 90 days beyond your expected departure from Belarus, with space for entry and exit stamps.
Employer letter: The HTP resident company issues a letter confirming your employment and the company’s HTP status. Your employer handles this.
Medical certificate: Confirming absence of diseases that pose a public health risk – obtained in Belarus after arrival.
Proof of address: Rental agreement or other document confirming your registered address in Belarus.
Application form: Completed in Russian or Belarusian – we prepare this for you.
State fee receipt: Payment of the state fee before submission.
Our Services
Visa advice
We advise on the correct visa category for your nationality and assist with the visa application where needed.
Residence permit application
We prepare the full application package and manage the submission process – minimising the time between arrival and permit issuance.
Family relocation
We manage residence permit applications for spouses and children alongside the primary applicant's case.
Bank account opening
We assist with opening a Belarusian bank account after the residence permit is issued.
Permit renewal
We track expiry dates and manage the renewal process throughout your employment in Belarus.
Why choose us
HTP expertise
We handle immigration for HTP employees regularly – we know the process, the documents and the timelines for applicants from across the world.
Nationality-specific advice
The process differs meaningfully depending on where you are from. We give specific, accurate advice for your nationality – not generic guidance.
Remote preparation
We prepare the full document package before you travel – so that the process moves as quickly as possible after arrival.
Family relocation
We manage the family as a unit – coordinating primary and family permit applications together.
English-speaking
We work in English and Russian – essential for foreign nationals navigating a process that operates entirely in Belarusian and Russian.
End-to-end
From the first document checklist to the bank account open and the family settled – we handle the full relocation.
FAQ
Do I need a work permit to work at an HTP company in Belarus?
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 foreign IT professionals – it removes a significant step from the immigration process.
How long does the residence permit application take?
The standard processing time is 15 calendar days from submission of a complete document package. Document preparation – obtaining the criminal record certificate, apostille and notarised translation – typically takes four to six weeks and should start well before the planned arrival date.
Can I enter Belarus visa-free and then apply for a residence permit?
It depends on your nationality. If you enter on a visa-free basis, you cannot submit a residence permit application during that stay. You need to enter on an appropriate long-term visa. We advise on the correct entry basis for your nationality before you travel.
How long is the residence permit valid for?
For HTP employees, the permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus two months. For highly qualified specialists – those with at least five years of experience and a salary above the defined threshold – the permit can be issued for up to two years.
Can my family join me in Belarus?
Yes. Once you have your residence permit, your spouse and minor children can apply for residence permits on family reunification grounds. We manage family permit applications alongside your own.
What happens to my residence permit if I change employer?
The residence permit is tied to your HTP employer. If you move to a new employer – even another HTP company – you need to update your permit. We advise clients on the correct steps when their employment situation changes.