In recent years, Belarus has increasingly become a notable destination for companies considering Eastern Europe as a new jurisdiction for doing business. A stable tax system, a strategic location between the EU and the EAEU, access to skilled talent, and the ability to operate under the special legal regime of the High-Tech Park (HTP), all of these factors make the country an attractive destination for relocation.

For foreign entrepreneurs, Belarus offers clear registration rules, flexible forms of doing business, and potential cost savings. This is particularly relevant for companies in IT, consulting, logistics, manufacturing, and services that are seeking a balance between economic efficiency and legal security.

However, relocating a business to Belarus requires a careful approach, from choosing the optimal legal structure and tax regime to obtaining work permits and opening corporate bank accounts. At each stage, it is essential to consider local legislation and practical nuances to ensure a smooth and legally safe relocation.

This article explores why Belarus can be a reliable jurisdiction for company relocation, the steps involved in the process, the tax and administrative advantages it offers, and the key considerations that should be addressed in advance.

Why Belarus is Considered for Business Relocation

Belarus is gradually building a reputation as a jurisdiction with predictable economic conditions and a convenient legal infrastructure for companies aiming to operate in Eastern Europe or enter the EAEU markets. The government actively develops export-oriented sectors, the digital economy, and industrial cooperation, creating attractive conditions for both foreign investors and companies relocating headquarters or operational centers here.

Geographic and Economic Advantages

One of Belarus’ key advantages is its strategic location between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union countries. This allows businesses from Europe and Asia to use Belarus as a logistics and manufacturing hub, providing access to the markets of the EU, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

A well-developed transport infrastructure, including international road and rail corridors, air connections, and modern logistics centers, ensures fast and cost-effective delivery and export of goods.

Economically, Belarus offers relatively low operating costs: rent, utilities, and labor are cheaper than in most EU and Eastern European countries. At the same time, the level of education and professional qualifications, particularly in engineering and IT, remains high. This creates an optimal balance between cost and resource quality.

Government Policy Toward Foreign Investors

Belarus consistently develops a regulatory framework aimed at simplifying procedures for foreign companies. The state provides equal conditions for local and foreign investors, as well as special incentives for those who create jobs, export goods, or implement innovations.

Key support tools include:

• Special legal regimes, such as the High-Tech Park (HTP) and Free Economic Zones (FEZ).
• Tax incentives and preferences for new manufacturing and export-oriented enterprises.
• Investment protection guarantees established in international treaties and national legislation.

Sectors Where Relocation is Especially Advantageous

Belarus attracts companies from various industries, but particularly favorable conditions exist for:

• IT sector — thanks to the legal regime of the High-Tech Park (HTP), offering tax benefits and simplified currency operations.
• Manufacturing enterprises — access to skilled labor and industrial infrastructure makes the country convenient for relocating production and assembly lines.
• Consulting and service companies — favorable tax regulation and availability of internationally experienced personnel enable service delivery to clients in the EU and CIS.
• Logistics and trading structures — Belarus remains a key transit hub between Europe and Asia, making it attractive for warehouses and distribution centers.

Thanks to the combination of geographic, economic, and legal advantages, Belarus presents a real alternative to more expensive and bureaucratic European jurisdictions. For companies seeking a balance of stability, tax efficiency, and access to skilled talent, relocation here can be a strategic decision.

Legal Forms of Doing Business in Belarus

Choosing the legal form is one of the first steps when relocating a business to Belarus. It determines the management structure, profit distribution rules, reporting requirements, and the level of liability of participants. Belarusian law offers several convenient forms for foreign capital, with the most popular being a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a representative office of a foreign company, and an individual entrepreneur (IE).

LLC, Representative Office, and IE: What’s the Difference

Limited Liability Company (LLC) — the most common form of business in Belarus, suitable for small, medium, and large companies.
Key features:

• Founders can be individuals or legal entities, including foreign companies.
• Participants’ liability for company debts is limited to their contributions to the authorized capital.
• An LLC can conduct any legal commercial activity, hire employees, open bank accounts, and sign contracts.

This form is optimal for companies planning long-term operations in Belarus, developing a branch network, or establishing a full market presence.

Representative Office of a Foreign Company — intended not for independent commercial activity, but for representing the interests of the parent company.
A representative office can:

• Conduct market research.
• Establish business contacts.
• Coordinate activities of the head office.

However, a representative office cannot independently generate profit in Belarus and signs contracts on behalf of the parent company. This form suits companies exploring the market or preparing for the registration of a subsidiary.

Individual Entrepreneur (IE) — a natural person registered to conduct business in their own name.
Advantages:

• Simplified registration and reporting procedures.
• Low entry threshold.
• Ability to use a simplified taxation system.

Limitation — personal liability for obligations, so this form is suitable for small projects or freelance activities, but not for international companies.

Requirements for Founders and Authorized Capital

To register an LLC in Belarus, at least one founder (individual or legal entity) is required. Foreign individuals may be sole or joint participants with Belarusian partners.

There is no minimum statutory capital, but typically it is set at 1 base unit (42 Belarusian rubles for 2025). Contributions can be made in cash or in kind, and the capital must be formed within 12 months of registration.

Founding documents (charter, decision on creation, etc.) are submitted to the registration authority, the executive committee at the company’s location. The registration process takes one business day, after which the company receives a UNP (tax identification number) and can open bank accounts.
For guidance on LLC registration, it is recommended to consult experienced lawyers for document preparation and legal support.

Participation of Foreigners in Company Capital

Belarusian law does not restrict foreign participation in company capital. Foreign founders have the same rights as residents: they may own 100% of shares, receive dividends, manage assets, and participate in governance.

Additionally, foreign investors receive investment protection guarantees, including:

• Protection from nationalization and requisition (except in exceptional cases provided by law).
• The ability to repatriate profits to foreign jurisdictions.
• Application of international treaties to avoid double taxation.

Thus, Belarus provides flexible and transparent conditions for doing business in any form — from small enterprises to international holdings. For companies planning relocation, the most common optimal model is an LLC with foreign participation, combining simplicity of management, a clear tax system, and a high level of legal protection.

Business Relocation Procedure

Relocating a company to Belarus is not only a strategic decision but also a well-structured legal process that requires compliance with local formalities: registering a legal entity, opening bank accounts, transferring personnel, and formalizing assets. In practice, the procedure is quite transparent and takes about 2 to 4 weeks with all necessary documents and professional support provided by our lawyers.

Step 1. Registering a Legal Entity and Obtaining a UNP

The first step in relocation is creating a legal entity in Belarus. The most common form is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), as it suits both small businesses and international structures with multiple founders.

To register a company, it is necessary to:

• Choose a unique company name (verified in the Ministry of Justice registry).
• Determine a legal address and obtain a guarantee letter from the property owner.
• Prepare the charter and founders’ decision.
• Contribute to the authorized capital.
• Submit documents to the registration authority — the executive committee at the company’s location.

Registration takes one business day, after which the company receives a certificate of state registration and a Taxpayer Identification Number (UNP). Upon state registration, the enterprise is automatically registered with the Social Protection Fund (FSZN), Belgosstrakh, and tax authorities.

Step 2. Opening Bank Accounts and Currency Control

After registering the legal entity, a settlement account is opened in a bank. Foreign companies can choose any local bank (Belarusbank, Priorbank, BelVEB, etc.) or international banks operating locally (e.g., Raiffeisen Bank). During state registration, it is possible to indicate the need to open a bank account, in which case it will be opened as part of the registration process.

To open an account independently, the following must be provided to the bank:

• Charter and certificate of registration.
• Signature card for the director and accountant.
• Documents confirming the director’s authority.

Banks in Belarus handle foreign clients under standard compliance procedures, including verification of the origin of funds.

Key points:

• Both foreign and Belarusian companies can open foreign currency accounts (EUR, USD, CNY).
• International non-cash transactions are permitted without restrictions.
• All currency operations are monitored by the state; no prior approval is required.

Currency regulation is gradually liberalizing, and in 2025 Belarus provides companies with broad opportunities for cross-border transactions.

Step 3. Employing Foreign Staff and Obtaining Permits

If employees are relocating with the business, work permits or temporary residence permits are required.

For citizens of most countries (including the EU and CIS), the procedure includes:

• Obtaining a permit to employ foreign labor (handled by the employer). For foreign IT specialists such as software engineers, this permit is not required.
• Obtaining a work permit for the specific employee.
• Arranging a temporary residence permit (TRP) for long-term stays.

Work permits are valid for up to one year, with the possibility of extension or for the duration of the employment contract. For highly skilled IT specialists and managers, the process is simplified: accelerated employment procedures are available, especially when relocating to the High-Tech Park (HTP) or under an investment project.

Step 4. Transferring Assets, Contracts, and Intellectual Property

A key stage of relocation is transferring assets and obligations to the new legal entity. This may include:

• Equipment, production facilities, and machinery.
• Rights to software, patents, and trademarks.
• Active contracts with clients and suppliers.

In practice, a purchase or transfer agreement is typically used between the old and new company. For IT companies, special attention is paid to intellectual property — code, brands, and licenses.

Belarus recognizes international IP protection standards and is a participant in the Berne Convention. Transfer of copyrights or trademarks is possible via license agreements, which are registered with the National Intellectual Property Center (NCIP).

For clients and partners, existing contracts can be reissued under the new legal entity without termination, if both parties agree. This helps minimize operational risks during the transition.

Thus, the business relocation process in Belarus combines rapid registration, flexible currency operations, and transparent migration procedures. With careful planning and legal support, the process can be completed within a month while preserving the company structure, assets, and personnel.

Tax Conditions and Incentives

Belarus’ tax system is considered one of the most stable and predictable in the region. For businesses, this means clear rules, standardized reporting, and transparent tax rates. At the same time, the government offers a range of preferential regimes for companies that invest, export products, or develop innovative technologies. This makes Belarus an attractive jurisdiction not only for industrial and commercial enterprises but also for IT, consulting, and service companies.

General Taxation System: Taxes and Rates

Companies operating under the general taxation system pay the standard set of taxes:

• Corporate Income Tax — 20%, calculated on net profit (revenues minus documented expenses).
• Value Added Tax (VAT) — standard rate 20%; a reduced rate of 10% applies to certain categories of goods (e.g., food products, children’s goods).
• Dividend Tax — 12% (may be lower under double taxation treaties).
• Personal Income Tax — 13%, withheld from employees’ salaries.
• Social Protection Fund Contributions (FSZN) — about 35% of the payroll, paid by the employer.

Additionally, enterprises may be required to pay environmental, land, and property taxes if they use relevant resources.

Belarus’ tax administration system is quite flexible: most payments are made via electronic services, and tax reporting is submitted online, which simplifies interactions for foreign companies.

Special Regimes — High-Tech Park (HTP), Free Economic Zones (FEZ), and “Great Stone” Industrial Park

To stimulate investment and innovation, Belarus has several special legal regimes, each providing its own tax advantages.

High-Tech Park (HTP) — a special legal regime for IT companies. HTP residents:

• Are exempt from corporate income tax.
• Do not pay VAT on software sales and export of IT services.
• Can apply a reduced base for FSZN contributions, significantly lowering total labor costs.

HTP has effectively become a tool for tax and administrative optimization for technology companies, including those with foreign capital.

Free Economic Zones (FEZ) are designed for manufacturing and export-oriented enterprises. FEZ participants:

• Are exempt from corporate income tax for the first five years, then pay half the rate (10%).
• Receive benefits on customs duties, land, and property taxes.
• Have simplified access to infrastructure and administrative services.

“Great Stone” Industrial Park — an international zone with a special legal status, oriented toward innovative and manufacturing projects involving Chinese and European capital. Park residents:

• Are exempt from corporate income tax for 10 years.
• Pay 50% of the rate in the following 10 years.
• Receive benefits on VAT and customs duties.
• Enjoy guaranteed investment protection and legal stability for 50 years.

Opportunities to Optimize Tax Burden During Relocation

Companies relocating to Belarus can significantly reduce their overall tax burden by choosing the right legal regime and business structure.

Main optimization tools include:

• Registering as an HTP resident for IT or digital projects.
• Opening a manufacturing enterprise in an FEZ or the Great Stone Park for export-oriented production.
• Using double taxation treaties — Belarus has agreements with over 70 countries, including the EU, UK, Switzerland, and China.
• Structuring dividend and royalty payments through jurisdictions with favorable tax regimes.

For foreign investors, an important advantage is that Belarus does not impose an “exit tax” on repatriated profits and, in some cases, allows free transfer of funds abroad after all mandatory taxes are paid.

Thus, with proper legal and tax planning, relocating a business to Belarus can reduce the tax burden by 30–50% compared to European jurisdictions while maintaining transparency and compliance with international standards.

Practical Aspects of Doing Business in Belarus

After registering a company and selecting a tax regime, it is important to understand how daily operations work in Belarus: rules for currency transactions, procedures for repatriating profits, and the specifics of accounting and tax reporting. These factors directly affect a company’s financial flexibility, reporting transparency, and interactions with regulatory authorities. We recommend entering into an agreement with our legal team, who can provide advice on all aspects of doing business in Belarus and prepare the necessary documentation.

Currency Regulation and Transactions with Foreign Partners

Belarus maintains moderate currency regulation, while procedures for transactions with foreign partners are simple and transparent.

Key features:

• All foreign currency operations (in USD, EUR, and other currencies) are conducted through resident banks, which perform currency control functions.
• Legal entities are required to conclude and, in certain cases, register foreign trade contracts.
• Proceeds from export contracts must be credited to Belarusian bank accounts.

For businesses with foreign participation, it is important that Belarus allows opening foreign currency accounts abroad if necessary for international transactions.

Profit Repatriation and Dividend Tax

Foreign companies operating in Belarus have full rights to repatriate profits after paying all mandatory taxes. The procedure is simple and does not require separate approvals.

Main rules:

• Dividend payments can be made quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the decision of the participants’ meeting.
• Funds are converted into foreign currency at the current market rate and can be transferred to overseas accounts.
• Dividend tax for non-residents is 12%, but may be reduced under a double taxation treaty.

Belarus has signed over 70 international double taxation agreements, including with Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, China, and many other countries. This makes profit repatriation highly advantageous for foreign investors.

Additionally, companies can use intra-group mechanisms for profit distribution, such as royalties or interest on loans, if economically justified and properly documented.

Accounting and Interaction with Tax Authorities

Belarusian legislation imposes clear but reasonable requirements for accounting. All legal entities must maintain accounting records according to national standards (NSFO, similar to IFRS), store primary documents, and submit reports electronically.

Key features:

• All tax declarations (corporate income, VAT, FSZN, etc.) are filed electronically using digital signatures.
• Tax authorities actively use digital services to verify reports, simplifying communication and reducing the risk of fines.
• Inspections are primarily scheduled, and large companies may undergo audits according to international standards.

Foreign companies often outsource accounting and tax reporting to specialized firms or legal consultants. This helps optimize costs and avoid errors in local regulation.

For the simplified taxation system (STS), reporting is minimal, and taxes are calculated based on revenue at a fixed rate. However, not all companies are eligible for STS. Eligibility depends on revenue, number of employees, and type of activity. HTP resident companies cannot use STS.

Belarus offers a convenient and technologically advanced business administration system: electronic reporting, unrestricted transactions with foreign partners, and seamless profit repatriation create a favorable environment for foreign investors. For companies seeking a jurisdiction with clear rules and predictable taxes, these factors make Belarus a competitive relocation destination.

Conclusion

Relocating a business to Belarus is not just a change of jurisdiction, but an opportunity to enter a stable market with predictable rules, manageable costs, and a favorable tax environment. The country offers clear registration procedures, flexible currency regulation, and special regimes for innovative companies, from the High-Tech Park (HTP) to industrial zones like the “Great Stone” Park.

Thanks to the combination of economic efficiency, developed infrastructure, and skilled personnel, Belarus becomes an attractive platform for companies seeking stability and growth prospects in Eastern Europe. Successful relocation requires precise compliance with legal formalities, careful selection of the tax regime, and building a secure ownership structure.

Our team at Ambylegal provides full support at every stage:

• Advising on business structure and tax regime selection.
• Assisting with company registration and opening bank accounts in Belarus.
• Supporting employee employment and permit processing.
• Ensuring intellectual property protection and legal compliance during asset transfer.

We can relocate your business to Belarus quickly, safely, and in line with your individual goals, allowing you to focus on growth rather than bureaucracy.

Contact us

If you have any questions related to relocating your business to Belarus, we will be happy to help! Our long-term experience will help you choose a lawyer to represent your interests.

• +37529142-27-19 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram);
• info@ambylegal.by.