What Is HTP?
The Belarus Hi-Tech Park (HTP) is a special economic zone designed to support the IT and software development industries. Offering tax incentives, simplified business processes, and access to a global talent pool, HTP is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. It attracts both startups and established companies looking to scale.
With a focus on technology-driven growth, HTP provides an environment where businesses can thrive. Its unique legal framework offers the freedom to operate efficiently, making it a perfect launchpad for international success.
Grow Your Business in Belarus
Joining the Belarus Hi-Tech Park empowers your business with unmatched growth opportunities. As an HTP resident, you gain access to a favorable tax regime, simplified regulatory conditions, and an ecosystem brimming with skilled IT professionals. This setup accelerates your path to success, whether you are a startup or an established tech company.
Belarus offers strategic advantages like a central location in Europe, affordable operating costs, and a robust digital infrastructure. With HTP’s support, you can expand faster, innovate more, and compete globally.
Benefits of Joining HTP
The Belarus Hi-Tech Park offers an array of benefits that make it an attractive destination for tech companies. HTP residents enjoy significant tax breaks, including exemptions on VAT, income, and corporate taxes. Additionally, there is reduced social security tax for employees, which enhances hiring prospects. The park provides a simplified regulatory environment, making it easier to set up and operate your business. Beyond the financial incentives, HTP offers companies access to a talented workforce, including some of the brightest IT minds in Eastern Europe. With a supportive business ecosystem and a government eager to promote tech innovation, HTP creates ideal conditions for business growth.
Developing a business plan for HTP
Creating a solid business plan is crucial when applying to the Belarus Hi-Tech Park. The business plan should outline your company’s core activities, target market, and projected financial performance. Highlighting how your tech-focused business will contribute to the innovation goals of HTP is key. The plan should demonstrate not only profitability but also the potential for growth and the ability to attract skilled talent. Companies must align their strategic objectives with the goals of the park, such as promoting innovation, creating jobs, and expanding into global markets. A clear, compelling business plan increases your chances of successful HTP admission.
Preparing documents for HTP admission
The process of joining the Belarus Hi-Tech Park involves preparing several important documents. First, your business plan needs to be professionally structured and presented, detailing your growth strategy and how you fit within the HTP framework. Additionally, you must submit legal documents proving your company’s registration, including certificates and statutory documents. Financial reports and proof of ownership or shareholding are also required. All documents must comply with the regulatory standards set by the HTP and the Belarusian government. Ensuring accuracy and completeness in your application will streamline the process, increasing your likelihood of approval.
Requirements for Companies Seeking Residency in the High-Tech Park
FAQ
To qualify as a High-Tech Park resident, your company or individual enterprise must be involved in specific types of activities, including:
- Software Development: This includes the analysis, design, development, implementation, and documentation of information systems and software, such as computer games for any platform.
- Custom Software and System Integration: Developing software based on user specifications and creating automated control systems.
- Implementation and Support Services: Providing services related to the implementation, support, maintenance, and operation of information systems and software, including training for these systems.
- Software Development Lifecycle: Engaging in various phases of software development, including testing, refinement, and modification.
- Data Processing: Using third-party or proprietary software for data processing.
- Consulting Services: Offering consultancy to improve commercial and management practices, including managing the development and implementation of integrated information systems.
- Esports Activities: Involvement in esports, including team preparation, competition organization, broadcasting, and related advertising services.
- Aligning Activities: Ensure your business activities fall within the approved list for High-Tech Park residents. Engaging in non-permitted activities could jeopardize your residency status and tax benefits.
- Existing Contracts: Review all current contracts to ensure they align with the business plan submitted for residency. Any misalignment could impact your application.
- Tax System: High-Tech Park residents are not permitted to use the simplified tax system. Plan to transition to the general tax system before applying. If your residency status changes mid-quarter, apply the general tax system from the start of the month of residency and adjust your quarterly profit tax reports accordingly.
- Accounting Practices: Accounting practices before and after obtaining residency differ. For periods before residency, continue with the previous tax system and rates. Post-residency, follow the new accounting and tax guidelines.
Existing contracts must be consistent with the business project you present for residency registration. If your current contracts do not align with your proposed activities as a High-Tech Park resident, it may affect your application. Ensure that all contracts are reviewed and adjusted if necessary to match the business plan you submit.
High-Tech Park residents must use the general tax system, not the simplified one. Transitioning to the general tax system should be planned. If you are transitioning from a simplified system and receive residency status mid-quarter, you should apply the general tax system starting from the first day of the month in which you gain residency. Ensure that you file quarterly profit tax reports from the quarter following the transition.
As of April 2023, legislation has been updated to make the transition process more straightforward. Residency decisions are now effective from the first day of the month following the decision, rather than from the middle of a reporting period. This change simplifies tax and accounting practices for new residents, removing previous complications related to the timing of residency status changes.
Before gaining residency, accounting should follow the previous tax system and rates, without applying any resident benefits. After gaining residency, accounting practices and tax calculations must adhere to the guidelines for High-Tech Park residents. This includes applying the new tax system and rates from the date of residency.
Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the transition process, including:
- Consultation: Advice on eligible activities and necessary amendments to your charter or individual entrepreneur certificate.
- Document Preparation: Assistance in preparing and submitting documents required for residency registration.
- Business Project Development: Creation of business plans and other documents needed for residency.
- Accounting and Legal Support: Help with preparing accounting and legal documents and transitioning to the general tax system.
- Representation: Advocacy in dealings with government bodies and organizations during the application process.
For personalized guidance and support throughout your transition to High-Tech Park residency, please contact us. Our experts will provide tailored assistance to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Contact us
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Legal assistance is provided by advocate Anton Grinewich, Specialized Legal Bar No. 2 in Minsk.
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Office: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus Postal address: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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Monday-Friday 9:00-19:00