Visa for Foreign IT Specialists in Belarus

In recent years, Belarus has been attracting more and more foreign IT professionals who want to pursue a career in the dynamically developing technology sector. The boom of startups and the creation of a High-tech Park make the country attractive to talented professionals. However, it is necessary to understand the process of obtaining a visa and legalizing stay in the country to become a part of this growth. This article will examine the key aspects of visa regulation for foreign IT professionals in Belarus, including visa requirements and possible solutions to emerging issues.

What is a Visa for Foreign IT Specialists

A visa for foreign IT specialists in Belarus is a document that allows foreigners to enter and stay in the country to work, including in information technology. Belarus is actively developing the IT sector, and in recent years, the government has implemented a number of initiatives to attract foreign specialists and companies to this field.

When is a Visa Required

Foreign citizens usually need a visa to work in Belarus, but there may be exceptions depending on their country of citizenship and the purpose of the trip. For example, citizens of some CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, etc.) can enter and temporarily stay in Belarus without a visa. However, for employment in IT companies, it is often necessary to arrange temporary or permanent residence and obtain a residence permit.

Citizens of other countries, such as the EU, USA or Asia, almost always need a visa. 

What Entry Visas are Available in Belarus

Belarus offers several types of visas for foreign IT specialists:  

1. A short-term visa (C) for business trips.  Such a visa is issued for no more than 90 days. A Type C visa can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
2. Long-term visa (D) for work, including IT.  Visa assignment: business relations, sports/culture/science/education, humanitarian aid, private (https://www.mfa.gov.by/visa/ru_visa_types/).
3. A Type D visa has the following features:

• Multiple times.
• It is issued for a period of 90 days to 5 years.
• A type D visa is issued for 2 years, usually after an employee of an IT company has used one at least once in the previous three years.
• A type D visa is issued for a period of validity from 3 to 5 years when the employee received one type D entry visa, which has a validity period of at least 2 years, in the previous 5 years.

What Categories of Entry Visas are Available in Belarus

The visa category depends on the purpose of the trip. For short-term trips of foreign IT specialists to Belarus, the visa category may be “business trip”.

The visa category for working in an IT company can be “work” or “permanent residence.”

What does the Hiring Company Do to Get a Foreign IT Specialist an Entry Visa

The company that employs a foreign IT specialist submits a visa application to the migration authority. Such a company assumes the following obligations:

• Take measures to register the foreigner.
• Take measures to ensure that the foreigner leaves Belarus when the duration of stay ends.
• Reimburse the state for the costs of deportation or expulsion if this happens.

In 2025, employing companies will not need to obtain a special permit for foreign software engineers to work in Belarus. However, when a foreign IT specialist is hired for another position, such a permit may be required.

When is a Visa Not Needed

Since 2022, Belarus has established a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 70 countries, but only for short-term visits (up to 30 days). This regime does not apply to employment. To work in Belarus, including in the IT sector, citizens of those countries with which Belarus has a visa regime will still need a permit and the appropriate residence status.  

Do Foreign Employees of IT Companies that are Residents of the Hi-Tech Park Need a Visa

Employees of the Hi-Tech Park resident companies who do not have Belarusian citizenship have the opportunity to enter and leave Belarus without visas. We are talking about employees with whom an employment contract has been concluded. Such employees must have a valid foreign passport to leave their country.

What does a Foreign Employee Need for Visa-Free Entry and Exit

For a foreign employee of a resident company of the Hi-Tech Park of Belarus to enter or leave Belarus without a visa, the HTP resident company requires a copy of the passport for such employee to travel abroad (passport) and the details of this document. 

What does the Hiring Company Do for Visa-Free Entry and Exit of a Foreign Employee

The company is compiling a list of employees who do not need visas to enter and leave Belarus. It submits such lists to the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board of the Hi-Tech Park, along with copies of foreign employees’ passports. The Secretariat then submits these documents to the State Border Committee. 

The same procedure for visa-free entry and exit from Belarus applies to owners of companies that are residents of the Hi-Tech Park. 

Although visas are not required for employees and owners of IT companies resident in the Hi-Tech Park, such foreigners can stay in Belarus for no more than 180 days per calendar year if they do not have a temporary residence permit.

Features of Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit for Foreign Employees of HTP Resident Companies

Employees of the Hi-Tech Park resident companies receive a temporary residence permit for the entire duration of the employment contract, subject to its extension plus 2 months after termination of the employment relationship. In this case, the employing company assumes the formalities for relations with the migration service.

Why it is Important for Foreign IT Specialists to Comply with the Visa Regime in Belarus

Compliance with the visa regime is important for citizens of countries with a visa regime with Belarus. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to serious consequences for the specialists and employers. Let’s look at why this is so important.

1. Legality of Stay and Work

Compliance with the visa regime is the basis of legal stay in the country. To work in Belarus, foreign citizens must obtain an appropriate visa and work permit or residence permit. Violating these requirements can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry. For IT professionals, whose work is often related to long-term projects, such sanctions can become a serious problem that disrupts their professional plans.

2. Reputational Risks for the Employer

Companies hiring foreign specialists must also ensure their employees comply with visa regulations. If an employer allows a foreigner to work without the necessary documents, they may face inspections, fines, and a deterioration of their business reputation. In Belarus, where the state actively regulates migration processes, such violations can negatively affect the status of the company.

4. Minimizing Legal Risks

Failure to comply with the visa regime can lead to legal consequences, such as administrative or criminal penalties. These may affect a specialist’s career and ability to work in other countries in the future. Proper visa processing and compliance with all migration rules eliminate such risks, allowing IT specialists to focus on their professional activities.

5. Respect for the Host Country

Compliance with the visa regime is also a sign of respect for the laws and regulations of the host country. For foreign professionals who represent the global community, it is important to demonstrate a willingness to follow local rules. It helps to strengthen international cooperation and improve the perception of foreigners in Belarus.

Conclusion

A visa for IT specialists is required if you plan to work in Belarus for a long time. Exceptions are possible for citizens of countries with visa-free entry, but in some cases, the employing company may need to issue a special work permit. Belarus strives to create comfortable conditions for foreign IT specialists, which makes the process of obtaining a visa and moving easier and more understandable. No visa is required for employees of HTP resident companies.

Compliance with the visa regime in Belarus is not just a formality but a necessary condition for comfortable and safe work there. It helps avoid legal and financial problems, maintain a reputation, and take advantage of all the advantages Belarus offers foreign IT professionals. A responsible approach to visa issues is the key to a successful career and harmonious relations with the employer and the host country. 

In the EOR company, we focus on managing business processes and attracting talented professionals, offering comprehensive support, incentives, and everything necessary for the success of your teams. Our expertise, both in Belarus and abroad, allows companies to effectively overcome the challenges faced by modern workplaces, including visa issues. Together, we can build strong and successful teams.