Attracting a Foreign Employee to an HTP Resident Company

Attracting foreign specialists to a resident company of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) is a strategic step that expands human resources, introduces advanced technologies, and increases business competitiveness. However, hiring foreign employees requires compliance with certain legal procedures, considering migration legislation and the specifics of labour law in Belarus. In this article, we will analyze the key stages and nuances of registering a foreign employee in the HTP, consider possible benefits for IT companies, and recommend effective management of an international team.

Where Can HTP Resident Companies Find Foreign Employees

Resident companies of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) in Belarus often face a shortage of qualified personnel, especially in the IT sector. Attracting foreign specialists helps solve this problem, but finding such employees requires knowledge of effective recruiting channels.  

Professional Platforms and Social Networks  

One key search tool is international employment platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Hired. Posting vacancies on these sites helps attract specialists from different countries. In addition, IT companies actively use specialized communities and forums, such as GitHub Jobs, Stack Overflow Jobs, Toptal, and AngelList.  

Recruitment Agencies  

Agencies that specialize in selecting IT personnel operate in Belarus and abroad. HTP resident companies can apply to international agencies such as Epam Talent Acquisition and Relocate.me, Turing, and DevsData, which help find developers and engineers with work experience abroad.  

Relocation Programs  

Many specialists are ready to move to Belarus if the conditions are attractive. Companies can participate in relocation programs, offering support in processing visas and residence permit documents and adapting to a new location. HTP already has a practice for simplifying foreign employment, which makes such offers more competitive.  

Hackathons and International Events  

Participation in international conferences, hackathons, and forums such as Web Summit, TechCrunch Disrupt, Slush, and DevGAMM provides an opportunity to meet talented professionals and invite them to work.  

Using these tools, HTP resident companies can effectively find foreign workers and strengthen their teams with qualified specialists.

What Needs to be Considered to Attract a Foreign Employee to an HTP Resident Company

Attracting foreign specialists to a resident company of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) requires detailed planning and consideration of many factors. It is important to comply with legal requirements and create conditions attractive to candidates from other countries. Let’s look at the key aspects that need to be considered.  

1. Legal and Visa Isues

Before inviting a foreign employee, the company should study all the legislative nuances of his employment. Belarus offers a simplified procedure for hiring foreign specialists for HTP residents. However, it is necessary:  

• Prepare an employment contract that meets the legal requirements.
• Provide a temporary residence permit.  
• It is also important to inform future employees about the deadlines and the procedure for processing documents to avoid bureaucratic delays.  

2. Competitive Compensation and Social Package  

To attract a foreign specialist, it is important to offer competitive working conditions. It includes not only decent wages but also additional bonuses such as:  

• Medical insurance is mandatory, and bonuses in the form of payments for dentistry and medicines are also available.  
• Compensation for rental housing or assistance in finding it.  
• Payment for relocation (flight, transportation of things).  
• Bonuses for relocation and adaptation.  

Additional benefits can be crucial in choosing an employer, especially if the specialist considers several offers.  

3. Adaptation and Integration into the Team  

It may be difficult for a foreign employee to adapt to a new country and work environment, so the company should consider support programs, for example:  

• A course on familiarization with corporate culture and local traditions.  
• Appointment of a mentor from among the staff to help with adaptation.  
• Organization of events to get to know the team.  

These measures will help the new employee to get into the workflow faster and feel comfortable.  

4. Housing and Living Conditions 

One of the key issues for a visiting specialist is housing. The company can help by providing:  

• Temporary housing for the period of adaptation.  
• Advice and support when looking for a long-term lease.  
• A list of reliable realtors and trusted landlords.  
• Some companies also help with the registration of residence-related documents, which greatly simplifies the process for a foreigner.  

5. Language Barrier and Learning  

Even if the work is conducted in English, it is important to keep in mind that knowledge of Russian or Belarusian can be useful for living in the country. The company can offer:  

• Russian language courses for employees.  
• English-language support in work processes.  
• Translation of documents and instructions into English.  

It will help the employee to adapt faster and feel comfortable in the country.  

6. Career Growth and Professional Development  

For many professionals, not only are working conditions important, but so are growth prospects. It is worth identifying in advance:  

• Promotion opportunities within the company.  
• Access to educational programs, courses, and training.  
• Participation in international conferences and professional events.  

A well-thought-out career development system will increase a specialist’s interest in long-term cooperation.  

Features of Hiring of Foreign Employees to the HTP Resident Company

Compared to other companies, HTP resident companies have a number of advantages in attracting foreign workers. 

1. HTP resident companies do not need a special permit to employ foreigners

Ordinary Belarusian companies wishing to hire a foreign employee must issue a special work permit for every foreigner (except Russian citizens and some other cases). Such permits are issued by migration authorities, considering the conclusion of the regional (or Minsk city) executive committee’s labour committee on the possibility of employment of a foreigner in Belarus. The permit’s validity period depends on the employee’s qualifications and is one or two years. However, the resident companies of the Hi-Tech Park are exempt from obtaining such permits for foreign employees who do not have a permanent residence permit in Belarus.

2. Informing the migration service about the hiring of a foreign employee instead of a special permit

A fixed-term employment contract is concluded with a foreign employee, which necessarily defines the conditions for moving to Belarus, such as food, accommodation, and medical care. Such a contract is concluded with the employee in his presence, not remotely.

Instead of obtaining a special permit within three working days from the date of the conclusion of the employment contract, this must be reported to the local Department of Citizenship and Migration on paper or in electronic form. There is a special notification form. In the case of an extension of the employment contract with a foreign employee, the same procedure applies.

3. It is easier for an employee to obtain a temporary residence permit

Foreign employees without a temporary residence permit can stay in Belarus for up to 6 months during a calendar year.

It is not the employee himself who receives a temporary residence permit but the HTP resident company.

The Department of Citizenship and Migration issues a temporary residence permit in Belarus. The permit period is usually up to 2 years for highly qualified specialists and up to 1 year for other employees. If a foreign specialist is hired by a resident of the HTP, the permit is issued for the entire period of the employment contract plus 2 months after its completion, and for the duration of its extension with the same additional period.  

The highly qualified status of the employee is confirmed by documents on education and work experience of at least 5 years. In the employment contract, the salary of such an employee must be at least five minimum wages per month. Starting from January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Belarus is 726 rubles; therefore, in February 2025, the minimum wage for a highly qualified specialist should be 3,630 rubles (about 1,070 euros). A translated and legalized diploma or other relevant document may be required to confirm education.

To obtain a temporary residence permit for an employee, a resident company of the Hi-Tech Park submits the following documents to the Citizenship and Migration department:

• An application for a permit.
• Copies of the job application documents.  
• A foreign passport or other document granting the right to travel abroad. 
• Medical insurance policy. 
• A document confirming the possibility of living at the specified address.  
• Additional documents, if required.  

The company pays a state fee of 3 basic units (126 rubles or about 30 euros) to obtain a permit. The application is considered for up to 15 days.

4. Visa-free entry to Belarus for employees of HTP resident companies.

Foreign employees hired by HTP resident companies, as well as foreign owners of such companies, do not need a visa to enter Belarus.

For visa-free entry, such persons must have a valid passport.  

How the visa-free entry system works:

HTP resident companies submit to the HTP Secretariat lists of employees, including their last name, first name, position (or status, if it is the founder), and details of their passports. Additionally, copies of passports are provided. The HTP secretariat transmits these data to the State Border Committee of Belarus.  

Conclusion

Attracting a foreign employee to a resident company of the Hi-Tech Park (HTP) of Belarus requires compliance with several legal requirements, but at the same time, it provides significant advantages for IT companies. The favourable HTP legal regime, simplified employment procedures, and tax benefits make Belarus an attractive jurisdiction for foreign specialists.  

HTP resident companies can quickly and legally hire foreign employees by applying for a simplified temporary residence permit for foreign workers. However, it is important to consider all legal nuances, including registering an employment contract, compliance with migration legislation and tax obligations.  

Thus, a competent approach to attracting foreign specialists will allow the company to strengthen its team with highly qualified personnel and avoid possible legal risks, ensuring stable and successful business development within the framework of Belarus’s HTP.