Banks in Belarus to Work with Foreign Customers in 2024

The safe transfer of money to Belarus from abroad in 2024 has its features and challenges. This issue is especially relevant for freelancers and IT companies exporting their services. There are sufficient options for fast money transfers through banks. In this article, experts look at the most popular ones.

As before, many international financial transactions are traditionally carried out through the SWIFT system. In 2024, most Belarusian banks use this system.

Secure payments to Belarus in euros

Many Belarusian banks accept euro transfers through the SWIFT system. However, there is currently no clear answer to the question of transfer speed, as it depends on the banks’ policies that participate in the transfer routing. Since international payments often change, Belarusian banks that accept SWIFT payments from abroad may determine the possibility of receiving a payment only after a foreign payer sends it. 

Payments from abroad in euros in favour of individuals are accepted, in particular, Belarusbank, VTB Bank, BelVEB Bank, Dabrabyt, Paritetbank, Priorbank, Belgazprombank, and Serbank. In BNB Bank, you can receive a transfer in euros through an intermediary bank, PKO Bank Polski SA, Warsaw, Poland, or Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Vienna, Austria. Alfa Bank accepts international transfers in euros from the same bank’s cards. Belinvestbank has suspended the payment of money transfers.

Acceptance of international transfers in US dollars in Belarus

For example, you can receive an international transfer in US dollars at BSB Bank, BTA Bank, Technobank, Paritetbank, and Sberbank. However, these banks do not accept transfers in US dollars from all foreign banks. Therefore, before the customer sends an international transfer in US dollars to Belarus, we recommend checking with the bank whether it accepts a transfer in US dollars from a certain foreign bank and what options are available. 

Priorbank currently does not accept international payments in US dollars.

Possibilities of bank transfers in yuan and other currencies

The Belarusian Sberbank accepts transfers from abroad in pounds sterling. Transfers to dirhams currently need to be actively supported by Belarusian banks. You can receive transfers through Belgazprombank and Priorbank in Chinese yuan and Polish zloty. In BNB Bank, you can receive a transfer in Polish zlotys through PKO Bank Polski SA, Warsaw, Poland, and in yuan through an intermediary bank, Agricultural Bank of China Limited, Shanghai, China. You can receive a transfer in yuan in Belarusbank.

What is required to receive a bank transfer in a foreign currency successfully

The sender of the payment must be informed of the correct name of the bank receiving the payment and the bank’s SWIFT code.

• Details of the selected Belarusian bank in a foreign correspondent bank. This data will be collected individually from each bank.
• The payee’s account number is in the international IBAN format, and the payee’s surname, first name, and patronymic are written in the identity document.
• Purpose of the payment.

A bank in Belarus may request an agreement or other document based on which you receive a bank transfer in a foreign currency.

You also need to familiarise yourself with banks’ tariffs for receiving a transfer so that you do not experience unpleasant surprises when receiving an incomplete amount.

Before making any transaction, it is essential to consult with banking specialists. The current situation, characterised by frequent changes and the rejection of potential sanctions by local banks, highlights the need for legal entities and freelancers engaged in exports to maintain several bank accounts. Such alternative methods provide a sense of security and are a lifeline for companies operating in the global market.