Features of Russian IT Offices in Belarus

The field of information technology in Russia continues to develop rapidly, and many companies seeking to expand their horizons are paying attention to neighboring countries. One of these countries is Belarus, where favorable conditions are created for IT business. In recent years, the Belarusian market has become increasingly attractive to Russian IT companies, offering favorable tax regimes, qualified personnel, and developed infrastructure. However, working in another country always involves specific challenges and peculiarities that must be considered. In this article, we will look at the features of Russian IT offices in Belarus.

Why IT is profitable for Russian IT offices to open in Belarus

Russian IT companies are expanding their presence in Belarus for several reasons. The main reasons for opening Russian IT offices in Belarus:

1. Preferential taxation
Belarus offers attractive tax conditions for IT companies. The country has a special tax regime for companies that are residents of the Hi-Tech Park, where income taxes are reduced, and there is an exemption from VAT for certain types of services.
2. Qualified personnel
Belarus has a large number of highly qualified specialists in information technology. Local universities train highly sought-after personnel and provide a high level of education for specialists in the IT field.
3. Developed infrastructure
The Belarusian infrastructure for IT business continues to develop. Modern office spaces, access to the Internet and telecommunications services, and the presence of specialized service providers support the growth and development of the IT sector.
4. Geographical location
Belarus is located in the center of Europe, which makes it a convenient base for doing business with clients from Russia and Europe. This allows you to reduce logistics costs and travel time significantly.
5. Political and economic stability
The Belarusian government supports the development of the IT sector, creating conditions for long-term investment and innovative growth. A stable political situation contributes to the predictability of doing business.
6. Possibility of entering the European market
Opening a representative office in Belarus can become a springboard for entering the European and American markets, which provides new opportunities for business expansion and attracting investment.
7. Encouraging startups
Startup ecosystems like accelerator and incubator networks are actively developing in Belarus. In particular, a startup ecosystem has been created in the Hi-Tech Park, which creates opportunities for new projects and ideas.
This makes Belarus attractive for Russian IT companies seeking to develop their business, introduce innovations, and compete internationally.

Key features of the growth of the number of Russian IT companies in Belarus

After February 2022, some Russian IT companies (such as Playrix, Azur Games, and WorkFusion) decided to leave Russia and Belarus. However, their share in the total number of companies is negligible. Secondly, Russian businessmen often buy the assets of Western investors who leave the market. For example, the heads of the Russian division of the Wargaming Group became the owners of its former development center in Minsk.
Despite tougher sanctions, several new major Russian players entered the Belarusian market in 2023. One of them is Yadro, a subsidiary of X Holding, a leading company in data storage. Yadro has already started looking for employees for its new development center.
IT specialists who have moved to Minsk note that working from the Belarusian capital is more profitable than from Moscow. This is due to the fact that prices in Minsk are lower, even in the most prestigious residential complexes or districts, while salaries on average are comparable to those in Moscow.
Looking for specialists in Belarus for Russian projects is justified since the situation in Russia is also quite complicated. Many people have left, and not all can work remotely, as some companies have such restrictions.

What Russian IT companies are recruiting staff in Belarus right now

According to the hh.by one of the largest Russian IT companies, represented in Belarus as Aston Soft LLC, is recruiting employees:

• The Minsk office requires 29 employees.
• The Gomel office needs 11 employees.
• Three vacancies in the Vitebsk office.
• Six vacancies – in the Polotsk office.

The salary level is disclosed only for students and trainees in the Minsk office. So, a system analyst (trainee and student) is invited for a $700-800 salary. An assistant recruitment Manager/IT Sourcer (intern) is being sought for $390-650. The company does Backend and Frontend, mobile, and 1C development.

1. LLC “Tinkoff Development Center” in Minsk is currently expanding the area. The new office on Nezavisimosti Avenue will accommodate 900 people. The company plans to expand its staff in Belarus to 2000 people. According to the hh.by, T-Bank, part of the Tinkoff ecosystem, is recruiting 22 IT employees in Minsk. The salary level is not publicly available. However, several bonuses and benefits are offered, particularly premium health insurance, extended vacations, hybrid employment, etc.
2. The Russian company Lesta Games (in Minsk, it is represented as Game Stream LLC – this is the Minsk development center) opened 51 vacancies in the gaming industry in Belarus. The level of salaries offered to IT professionals is not available in the public domain. It provides mainly work in the office, bonuses in the company’s games, various compensations, extended health insurance, delivery to the office at the company’s expense and other corporate benefits.
3. Engineering Center Core (a Russian company) has opened a representative office in Minsk – CJSC “Engineering Center Core”. The company unites the development and production of computing platforms, data processing and storage systems, telecommunications and network equipment, personal and intelligent devices, and microprocessor cores. According to hh.by, the company has 15 active vacancies for programmers and developers. The salary level is not specified, but a hybrid work format, decent earnings, bonuses, and flexible working hours are offered.

All these companies are residents of the Belarusian Hi-Tech Park and have corresponding tax and business benefits.

In January 2024, VK Solutions LLC, which represents the VK International Group of Companies (the Zen blog platform, the VKontakte social network, and the VK-Tech business platform), became a resident of the Hi-Tech Park. Currently, the company has five IT specialist vacancies. The salary level is not specified. In addition to participating in the creation of attractive, socially valuable products and services, sports and nutrition compensation, taking care of employees ‘ health and organizing free time are offered.

Among the residents of the Hi-Tech Park, other well-known Russian names have opened IT companies in Belarus: Yandex-Bel LLC offers well-known services and products, including Yandex search, Yandex Browser, Yandex Maps, Yandex Mail, and Yandex. Metrica. According to data hh.by 14 vacancies have been opened, not only for IT professionals. The income level is not specified. High total income, office work, extended health insurance, a housing program for IT specialists, and various compensations are offered.

What are the features of Russian IT companies ‘ work in Belarus?

Several Russian IT companies have taken over the vacant market after IT companies with Western investments left Belarus. Forms of presence in the market include creating Belarusian companies and working through partnerships with Belarusian IT companies through representative offices in Belarus or through a system of dealers. For example, Russian software developments for logistics and education are distributed through partnerships.

Other features of the presence of Russian IT companies in Belarus:

1. Technology Hub
Belarus, especially Minsk, has become a well-known center for software development and startups in Eastern Europe. Local IT companies are actively developing here, and Russian companies often look for qualified personnel.
2. Cultural and linguistic affinity
Russia and Belarus share similar cultural and linguistic traditions, which simplify company interaction and allow for closer ties. Documents for establishing companies with Russian capital in Belarus must not be translated or apostilled.
3. Geographical proximity
Belarus ‘ location in the center of Europe makes it convenient for Russian companies looking to expand their presence in the EU and neighboring countries.
4. Difficult political situation in Russia
In recent years, many Russian companies have begun to consider Belarus as an alternative for doing business and moving part of their operations in the face of uncertainty in Russia.
5. Incentives for investment
The government of Belarus actively supports foreign investors in the field of technology, making the country attractive to Russian IT companies seeking new markets for their businesses.

These factors are attributed to the growing participation of Russian IT companies in the Belarusian market, which in turn contributes to the development of the local economy and technological infrastructure.