Belarus

WWhen traveling to Belarus, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Belarus, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business and sales meetings
• » Attend conferences and workshops
• » Attend trade shows
• » Visit clients

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Belarus?

Most foreign nationals must obtain a visa to travel to Belarus to conduct business activities. Nationals of select countries and territories are eligible to enter and perform permissible business activities on visa-waivered status, provided they enter Belarus through the Minsk National Airport. Additionally, other select nationalities are eligible for visa-waivered entry regardless of the point of entry. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.

If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a Business Visa from a Belarusian Consulate prior to travel. Additionally, visa nationals may obtain a Visa on Arrival if entering Belarus via the Minsk National Airport. However, it is recommended that a visa be obtained before travel in order to avoid unforeseen complications.

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Belarus law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Belarus, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Facility tours
• » Performing audits
• » Consulting

 
In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in select professional activities without obtaining work authorization, although strict preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is required before deciding whether an exemption is applicable.

If I am traveling to Belarus for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements and application procedures for work authorization depend on your qualifications and on the nature and duration of your work in Belarus. Generally, work authorization is issued in the form of a Special Work Permit, and must be sponsored by a local entity in Belarus.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Nationals from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, are exempt from work authorization requirements in Belarus. Additional exemptions are available for employees of Hi-Tech Park (HTP) residents, students and graduates of Belarusian Universities, and those conducting academic work at a university. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Belarus. Please consult with your immigration provider prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a work authorization exemption.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.