Special permit for labor activity in the Republic of Belarus: who applies for it, what documents are required
18.08.2025
If you are planning to get a job in Belarus, it is important to consider that hiring foreigners is carried out in accordance with current legislation. One of the key stages is obtaining a special permit for labor activity. This article explains who is responsible for obtaining this document, what actions the employer must take, and what the foreigner must provide.
Who applies for the permit: the employer or the foreigner?
The procedure for obtaining a permit falls entirely on the employer who wishes to hire a foreign specialist. A foreigner does not have the right to initiate the process independently — only the employer has the right to submit documents.
What actions must the employer take?
To obtain a permit to hire a foreign worker, the employer must:
1. Obtain the necessary documents from the foreigner (more details below).
2. Make sure that working conditions comply with legal requirements (in particular, those concerning wages and labor protection).
3. Fill out the established application form on behalf of their organization.
4. If necessary, issue an invitation for a visa.
5. Submit the application and the required package of documents to the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus at the location of the employer.
What must the foreigner provide?
To obtain a permit, the employer must receive the following documents from the foreign citizen:
1. Passport (or international passport) — original and copy.
2. Educational documents — diploma, certificate, etc. (if they are relevant for the job vacancy).
3. Proof of qualifications — if necessary.
4. Translated and notarized copies of documents, if they are not in Russian or Belarusian.
Additionally, the following may be required:
- Medical certificate (upon request of the employer).
- Certificate of no criminal record (in some cases — upon request of the employer).
How long does the registration take?

In standard cases, the review procedure takes no more than 10 working days from the moment of submitting all the necessary documents. In some situations, the deadlines may be reduced depending on the category of the applicant. For example, for citizens of Ukraine — 5 days.
The standard permit is issued for a period of up to one year with the possibility of annual renewal. If we are talking about a highly qualified specialist, the permit can be issued for two years and extended for a similar period.
The employer is obliged to issue a copy of the special permit to the foreigner and enter into an employment contract with him.
Is it possible to work for another employer?
The issued permit is valid only for a specific organization and for a specific position. If you want to work for another company, a separate permit from each new employer will be required.
Key points to consider:
- Obtaining a permit is the responsibility of the employer, who is responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of all stages of the process.
- The foreign specialist must provide all documents in full and on time to avoid delaying the process.
- Employment without a permit entails liability for both the foreigner and the employer who hired them.
- Civil contracts with foreign citizens are prohibited.
Who does not need to apply for a special permit.
A complete list of exceptions for foreigners who have the right to work in Belarus without obtaining a special permit can be found in the article:
Citizens of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia also do not need to obtain a special permit, and civil contracts can be concluded with them.
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