How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Belarus
Unlike many European countries with complex «golden visa» and high investment programs, Belarus provides a structured, transparent, and affordable pathway to permanent residence. The country is part of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which can provide strategic advantages for business and travel within the region.
Foreign nationals arriving in Belarus are required to have a document confirming the legality of their stay in the country and to comply with the migration rules of the stay regime.
Belarus’s migration legislation uses terminology that differs from that of many foreign countries. Therefore, to begin the process, it is necessary to understand the available options for stay and the main rules of migration legislation in Belarus. There are three status for foreigners in Belarus in total:
| Status | Description |
| Temporary Stay (Registration) | Confirmed by temporary registration.
Issued for the duration of the visa, no more than 90 days per year. |
| Temporary Residence Permit | Issued in the form of a special mark to the foreign citizen’s passport. Valid for up to 1 year as usual, with the possibility of extension.
The equivalent of this document in Europe is often called a residence permit, which frequently causes confusion among foreigners. |
| Permanent Residence | Issued as a separate document – the residence permit – confirm the right to unrestricted movement and permanent residence in Belarus. Abroad, such a document is usually referred to as permanent residence. |
What does a residence permit provide and why is it needed?
A residence permit in Belarus is issued to foreign nationals who have a significant connection with our country and confers a wide range of rights that are not available to other foreigners.
Rights granted to a foreigner with a residence permit in Belarus:
- medical care on an equal basis with citizens of Belarus
- the right to education at all levels on an equal basis with citizens of Belarus
- the ability to work without restrictions, in particular without a special work permit
- the ability to obtain permanent registration at the place of residence, which affects utility tariffs
- receipt of pensions, benefits, and other social payments on an equal basis with citizens of the country
- the ability to register as a sole proprietor (individual entrepreneur) – other categories of foreigners may only participate in business by establishing a legal entity
- more favorable banking service conditions
- no obligation to regularly deal with migration paperwork or visas for Belarus – on the basis of a residence permit, one can reside in the country and cross its borders
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Belarus
Unlike many countries that offer a single pathway to residency, Belarus provides multiple legal grounds. The most common are the following.
| Ground | Description |
| Residence in Belarus for 5+ years | This is the most common ground for obtaining a residence permit.
It does not matter on what basis the residence permits were obtained during these 5 years. The key requirement is that they continuously confirmed the right to live in Belarus, and that the foreigner did not leave the country for more than 90 days in any calendar year during this period (according to migration records). |
| Close relatives who are Belarusian citizens or foreigners with a residence permit | The foreigner has close relatives who are Belarusian citizens or foreigners holding a residence permit. |
| Valuable specialist or exceptional merit | To obtain a residence permit on this ground, the employer company submits a petition to the local executive committee for permission to grant permanent residence permit. If the executive committee agrees with the justification of the specialist’s «value», it petitions the migration authorities to issue the residence permit. |
| Investment | An investment of approximately 200,000 EUR (this amount is determined based on the base amount). The funds have to be invested not for any purpose, but in a project that is important for Belarus. A suitable project for obtaining a residence permit can be found on the investment project map. Additionally, the purchase of business-class apartments in «Minsk-Mir» complex also grants the right to obtain a residence permit for investment. |
| Self-identification as a Belarusian | This ground applies if the foreigner’s parents (or more distant ancestors) were born within the borders of the territory of Belarus. |
| International agreement with Russia | An additional ground for obtaining a residence permit is provided for by the international agreement between Belarus and Russia. It grants citizens of the Russian Federation the right to obtain a Belarusian residence permit under a simplified procedure. A valid Russian passport is sufficient. |
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Belarus
If you have a valid ground, the procedure is as follows:
- Submit fingerprints (for individuals aged 14 to 75)
- Undergo a medical examination and confirm the absence of dangerous diseases (for individuals aged 14 and over)
- Verify the possibility of registration at the address where you plan to reside
- Gather and prepare the package of documents for obtaining permission for permanent residence
- Apply to the Migration Department
Processing times
| Category | Processing Time |
| General procedure | 2 months |
| Family reunification | 4 months |
| Valuable specialists | 1 month |
After the review of the documents is completed, a corresponding notification will be sent to your address.
Obtaining the ID Card in Belarus
After approval, you have to apply to receive the residence permit – a plastic ID card.
The ID card is issued in the same procedure as a passport. The procedure takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Validity period
- First ID card: valid for 2 years
- Subsequent ID cards: valid for 10 years
Services of Green Legal
Working with lawyers Green Legal is not merely document preparation or a consultation. Working with us is a comprehensive solution to your migration needs. We provide turnkey legal support in getting residence permit in Belarus.
Why Choose Us?
- We handle all the routine work: you will not have to spend time studying legislation, filling out forms and applications, tracking deadlines, or waiting in lines.
- Full range of services: we provide assistance at all stages – from translation to preparation of all documents, consultation at every step, organization of registration at the place of residence, and accompaniment to migration authorities.
- Proven methodology: we know how to achieve a positive result even in the most complex cases.
- Individual strategy: we develop an optimal strategy for each client, taking into account their unique situation.
- Ongoing support: legal support at every stage – we are always available and ready to answer your questions.