Opening a Branch for a Foreign Company in Belarus
Content
- Forms of Presence for a Foreign Company in Belarus
- How to Open a Branch of a Foreign Company in Belarus?
- Step 1: Decision-Making
- Step 2: Preparation of the Document
- Step 3: Submission of Documents
- Step 4: Obtaining the Result of Document Review
- Step 5: Post-Registration Actions
Forms of presence for a foreign company in Belarus
Foreign company may have different forms of presence in Belarus:
- opening a legal entity – for carrying out commercial activities;
- opening a representative office – for representing and protecting the company’s interests, but without the possibility of carrying out commercial activities;
- opening a branch (since November 19, 2024) – for carrying out commercial activities.
As of today, an additional opportunity has emerged to enter the Belarusian market for commercial purposes. A branch of a foreign company is a separate subdivision of the parent company that performs delegated functions of the company in other countries. A branch engages in commercial activities; through a branch, it is possible to conclude contracts, participate in negotiations, provide services, make supplies of goods, etc.
Important! A branch is not an independent legal entity.
How to open a branch of a foreign company in Belarus?
Step 1. Decision-making
In accordance with the company’s constituent documents, the participants/shareholders make a decision on:
- opening a branch in Belarus;
- appointing the branch director (the director may be a citizen of Belarus or another foreign country);
- determining the location (it is not necessary to specify the exact address immediately in the decision, it is understood that finding an office may take some time; it’s necessary to specify at least the city where the branch will be located);
- other issues that the participants/shareholders bring up for discussion.
Step 2. Preparation of the documents
The following documents are required to open a branch in Belarus:
| Document | Description |
| Application | There is a prescribed application form, which must be completed and signed by an authorized person. The application contains information about the parent company, the branch, and the branch director. |
| Legalized extract from the trade register | An extract from the trade register of the country where the company is located, or another equivalent document confirming the legal status of the foreign company (with the apostille/double legalization). |
| Branch Regulations | The Regulations have to contain the mandatory information required by Belarusian legislation. The Regulations are approved in accordance with the company’s constituent documents. |
| Legalized power of attorney | A power of attorney for the branch director and the person authorized to open the branch (if the branch opening procedure will be carried out by someone other than the director). The power of attorney has to be issued at a notary office and has the apostille/double legalization. |
| Document confirming payment of the state fee | The state fee is 3 base units (about 40 euro). |
Step 3. Submission of the documents
Documents are submitted to the authorized registering authority at the location of the branch. Documents may only be submitted by the person authorized under the power of attorney.
Review period: 30 working days. However, the period may actually be extended by decision of the registering authority.
Step 4. Obtaining the result of document review
During the document review stage, the registering authority requests necessary information about the foreign company from state authorities (the prosecutor’s office, state security authorities, customs, the Social Protection Fund (FSZN), Belgosstrakh, local government authorities).
In the case of a positive decision, the authority issues an extract from the register along with a cover letter confirming the opening the branch in Belarus.
Step 5. Post-registration actions
After being included into the register, the branch has to take the following actions:
| Action | Deadlines and Comments |
| Opening a current bank account with a bank | It is better to choose a bank in advance, before being included into the register. The account is opened for a non-resident, so the procedure may be fee‑based and take longer than usual. |
| Registration with the Tax Authority (IMNS) | Within 10 working days from the date of including into the register. Submit an application in the prescribed form, attaching the required documents. Based on the results of the review, the Tax Authority assigns a Taxpayer Identification Number (UNP) to the company. |
| Registration with the Social Protection Fund (FSZN) | Within 10 working days from the date of including into the register. Submit an application using the form provided by the local FSZN authority, attaching the required documents. Based on the results of the review, the FSZN assigns a UNPF (Social Protection Fund Number) to the branch. |
| Registration with Belgosstrakh | Within one month from the date of including into the register. Submit an application using the form provided by the local Belgosstrakh office. Based on the results of the review, an accounting number is assigned to the company. |
| Submit information to the registering authority | Within one month from the date of including into the register. Submit a letter in free form. The letter has to contain information about registration with the Tax Inspectorate and the assigned UNP. |
Important! The first priority is to open a bank account, as it will be required for the Tax Inspectorate. Then, obtain the UNP, and only after that will it be possible to apply to the other authorities.
After registration, it is also necessary to obtain an Electronic Digital Signature (EDS) for the director and, if necessary, to make a seal for the branch.
After completing all the necessary procedures, the branch may commence full-fledged operations in Belarus. The branch has an unlimited term of operation in Belarus.
The lawyers Green Legal are ready to advise you on any matters and provide full support for opening a branch of your company in Belarus.