To obtain Belarusian citizenship as a foreigner, you need to follow a specific procedure established by the legislation of the Republic of Belarus.
The main stages include:
- Residence permit acquisition;
- Temporary residence permit;
- Application for citizenship.
Belarusian hospitality has always attracted foreign citizens. Many foreigners come to Belarus as tourists, while others choose our country to acquire qualifications by enrolling in Belarusian educational institutions. People's destinies unfold differently. While some foreigners leave after graduating from university, others decide to stay. Among those wishing to stay permanently in Belarus are not only students. An analysis of the population reveals that there are quite a few foreigners from other countries in Belarus. Not all of them have Belarusian citizenship while living in Belarus, although it offers several advantages.
In accordance with Article 14 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus dated August 1, 2002,
"On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus," any person who has reached the age of 18 is entitled to apply for citizenship of the Republic of Belarus if they have continuously resided in the Republic of Belarus for seven years. The period of residence in the Republic of Belarus is considered continuous if the foreigner has traveled outside the Republic of Belarus for no more than three months each year over the past seven years before applying for citizenship of the Republic of Belarus.

Since July 1, 2020, a new edition of the Law of the Republic of Belarus dated January 4, 2010, No. 105-Z "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Belarus" has been in effect. Currently, according to the new edition of the Law, the сроки получения гражданства прежние - 7 лет.
On November 19, 2020, the draft law "On Amending the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus" was adopted by deputies in the second reading. If the Law is approved, it will be possible to obtain citizenship faster. After all, the main changes to the draft Law are: reducing the period of continuous permanent residence of a foreigner necessary to apply for admission to Belarusian citizenship. It is planned that it will be reduced from seven to five years, and also to expand the circle of persons entitled to preferential admission procedures, in particular, persons who have been married to citizens of the Republic of Belarus for at least three years and have a joint minor child who is a citizen of the Republic of Belarus. In addition, the bill introduces a new institution for the country — restoration of citizenship. Also, a new principle of obtaining Belarusian citizenship is introduced into the law — the principle of "soil": when children of foreigners who reside in Belarus are born, and they are granted Belarusian citizenship in a simplified manner.
It is known that the old principle will be preserved in the project — the documents will be signed by the president. At the same time, the draft law introduces for the first time in Belarusian legislation a procedure related to deprivation of citizenship of those persons who received it, but were found guilty of extremism and other crimes.
WHAT DOES BELARUSIAN CITIZENSHIP GIVE TO A FOREIGNER?
Foreigners who obtain Belarusian citizenship acquire additional protection. For example, free medical care and education. Ukrainians who work and live in Belarus have paid medical care. Also, foreigners living in Belarus have to constantly take care of their stay and the extension of their stay in Belarus legally.
Having obtained Belarusian citizenship, it is easier to get a job, there is no need to obtain a special permit. A citizen of Belarus is provided with various benefits, including for opening a business and buying housing. Belarus is famous for its diverse sanatoriums and a Belarusian has the opportunity to visit them at a reduced price, or free of charge, if such an opportunity is provided by the trade union committee, or the company in which the citizen is officially employed.
HOW TO OBTAIN BELARUSIAN CITIZENSHIP
An application for citizenship is submitted to the President of Belarus in any form. It is recommended to indicate the motive for changing citizenship and your obligations to the Constitution and laws of Belarus in the application. Along with the application, the following documents are submitted:
– a completed application form in the prescribed form;
– autobiography;
– 4 photographs measuring 3x4 cm;
– a copy of the passport;
– a copy of the birth certificate;
– a copy of the residence permit;
– a copy of the marriage certificate (if any);
– a certificate of family composition obtained at the place of residence;
– a certificate from the place of work or another document that confirms the official source of income;
– a certificate of no criminal record;
– a receipt for payment of the state fee;
– other documents (a copy of the marriage certificate, a copy of the diploma of Belarusian education, confirmation of refugee status, etc.).
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