Who has the right to work in Belarus without obtaining a special permit: a complete list of exceptions
10.07.2025
The Business Women's Club often receives inquiries from foreigners on the hotline number 8 801 201 5555 who want to know about the rules for official employment in the Republic of Belarus. One of the most frequent questions is whether a foreign citizen needs to obtain a work permit, or if there are situations where it is not necessary to apply for one. In this material, you will find comprehensive information about the categories of foreign citizens who can legally work in the country without the need to obtain a special work permit.
This list will be especially useful for employers planning to hire foreign specialists.
Who can work without a work permit in Belarus
Foreigners with a special legal status:
- refugees, as well as persons granted temporary protection or asylum in Belarus.
- those whose applications for the granting of this status or protection are under consideration.
Invited specialists for a short period:
Foreign citizens staying in the country for up to 90 days for the purpose of:
- conducting lectures and training courses,
- advisory activities in higher education institutions,
- performing commissioning or installation work,
- warranty maintenance of equipment,
- training personnel to work with equipment.
Employees of diplomatic and international institutions:
Employees of consulates, embassies, and representative offices of international organizations accredited in the Republic of Belarus.
Journalists of foreign media:
Representatives of foreign media who have received accreditation in Belarus.
Employees of foreign company representative offices:
Managers and specialists sent to the country for up to two months.
Representatives of religious organizations:
Clergy invited by registered religious associations to conduct spiritual activities.
Professional athletes and coaches:
Athletes representing Belarus in the international arena and coaches responsible for team preparation.
Foreign students and interns:
- students undergoing industrial training as part of programs of Belarusian educational institutions.
- members of student work teams.
- students at vocational schools, colleges, and universities working no more than half the standard working hours.
Laureates of professional competitions:
Foreign citizens recognized as winners or prize-winners of significant professional competitions, if their work corresponds to the achievement profile.
Employees according to the approved list of professions:
Foreigners seeking employment in specialties included in the approved list of working and service professions.
Foreigners with debts to the state:
Citizens obliged to reimburse the state for the cost of maintaining children.
Specialists in the field of culture and art:
Creative professionals, technical staff, and other employees invited by state cultural institutions.
Other cases provided for by law:
Categories employed on the basis of international treaties or special regulations.
In addition, permission is not required for citizens of the EAEU countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan), as well as for foreigners with permanent resident status in the Republic of Belarus.
Detailed information about categories of foreign citizens exempt from the need to obtain special permission to work in Belarus can be found in the Law of the Republic of Belarus dated December 30, 2022, No. 233-Z "On Amending the Law of the Republic of Belarus 'On External Labor Migration'. The full text of the document can be viewed at
the link.
If you have additional questions about the employment of foreign citizens in Belarus or if you are unsure whether permission is required in your situation, contact us at 8 801 201 5555. Consultants from the Business Women's Club will help you understand the legislation and avoid violations.
Calls and written inquiries are temporarily not accepted!
- 8-801-201-5555, for calls in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, from landline phones of mobile operators A1, MTC, life:) the call is free
- +375162218888, for calls from abroad and within the Republic of Belarus - charged at long-distance rates
- 113, free calls without codes from landlines within the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
The hotline operates daily from 9:00 to 17:00
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