Obtaining Belarusian Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming a citizen of Belarus is a straightforward process with several eligibility routes. The procedure is governed by the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Belarus (2002) and the country's nationality law. While the process is not complicated, it does take a long time. Here is an overview of the requirements and routes to citizenship.

Citizenship by birth

• If at least one parent is a citizen of Belarus, regardless of the place of birth.
• If the parents of the child are stateless persons and the child was born in Belarus, providing the parents temporarily or permanently reside in the country.
• If the parents are foreign citizens and the child was born in Belarus, providing the states of which the parents are citizens do not grant the child citizenship.
• If the child is located in Belarus and their parents are unknown, they become a citizen of Belarus.

Children born in Belarus are automatically granted national status and can issue a passport for their country of birth once they reach the age of 14.

Citizenship by descent

• A child, both of whose parents are citizens of Belarus, regardless of the country of birth.
• A child, one of whose parents is a citizen of Belarus and who (the parent) was born within the territory of Belarus.
• A child, born abroad, at least one of whose parents was permanently residing in Belarus at the time of the child's birth.
• A child, born abroad, one of whose parents is a citizen of Belarus and whose family is living permanently abroad, gains citizenship only upon the written request of the parents.

In addition, persons who have evidence of ethnic origin (i.e., parents or other close relatives who were citizens of Belarus) or who have lost their Belarusian nationality have the right to issue a passport under a simplified procedure within 2 to 12 months through a diplomatic representation in their country of residence.

Citizenship by naturalisation

To become a citizen of Belarus through naturalisation, you must fulfil several conditions. Firstly, you must have resided in the country for a specified period before your application. Previously, this was seven years, but as of 2021, it has been reduced to five years. This period of residence will be considered continuous if, within the last five years before the application, you have left Belarus for no longer than 90 days in a calendar year.

Secondly, you must be able to speak either Belarusian or Russian, the two state languages. You must also have a legitimate source of income and not hold citizenship in any other state. Finally, you must assume the obligation to follow the Constitution and laws of Belarus.

The required period of residence can be reduced for several categories of people, including ethnic Belarusians, descendants of ethnic Belarusians born abroad, previous Belarusian citizens, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Belarus.

For example, foreigners who have received a higher education in Belarusian institutions and have worked in the country for at least three years can obtain citizenship through a simplified procedure. Similarly, qualified specialists have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit after only three years, and investors who invest around 200,000 EUR in the economy of Belarus immediately receive a residence permit and can obtain citizenship after five years of permanent residence.

Dual citizenship

According to Belarusian law, dual citizenship is only recognised for minors under 18 who are residing in Belarus, either temporarily or permanently, and have one or both parents as citizens of another country. When they turn 18, these individuals must choose which citizenship they want to keep. If they decide to keep their Belarusian citizenship, they must renounce the citizenship of any other countries.

While the existence of a second citizenship is not punishable and does not contradict Belarusian laws, a person who is a citizen of Belarus will not be recognised as a citizen of another country by the Belarusian authorities.

It is important to note that dual citizens travelling to Belarus should be aware of the requirements to enter and exit the country. While US immigration law requires Americans to use US passports when entering or leaving the US, Belarusian law requires Belarusian citizens to use their Belarusian passports to enter and depart from Belarus. In some cases, individuals with dual citizenship have faced difficulties leaving Belarus due to expired or lost Belarusian passports. Additionally, males of conscript age (18-27) who are deemed Belarusian citizens may have difficulties departing if they have not completed their military service.

Termination of citizenship

Termination of Belarusian Citizenship

According to the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Belarus (2002), there are two ways to terminate Belarusian citizenship: renunciation and loss of citizenship.

Renunciation of Citizenship

Only persons aged 18 or older may renounce their Belarusian citizenship, provided they meet the following criteria:

• They possess another citizenship or have a guarantee of acquiring another citizenship.
• They do not have any debts or unfulfilled obligations to the state.
• They are not under criminal prosecution.

For those under 18, a parent or guardian must submit the renunciation application on their behalf.

In practice, not completing mandatory military service can be used as grounds for refusing an application for renunciation, even for minors, as it is considered an 'unfulfilled obligation'.

Loss of Citizenship

Loss of Belarusian citizenship can occur in the following circumstances:

• As a result of acquiring the citizenship of another state, unless international treaties with Belarus state otherwise.
• If Belarusian citizenship was acquired through perjury or the submission of false documents.
• By entering military, police, or government service in another state.

Frequently asked questions