Get Pr In Belarus: The Ultimate Guide To Success

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe with a population of 9,491,800 as of 2018. The country has a favourable geographic position, being situated at the crossroads of trade routes from west to east and from north to south. This has resulted in an improved investment climate with over 200 million potential consumers.

The procedure for obtaining a Belarusian passport is not too complicated, but it is time-consuming. Every year, about 5,000 people receive citizenship in Belarus.

There are several ways to obtain permanent residency in Belarus:

- Investing around 135,000 euros in investment objects in the country

- Marriage to a Belarusian citizen

- Staying in the country on a temporary residence permit for five years continuously

- Being a descendant of Belarusians or identifying as a Belarusian

- Having high achievements in science, technology, culture, or sports, or having a profession that is of state interest

The processing of documents for obtaining permanent residency usually takes around 2-3 months.

Marry a citizen of Belarus

Marriage in Belarus with a foreign citizen is not uncommon; the procedure of marriage in Belarus is simple and accessible. In 2018, there were more than five thousand marriages with foreign citizens. The largest number of foreign citizens who married in Belarus were citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Germany, and Italy.

The recognition of the family by the state can be carried out in two ways: by entering into marriage in the authorized bodies, as well as by recognizing marriages solemnized in foreign countries.

The bodies authorized to solemnize a marriage are:

• Register Offices (Bureaus of Acts of Civil Status) and Wedding Palaces of the Executive Committees – if one of the intending spouses has a residence permit in Belarus or citizenship of Belarus
• Foreign Offices of Belarus – in case of staying a couple outside Belarus
• Consulates, diplomatic offices of foreign states in Belarus solemnize marriages between two foreign citizens in Belarus

Conditions of marriage:

• A man and a woman can marry (same-sex marriages are not allowed in Belarus)
• Intention to start a family (a fictitious marriage is invalid)
• Reaching the age of 18 years old (exception: 15 years old in case of emancipation, pregnancy, childbirth)
• Absence of obstacles to marriage

The following categories of people cannot marry:

• People who are already in another marriage
• Relatives in the direct ascending and descending lines among themselves
• Siblings and half-siblings among themselves
• Adoptive parents with adopted children
• Incapable people

3 steps to get married in Belarus:

Check your status and conditions:

Registration of marriage is made on the joint application of the future spouses by any register office. Marriage takes place within three days to three months after the application, (in exceptional cases – pregnancy, a common child, other special circumstances – possibly earlier, even on the same day).

Documents submission:

To marry a foreign citizen, you must provide the following documents:

• Joint application
• Passports or other identity documents of people entering into marriage: Foreign citizens permanently residing in Belarus produce a residence permit; temporarily staying foreign citizens produce a national passport with a mark of registration at the place of actual residence; foreign citizens recognized as refugees produce a Certificate of Refugee
• A document on the absence of a registered marriage with another person, issued in the state of permanent residence or the state of citizenship (dated not earlier than 6 months) or the document confirming termination of a previous marriage
• In the case of a reduction of the age of marriage – an application for reduction of the age of marriage, decision on emancipation, or medical certificate of pregnancy
• In the case of a reduction of the term of marriage (less than three days) – an application of people entering into marriage
• In the case of marriage registration outside the Register Office – an application indicating valid reasons
• A copy of the court decision on the fact of being in the actual marital relations that arose before July 8, 1944 – in case of marriage registration on the basis of such a court decision
• A document confirming payment of the fee

Registration:

The registration of marriage is made by making an act record, on the basis of which a Certificate of Marriage is issued, a mark indicating a name, surname, patronymic, and a birth year of the chosen spouse, place and time of marriage registration is made in the Belarusian passports, such a mark is not affixed in foreign passports.

People entering into marriage must be present at the registration. They should:

• Produce an identity document
• Openly express consent to marriage
• Announce the selected surname(s)
• Read and sign a record of the marriage registration act

Obtaining a residence permit by marrying a citizen of Belarus

It is possible to obtain a residence permit in Belarus (residence permit in Belarus) by marrying a citizen of the Republic of Belarus.

Obtaining a residence permit in Belarus is a rather difficult process, which is associated with the collection of various documents and certificates of a legal nature.

The processing of documents for obtaining a residence permit usually takes from 2 to 3 months.

To apply for a residence permit in Belarus, you need to submit the following documents:

• A document for traveling abroad (foreign passport)
• Photographs (40 x 50 mm. – 4 pcs.)
• A document on the absence of a criminal record in the state of nationality (dated no earlier than six months)
• A document confirming the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. Depending on the grounds for obtaining a residence permit, it can be:
• A certificate of termination of citizenship or of belonging to the citizenship of Belarus; refugee certificate, document of the state of nationality on marital status; documents confirming the relationship, etc
• Confirmation of the legality of stay in Belarus (for example, having a temporary residence permit)
• A medical certificate of health status, confirming the absence of diseases that pose a danger to public health
• A receipt for payment of the state duty

It is also necessary to undergo fingerprinting at the police station at the place of residence, about which a certificate will be issued. The documents must be drawn up according to the approved form, not have corrections and blots, copies must be notarized; documents in a foreign language must be translated into Russian. The medical certificate is valid for one month. To obtain it, you must conclude an agreement for the provision of medical services in a polyclinic at your place of residence (or in a private medical center), take blood and urine tests, do fluorography, cardiogram, visit a narcological and psychiatric dispensary; dermatovenerologic dispensary for testing for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV; get the opinion of the district doctor; conclusion of the commission signed by the head physician.

Stay in Belarus for 5 years on a temporary residence permit

To stay in Belarus for five years on a temporary residence permit, you must first obtain a temporary residence permit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a temporary residence permit in Belarus:

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before initiating the process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Belarus. The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. However, some general conditions include having a valid passport, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, and a completed application form approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents

The documents required for a temporary residence permit application in Belarus include:

• A valid passport for travelling abroad.
• A completed standard application form approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which can be found on their official website.
• Proof of the grounds for obtaining the temporary residence permit, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, tuition contract, or identity card for refugees.
• Medical insurance valid in Belarus for the duration of your stay. Please note that citizens of specific countries are exempt from this requirement.
• Documents confirming your accommodation in Belarus, such as a leasing contract.
• Proof of financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay, such as employment records, bank statements, or pension certificates.
• Confirmation of the paid fees for the temporary residence permit application.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Submit your application for a temporary residence permit to the relevant authorities in Belarus. The processing time for a temporary residence permit is typically around 15 business days. The response will be sent to you by post, and in most cases, personal attendance in Belarus is required during the process.

Step 4: Register Your Stay

Once you obtain your temporary residence permit, you must register your stay with the local unit of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus within five days of your arrival in the country. This registration process can be done electronically through the Unified Portal for electronic services free of charge. However, if you entered Belarus through the state border with Russia, you need to apply in person to the Citizenship and Migration Unit.

Step 5: Renew Your Permit if Needed

A temporary residence permit in Belarus is typically valid for one year. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this period, you must renew your permit before it expires. You can renew your permit by submitting the necessary documents to the local Citizenship and Migration Unit. The renewal process usually takes 7 to 30 days for a decision to be made.

Additional Information:

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may change, so it is always advisable to refer to the official websites and consult with relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, seeking legal advice from immigration lawyers or specialists can be beneficial to ensure a smooth and compliant process.

Be a descendant of Belarusians or identify as one

If you are a descendant of Belarusians or identify as one, you can obtain a residence permit in Belarus. This process is quite complex and involves the collection of various legal documents and certificates.

Required Documents

• Foreign passport
• Photographs (40 x 50 mm, 4 pieces)
• Document confirming the absence of a criminal record in your home country (issued no earlier than six months ago)
• Document confirming your Belarusian heritage (e.g., birth certificate of parents or other close relatives)
• Confirmation of the legality of your stay in Belarus (e.g., a temporary residence permit)
• Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that pose a danger to public health
• Receipt for the payment of the state duty

Additional Requirements

• You must undergo fingerprinting at the police station where you reside, and a certificate will be issued.
• All documents must be error-free, without corrections or blots, and copies must be notarized.
• Documents in a foreign language must be translated into Russian.
• The medical certificate is only valid for one month, and you must undergo various health checks to obtain it.

Other Important Information

• The processing of documents for obtaining a residence permit usually takes 2 to 3 months.
• The residence permit in Belarus is valid for a full calendar year, and you can register as an individual entrepreneur and work without a work permit.
• You must renew the residence permit before it expires; our clients usually start the process 2 months in advance.
• The renewal procedure is simple and quick, taking 7-30 days for a decision to be made.

Reasons for Refusal

Please note that your application for a residence permit may be refused if:

• You have a criminal record that has not been removed or cancelled.
• You have been brought to administrative responsibility in Belarus five or more times in a year.
• Your presence in Belarus is deemed contrary to national security, civil law and order, protection of moral and ethical standards, or the rights, freedoms, or health of citizens.
• Your stated goals for staying in Belarus do not align with those indicated in your application, and your country of citizenship is unfavourable in terms of migration.
• The immigration quota has been exhausted.

Seeking Professional Help

Obtaining a residence permit in Belarus can be challenging, and it may be beneficial to seek legal assistance. Law firms specialising in migration law, such as the Allford Group Law Office, can provide valuable guidance and increase your chances of success.

Have invested €135,000 in Belarusian investment objects

Obtaining Permanent Residency in Belarus by Investing in Belarusian Investment Objects

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe with a population of 9.49 million people as of 2018. The country has a favourable geographic position, being situated at the crossroads of trade routes from west to east and from north to south. This has contributed to an improvement in the investment climate, with Belarus now being one of the most dynamic and fast-growing countries in the world in terms of attracting foreign investors.

Investing in Belarusian Investment Objects

One way to obtain permanent residency in Belarus is by investing in Belarusian investment objects. Foreign investors may invest in any legal form, including branches and representative offices, and the Belarusian government offers several incentives for foreign investment, such as tax breaks and customs benefits.

To obtain permanent residency in Belarus through investment, a foreign citizen must invest at least €135,000 in investment objects within the country. This option is available to individuals with Belarusian ancestry, even if they were born outside the territory of modern Belarus, as well as to those who identify as Belarusian.

The process of obtaining permanent residency through investment is as follows:

• The foreign citizen must first gather the necessary documents, including a valid foreign passport, photographs, a document confirming the grounds for obtaining permanent residency (such as proof of investment), confirmation of the legality of their stay in Belarus, a medical certificate, and a receipt for the payment of the state duty.
• They must then submit their application and documents to the Citizenship and Migration Department in their respective district.
• The processing time for obtaining permanent residency through investment typically takes between two to three months.
• During this time, the foreign citizen may be required to undergo fingerprinting at their local police station and provide additional documentation if needed.
• Once the application is approved, the foreign citizen will be granted permanent residency, which provides advantages such as the ability to stay in Belarus for a full calendar year without the need for annual renewals, register as an individual entrepreneur, and work without a work permit.

It is important to note that the laws and requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Belarus may change, and it is recommended to seek legal advice or consult the official websites for the most up-to-date information.

Be a citizen of the Russian Federation

To obtain permanent residency in Belarus, citizens of the Russian Federation must fulfil the following requirements:

• Submit a document for travelling abroad (foreign passport).
• Provide photographs (40 x 50 mm, 4 pieces).
• Present a document confirming the absence of a criminal record in the state of nationality (issued no earlier than six months before the application).
• Submit a document confirming the grounds for obtaining a residence permit. This could be a certificate of termination of citizenship or proof of belonging to the citizenship of Belarus, a refugee certificate, a document from the state of nationality on marital status, or documents confirming the relationship.
• Prove the legality of your stay in Belarus, for example, by having a temporary residence permit.
• Provide a medical certificate of health status, confirming the absence of diseases that pose a danger to public health.
• Pay the state duty.

Russian citizens can obtain a residence permit in Belarus in accordance with interstate agreements between the two countries. The fact of being a citizen of the Russian Federation is sufficient to obtain a residence permit in Belarus.

The processing of documents for obtaining a residence permit usually takes from two to three months.

Frequently asked questions