Relocating To Belarus From The Us: A Comprehensive Guide

Belarus is an attractive country to move to, with its rich cultural history, amazing architecture, and unique way of life. However, it is not a popular destination for expats due to its isolation from the international community and the authoritarian nature of its government. Nevertheless, those who do make the move will find Belarusians to be incredibly kind, friendly, and good-humoured. The cost of living is also significantly cheaper than in Western Europe and the US. However, there are important considerations to make before relocating, such as the state of the healthcare system and the impact of international sanctions on the economy.

Visa requirements

As an American citizen, you will need a visa to enter Belarus. This can be obtained through the Consulates and Embassies of Belarus in your naturalized country and must be secured prior to travel. Since February 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk has been closed due to security issues, so visa services are not available there. All nonimmigrant visa applicants must apply for a U.S. visa outside of Belarus.

To process your application, the authorities require your passport, a photograph, and medical insurance in addition to a completed application form. Other stipulations vary depending on your nationality, so you should contact your nearest consulate to clarify exactly what is required before attending.

The U.S. Department of State has designated the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw to process immigrant visas for residents of Belarus.

In the Republic of Belarus, the following types of entry visas are provided:

• B – transit visa, valid for up to 2 days
• C – short-term visa, valid for up to 90 days
• D – long-term visa, valid for the period exceeding 90 days with the right to stay in the Republic of Belarus for up to 90 days, unless otherwise stipulated by the international agreements of the Republic of Belarus

Entry visas may be single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry.

To obtain an entry visa, the following documents should be submitted to an entry visa-issuing authority:

• One copy of a duly completed visa application form
• One photograph (35x45mm, made no earlier than 6 months prior to submitting, full face, with the size of the face nearly 70-80% of the size of the photo)
• A foreign travel document
• Visa support documents (unless you are a citizen of a country with no migration threat, in which case the decision is at the consular officer's discretion)
• Additional documents (if requested by the consular officer)
• Medical insurance contract signed with Belgosstrakh, Beleximgarant, or a foreign insurance organization
• A confirmation of the consular fee paid

The term of the visa procedure is 5 working days (or 2 working days for an urgent application) from the date of application. The decision is made by the consular officer on the basis of the submitted documents and it is final. The consular officer has the right to reduce the number of entries and the validity of the visa, increase the term of visa processing, and is not obliged to indicate the reasons for visa denial. In the case of visa denial, the consular fee is not reimbursed.

All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days (not including Sundays or national holidays) are required to register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly OVIR). This requirement applies to visa holders and those who enter Belarus under the 30-day visa-free regime. Registration must be completed within five days of arrival (excluding Sundays and national holidays) and can be done online or in person. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will complete the registration for you. If you are staying in a private home, you must complete the registration yourself. If you fail to register or if you remain in Belarus longer than 30 days, you will face administrative action which may include a fine of up to €550, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.

Registration

• Timing is essential: All U.S. citizens staying in Belarus for more than five days, excluding Sundays and national holidays, are required to register with the local authorities. This registration must be completed within five days of your arrival. If you fail to register on time or stay beyond 30 days without registering, you may face administrative consequences, including fines, deportation, and even a ban on future entry to Belarus.
• Where to Register: You can register either online through the portal.gov.by website or in person at the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior (formerly known as OVIR) in the district where you will be staying. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel staff will usually handle the registration process for you.
• Host Registration: If you are not staying at a hotel, your host is responsible for organising your registration. If you are renting a house or apartment, the rental agent may be able to assist you with the process. However, if you are staying in a private home, you will need to complete the registration yourself.
• Documentation: To register, you will need to provide documentation, including your passport, a completed application form, and proof of payment for the consular fee. Additionally, you may be required to submit a photograph and proof of medical insurance, depending on your specific circumstances.
• Moving Locations: If you plan to change locations within Belarus after registering, remember to de-register and re-register with the local Citizenship and Migration Department office in your new area before relocating. This ensures that your information is up-to-date and helps you avoid any potential issues.
• Visa Requirements: It is important to note that registration is separate from obtaining the necessary visa to enter Belarus. American passport holders must obtain a visa from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate before travelling to Belarus. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay.

Healthcare

Belarus's healthcare system is supervised by the Ministry of Health and funded by general taxation through the National Health Service. Healthcare in Belarus is inexpensive and easily available, although specialized care is rare. The country has a network of day care clinics in urban areas and mobile clinics in rural areas. There is also a small private medicine sector, mostly dentistry.

The standard of healthcare in Belarus is below that of the UK. Quality healthcare is concentrated in urban areas, where purchasing powers are higher, leading to an inequality of health services in rural areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Belarus has achieved good results in the immunisation of children, the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and child and maternal mortality. In 2015, no mothers died during childbirth in Belarus.

However, there is a lack of specialised doctors and long queues at clinics. Some cities are missing up to 40% of the necessary medical personnel, and a large percentage of existing staff are either retired or due for retirement. The average salary for health workers is low, at $325 per month, which has led to some doctors leaving the profession or the country.

If you are moving to Belarus, it is important to bring essential personal medications, as the availability of local supplies cannot be guaranteed. Ensure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Belarus is, on average, 61.8% lower than in the United States. Rent in Belarus is, on average, 79.3% lower than in the US. A family of four's estimated monthly costs are 1,636.6$ (5,359.0BYN) without rent, while a single person's estimated monthly costs are 460.7$ (1,508.7BYN) without rent.

Restaurant prices in the US are 156.0% higher than in Belarus, and groceries prices are 193.6% higher. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Belarus costs around 75$ (245.80 BYN), while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 30.51$ (100.00 BYN). A McDonald's meal is priced at 6.8$ (22.29 BYN). Domestic beer is priced at 1.7$ (5.47 BYN) for a pint, while an imported beer will cost 2.62$ (8.00 BYN). A regular cappuccino is 2.13$ (6.50 BYN), a bottle of water is 0.68$ (2.07 BYN), and a gallon of milk is 3.05$ (9.31 BYN).

For transportation, a one-way ticket for local transport is 0.68$ (2.23 BYN), and a monthly pass is 68$ (222.86 BYN). Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment are 54.75$ (179.44 BYN) per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) is 70.93$ (232.45 BYN) per month, and a mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data is 54.5$ (178.62 BYN).

In terms of clothing, a pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) costs 62.84$ (205.94 BYN), a summer dress from a chain store (Zara, H&M, etc.) is 40.82$ (133.80 BYN), a pair of Nike running shoes is 96.41$ (315.98 BYN), and a pair of men's leather business shoes is 91.1$ (298.57 BYN).

For entertainment, a movie ticket is 4.08$ (13.38 BYN), and a monthly gym membership is 46.53$ (152.48 BYN).

Culture and language

Belarus enjoys a rich cultural and artistic heritage that dates back many centuries, encompassing several significant schools of art and architecture and producing unique musical and literary works. The country showcases its history and culture in its museums and galleries, which display surviving masterpieces.

Belarusian music and drama performances are regularly staged in concert halls and theatres across the country. Classical music performances remain popular, with the Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, the Mikhail Finberg National Academic Concert Orchestra, and the State Academic Symphony Orchestra among the most well-known. Traditional and folk music also have a large following, and modern pop music is increasingly popular. Belarus has been an enthusiastic participant in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2004.

The country's cinematography also has a long history, with the Belarusian movie studio Belgoskino founded in 1924. Belarus' first feature film, 'Liasnaia byl', was directed by Yuriy Tarych, and its filmmakers have gained recognition in children's cinema and documentaries.

Belarusian theatre evolved from folk rituals and travelling minstrels, and today the country boasts a diverse range of theatre and drama, including puppet theatres, professional theatre companies, opera, and ballet.

Fine art in Belarus varies in style, direction, and genre. The largest collection of art is housed in the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, which actively promotes national art and regularly holds exhibitions by local artists. Other prominent museums include the Vitebsk Art Museum, the Mogilev Regional Art Museum, and the Polotsk Art Gallery.

The history of art in Belarus can be traced back to Byzantine influences in the 14th century, which saw the emergence of iconography and manuscript illustration. After the October Revolution in Russia in 1917, the northern Belarusian town of Vitebsk became the centre for the revolutionary avant-garde movement, and the famous Belarusian artist Marc Chagall founded an art school in the city.

The official languages of Belarus are Belarusian and Russian, with Belarusian being one of the East Slavic languages. Most people in Belarus can play at least one musical instrument, and music in the country today is a mixture of styles and influences.

Belarusian society remains conservative, and the LGBT scene is very low-profile, with very few people open about their sexuality.

Frequently asked questions