Living in Belarus
Official information for UK nationals living in or moving to Belarus, including guidance on residency, passports and healthcare.
Entry requirements
Please see the entry requirements to Belarus
Passports
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Belarus. You can apply for or renew your British passport from Belarus. However due to pandemic and current regional crisis it can take longer to get a new passport.
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Renew your passport before booking your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.
Registering in Belarus
Anyone staying for more than 10 days in Belarus must register. You can register online or with the local police office (OVIR) in the district in which you’re staying. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel.
If you’re not staying in a hotel, registration must be organised by your host. There are fines for not registering in time. If you arrive at the weekend, the earliest you will be able to register is Tuesday as on Monday OVIRs are closed.
Driving in Belarus
Licences and documents
You need to have a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Belarus. 1949 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted for use in Belarus after this date. You can get IPD’s over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
When driving, you should always have your:
- driving licence
- ID
- car registration papers
- insurance papers
Healthcare
The reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Belarus terminated on 26 December 2015.
The standard of health care is below that of the UK. You should bring essential personal medications, as the availability of local supplies can’t be guaranteed. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
The embassy/consulate can assist you in contacting family or friends who may be able to help and support you. We cannot pay for your treatment or intervene in your treatment.
Education and working in Belarus
Moving to Belarus to study
If you are planning to study in Belarus, make sure you meet all visa requirements before you arrive. Contact the relevant Higher Education provider in Belarus to check what fees you may have to pay. You must apply for a residence permit in Belarus.
Should be noted that Belarus is not a member of Bologna process and that’s why diplomas issued in the country may be not recognised in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Working in Belarus
To work in Belarus you may need to get a special permission from the authorities. Generally your employer is responsible for all formalities related to permit obtaining. A work permit in Belarus is typically issued for one year. However, highly qualified employees may be eligible to receive one that’s valid for two years.
There are some exceptions when foreigner doesn’t need a permission to work in Belarus. Your employer should refer to the relevant authority and check the conditions with regard to your future work in Belarus.
Money and tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Belarus to ensure you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. You should direct individual taxpayer questions about double taxation to the relevant tax authority.
Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Belarus have not changed.
You should read the guidance on:
We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Belarus.
Find English-speaking lawyers in Belarus.
National Insurance
Find out if you need to pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions in Belarus.
Banking
Whether UK banks can provide services to customers living in the Belarus is a matter of local law and regulation. Your bank or finance provider should contact you if they need to make any changes to your product or the way they provide it. If you have any concerns about whether you might be affected, contact your provider or seek independent financial advice.
Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on banking, insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.
Benefits
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them if you’re eligible.
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
If you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks, many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit can’t be paid.
You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.
Voting
Only foreigners with Belarusian permanent residency can vote in local municipal elections.
It is not possible to vote in UK elections in Belarus. British Embassy in Minsk doesn’t provide respective service.
Births, deaths and getting married
If your child is born in Belarus, you will need to register the birth abroad.
If someone dies in Belarus you can:
- read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
- read our guidance for UK nationals on bereavements in Belarus
- find a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Belarus
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Belarus.
You may also need English-speaking lawyers in Belarus.
Social ethics and traditions
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
Homosexual relationships are not banned under Belarusian law. However, Belarus remains a conservative society and the LGBT scene is very low profile. Very few LGBT people are open about their sexuality. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Emergencies
Belarus has the following emergency numbers:
- 101 – fire brigade
- 102 – police
- 103 – ambulance
If you need urgent help, contact the British Embassy Minsk.
Returning to the UK
Tell the Belarusian and UK authorities if you are returning to the UK permanently.
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Belarusian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Last updated 14 December 2023 + show all updates
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First published.