Moving to another country always means stepping into a new reality, where employment becomes a key issue. The Republic of Belarus actively attracts foreign labor, offering transparent job search mechanisms.
The State Employment Service (SES) is the most important and reliable resource for migrants. Let`s explore how this resource works, who is in demand in the labor market in 2026, and what legal nuances are important to consider before applying for a job.
How does the search for foreigners work on the State Employment Service portal?
The state portal gsz.gov.by is the official nationwide database where employers are required to register all available job vacancies.
To see offers available to citizens of other countries, you don’t have to manually sift through tens of thousands of vacancies. The site’s developers have provided a special filter:
Go to the “Job Search” section
Scroll down the filter sidebar to the “Additional Options” section
Check the box next to “Employment of Foreign Nationals”
If necessary, check the box next to “Accommodation Provided”
When viewing a job posting, always click the “Contacts” button. This will provide direct phone numbers for the HR department or the hiring staff
Real-time statistics: Now, over 13,000 current vacancies in Belarus are available through this filter, over 4,000 of which include housing—an important factor for those moving to the country without the ability to purchase their own. The database is updated permanently (many ads were posted literally “just a few hours ago”). Work is available virtually anywhere in the country; the key is to properly assess your skills and needs.
Labor market analysis
The labor market in 2026 offers a variety of opportunities for migrants willing to consider employment in various regions of the country. The key to a successful job search is a realistic assessment of one’s own competencies and flexibility in choosing an industry and location.
The structure of labor demand across Belarus shows a consistent trend: approximately 68% of all vacancies are in trade jobs. This creates favorable conditions for those willing to consider employment in manufacturing, construction, transportation, or services.
The manufacturing industry, which is the foundation of the real sector of the economy, is shifting its emphasis from physical labor to skilled specialists capable of operating complex equipment: machine operators, adjusters, fitters, electrical mechanics, electricians, and drivers.
The construction sector, experiencing a period of active infrastructure development, has a steady demand for concrete workers, masons, welders, and electricians. These professions are in demand both in large cities and in small towns where social and economic development programs are being implemented. Salaries in construction often depend on the grade, scope of work, and specific project.
The retail and food service industries account for a significant share of job openings in all regions. Sales assistants, cashiers, cooks, waiters, and kitchen workers—these specialists can count on quick employment in virtually any city in Belarus. Moreover, in regional and large district centers, job offers often come with opportunities for career advancement and training.
Agriculture and agro-industrial complexes, traditionally strong in Belarus, continue to require skilled personnel. Agronomists, zootechnicians, veterinarians, machine operators, and livestock farm operators are supported by the state through targeted training programs and financial incentives. For migrants willing to consider life in rural areas or small towns, this can be a reliable employment option with housing provided.
Transport and logistics, having been reshaped by the new geoeconomic conditions, maintain high demand for drivers, forklift operators, vehicle repair technicians, crane operators, international shipping specialists, and customs clearance specialists. The development of logistics hubs in the regions creates additional employment opportunities in this sector.
The healthcare and social services sectors demonstrate a steady demand for nurses, physicians of various specialties, paramedics, and caregivers. These professions are particularly relevant in regions with aging populations and a need for high-quality healthcare services. The government supports these sectors through placement programs and financial incentives.
The IT sector, despite a certain adjustment after a period of rapid growth, continues to demonstrate demand for developers, testers, cybersecurity specialists, and web developers. It’s important to understand that most of these vacancies are concentrated in Minsk and major regional centers, where the relevant infrastructure is well-developed.
Regarding wages, it’s worth noting that Belarus is no different from most countries in this regard: in the regions, income levels are typically 15–25% lower than in the capital. However, this is offset by lower rent and housing costs, utilities, food, and the overall cost of living.
Legal subtleties in 2026: who needs a special permit and who doesn’t?
Belarusian immigration legislation has significantly simplified life for foreigners, but the rules depend on your citizenship and chosen profession.
Ministry of Labor Lists for 2026 (Employment without a special permit)
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection annually approves a list of shortage professions for which foreigners from any country can be employed under a simplified procedure, i.e., without the employer obtaining special permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Positions of executives: doctors of all specialties, nurses, midwives, veterinarians and paramedics, agronomists, as well as a number of engineering specialties (software engineers, design engineers, technologists).
Trade jobs include: drivers, mechanics, orderlies (no medical education required), cooks, seamstresses, salespeople, vegetable growers (added in 2026), electricians, building maintenance and repair workers, concrete workers, bricklayers, painters, plasterers, carpenters, livestock breeders, milking machine operators, etc.
There are a total of 29 trade jobs and 18 specialist positions that do not require a special permit.
Important: Even if a profession is exempt from obtaining a special permit, the employer is still required to notify the internal affairs authorities (the Citizenship and Migration Department) of their employment contract. Furthermore, according to Presidential Decree No. 202, employers in Belarus have tightened their control over the living conditions and adaptation of foreign employees.
If your profession is not listed by the Ministry of Labor, the employer will first have to prove to the employment service that citizens of the Republic of Belarus and foreign citizens permanently residing in the country (with a residence permit) are not applying for this position, and obtain a special permit specifically for you.
An important exception for the EAEU
If you are a citizen of Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgyzstan, you do not require any special work permits at all. You have equal labor rights with Belarusian citizens under the EAEU treaties.