Advantages and Disadvantages of a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in the Republic of Belarus is one of the key legal instruments allowing foreign citizens to legally stay and live in the country for a long period. Unlike short-term visas or registration at the place of stay, a TRP offers a number of significant advantages, especially for those considering Belarus as a place for relocation, work, study, or family reunification.

✅ Advantages of a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)

1. Legal status for a full year (with the possibility of renewal)

A TRP is issued for a term of up to 1 year and can be renewed an unlimited number of times provided there are grounds, a source of income, and compliance with the law.

2. Opportunity for official employment, but with restrictions

With a TRP, a foreign citizen can legally work in Belarus, but in most cases, the employer must obtain a separate special permit to hire foreign labor. However, there are a number of professions for which such a permit is not required.

3. Access to social and medical infrastructure

TRP holders can:

• Receive paid medical services on an equal footing with citizens of the Republic of Belarus (and in some cases—free of charge, for example, with an employment contract or independent payment of insurance premiums when owning a legal entity);
• Enroll children in state schools and kindergartens;
• Use municipal (utility) and social services on a general basis.
• In addition to compulsory health insurance, it is possible to arrange voluntary insurance.
• Receive child benefits provided they are employed by a Belarusian employer and have paid insurance premiums (for at least 3 months).

4. Ability to obtain TRPs for family members

If a TRP is obtained, for example, on the basis of purchasing real estate or employment, the spouse, children, and other family members can obtain a TRP through the family reunification procedure. This simplifies the relocation of the whole family and provides legal protection for loved ones. The only requirement is to provide financial security for each family member for a year in advance.

5. Freedom of movement and residence within the country

With a TRP, you can change your place of residence within the Republic of Belarus—provided that a new registration at the place of temporary residence is completed in a timely manner. This provides flexibility when changing jobs, studies, or personal circumstances.

6. Protection of rights

You are under the protection of the state and can appeal to government agencies, the police, and the courts.

7. Right to own real estate and conduct business

Foreigners with a TRP are entitled to:

• Purchase and register real estate in their own name;
• Open a company, which makes the TRP attractive for entrepreneurs.

8. Grounds for subsequent permanent residency (PRP)

A TRP is the first step toward a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), which in the long term can lead to citizenship. This is especially relevant for those planning a long-term stay in the country and wishing to integrate into Belarusian society. However, to achieve this, several important rules must be followed: do not leave the country for more than 90 days in a calendar year for 5 consecutive years, do not violate the laws of the RB, and have a source of income.

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 ❌Disadvantages of a TRP

While with a permanent residence permit you are practically equal in rights to citizens of the Republic of Belarus, with a TRP you remain a non-resident foreigner with a temporary status (this status is essentially that of a tourist, but with a one-year permit to remain in the country). This imposes a number of restrictions:

1. Absence of subsidies for utility payments (housing and communal services)

If you own real estate in Belarus but are not registered at the place of residence on a permanent basis (and with a TRP, registration is temporary), you are not entitled to social norms and subsidies for utilities. As a result:

• The cost of utilities for the owner of a 45 m² apartment can be 60–70 euros higher per month than for a registered resident with permanent registration.
• Even with official employment, subsidies are not provided, as they are tied specifically to permanent registration, not to the fact of work or tax payment.

2. Mandatory medical insurance for foreigners

When applying for a TRP, medical insurance is required, covering only emergency care, specifically for accidents.

• In 2026, the cost of a policy for 1 year is 675 BYN (at “Belgosstrakh” or “Beleximgarant”).
• The insurance premium is paid as a lump sum for the entire insurance period.
• The policy does not include routine medicine, dentistry, tests, etc.—all of these are paid separately at the rates for foreign citizens.

☝️Exception: if you are officially employed in Belarus (under an employment contract with payment of insurance premiums to the Social Protection Fund), you receive free medical care under compulsory insurance.

☝️Important: You do not have to buy an insurance policy for a full year immediately. Shorter terms are available—6 or 3 months (489.60 BYN and 353.25 BYN). However, in this case, the temporary residence permit itself will be issued for the corresponding period. To extend it, you will need to obtain new insurance and submit documents for a TRP extension.

❗If you fall ill or suffer an injury, call 103 or contact the nearest state medical facility. Emergency and urgent medical care will be provided to you free of charge—the insurance company will pay for it.

3. Difficulties with vehicles on foreign license plates

Since 2024, Belarus has suspended participation in the international “Green Card” system. This has led to a sharp increase in the cost of compulsory insurance for vehicles with foreign plates:

In 2026, the amount of the auto insurance premium is measured in base values (not in euros, as before). 1 base value = 45 BYN.

In addition:

• A car can be imported for only 6 months (temporary import). After the expiration of the term, it must be taken out of the country, otherwise fines are possible.
• Toll roads (e.g., M1, M2)—are paid separately.
• Technical inspection (MOT) is not issued in Belarus for foreign cars, but when exiting to your country, you may be fined for its absence.

4. Limited access to financial and educational services

With a TRP, you cannot:

• Obtain a consumer or mortgage loan in a Belarusian bank;
• Register a car with the GAI (as you only have a temporary import);
• Enroll in state courses, retraining programs, or universities on a subsidized (budget) basis, including training at a state driving school or state courses of any other specialization.

5. Restrictions on the import of personal property

When moving to Belarus with a TRP, you can import duty-free only:

• Personal items up to 500 euros in value and up to 25 kg in weight (norms are updated every six months).
  If you exceed this, a duty is charged: 4 euros for each kilogram over the limit (or 30% of the value if it is found that the product is new). This applies to electronics, household appliances, furniture, household appliances, tools, etc.

6. Visa processing when leaving the country

If after obtaining a TRP you plan to leave the country, you need to apply for an exit-entry visa (single, double, or annual multi-entry) at the same OGIM. Visa-free travel will no longer apply in this case. Visas are processed for all family members. Processing can take up to 15 calendar days; please consider this when planning trips (though you can pay extra for expedited processing).

7. Prohibition on employment without a special permit

A TRP does not automatically grant the right to employment. To work for hire, your employer must obtain a special permit (at the OGIM). Exception: citizens of EAEU countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) can work without a special permit.

8. Confirmation of financial security

During the initial processing of a temporary residence permit (TRP), the applicant must confirm the availability of sufficient financial resources. This requirement applies both when submitting documents and during each subsequent annual renewal of the status.

The required amount is calculated for each family member and must be no lower than the Subsistence Minimum Budget (SMB) current on the date of document submission. It is important to note that the SMB is a variable value and is reviewed quarterly (every three months), so its current value must be checked immediately before applying.

Upon first receiving a TRP, it is necessary to confirm financial security for the entire upcoming year (based on 12 times the SMB for each family member).

If the applicant becomes officially employed during the TRP validity period, it is important to remember that the amount of their accrued salary (before taxes) must be sufficient to provide financial security for all family members. This requirement will be verified at the next TRP renewal.

9. Prohibition on employment without a special permit

A TRP does not automatically grant the right to employment. To work for hire, your employer must obtain a special permit (processed at the OGIM).

📌Exception: citizens of EAEU countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) can work without a special permit.

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What to do if you are not from the EAEU? Possible paths for legal employment

✔️ Working in the High-Tech Park (HTP) The HTP has a simplified procedure for attracting foreigners.

• No special work permit is required.
• On the website you can find more than 1,000 residents, many of whom regularly recruit IT specialists.

✔️ Occupations in Shortage There is a list of shortage specialties for which foreigners can be accepted without a special permit. The list is updated annually. [2026 List]

✔️ Opening your own business (LLC) You can register a legal entity in Belarus.

• This gives the right to labor activity as a founder/manager.
• However, regulatory authorities carefully check the reality of the activity—”shell companies” will not pass.

✔️ Professional activity as self-employed

To apply the Professional Income Tax, an individual is required to use the digital platform—the “Profodokhod” application (software of the Ministry of Taxes and Duties) using a smartphone or computer (including tablet) connected to the Internet.

Details here.

[List of activities allowed for independent professional activity]

Before starting activities, you must contact the tax authority to be assigned a unique taxpayer number (UTN).

✔️ Renting out real estate

If you have real estate in Belarus:

• You can officially rent it out (paying tax through the “Profodokhod” mobile app) after obtaining a UTN from the tax office.
• Rental income can serve as confirmation of financial stability when renewing a TRP.
• Rental income from abroad is also suitable—provided a statement confirming regular receipts is provided.

✔️ Invitation from an employer

If a Belarusian organization is interested in your candidacy, it can:

• Issue a job invitation,
• Obtain a special permit for your employment at the OGIM.

Who can work without a special permit?

• Citizens of EAEU countries;
• Highly qualified specialists (experience ≥ 5 years, salary ≥ 15 minimum monthly wages);
• Managers of companies in the creation of which they participated as founders/owners;
• Employees of HTP residents;
• Any foreign citizens applying for or already having received subsidiary protection or asylum;
• Foreign citizens with a residence permit in Belarus;
• Foreign citizens with a TRP or even without it, provided they are employed according to the list of vacancies for which a special permit is not required (the list is updated every year).

Additionally: remote work and banking restrictions

• You can work remotely for a foreign employer, but: if you stay in Belarus for more than 183 days a year, you become a tax resident of the RB—study the issues of double taxation.
• Bank cards from the Baltic countries and several other jurisdictions do not work in Belarus. Alternatives: Paysend, KoronaPay for small “card-to-card” transfers.

❗ Important: Be careful about fines (especially from the GAI ☝️). 5 administrative offenses (or 1 criminal offense) within 1 calendar year results in the cancellation of the TRP.

🌟 Conclusion:

A TRP is a ticket to a stable life in Belarus, but with a clear understanding of the rules of the game. Approach the employment process carefully, and your relocation will be successful and legal. Despite the fact that this status is associated with a number of restrictions, with a competent approach, you can legally live and work in Belarus, and in the long term—apply for a PRP and gain more rights.