Restoration of Belarusian Citizenship

On June 18, 2021, a new edition of the Law of the Republic of Belarus No. 136-Z dated August 1, 2002, “On Citizenship of the Republic of Belarus” (hereinafter referred to as the Law) came into force.

Currently, there are more grounds for obtaining citizenship of the Republic of Belarus. Previously, one could become a citizen of Belarus by birth, as a result of admission to citizenship, acquisition of citizenship through registration, or in accordance with international treaties of the Republic of Belarus. In the new edition of the Law, an additional ground has appeared — restoration of Belarusian citizenship.

Restoration of citizenship of the Republic of Belarus is available to individuals who have reached the age of 18, are permanently residing in Belarus at the time of application, and previously held Belarusian citizenship but lost it either before reaching the age of majority by decision of their parents or as a result of acquiring citizenship of another country. We hope that this innovation will allow many Belarusians, whose loss of Belarusian citizenship was previously registered, to restore their status.

The new edition of the Law establishes the principle of prioritizing the best interests of the child when making decisions on citizenship. For instance, children born and permanently residing in Belarus who are currently foreigners can acquire citizenship of the Republic of Belarus upon a joint application by their parents (or a single parent), even if the parents remain foreign citizens.

Furthermore, foreigners who have received a higher education in Belarus and have been professionally active in the Republic of Belarus in accordance with labor legislation for at least 3 years can acquire citizenship through the registration procedure.

Admission to the citizenship of the Republic of Belarus has also become simpler. Now, a foreigner who has received a permanent residence permit can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency, rather than the 7 years previously required.

In addition, the circle of persons entitled to a simplified (preferential) procedure for admission to citizenship has been expanded. In particular, this includes persons permanently residing in the Republic of Belarus who have been married to a Belarusian citizen for at least 3 years and have a common minor child who is a citizen of Belarus.

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⚠️ Important:

• The condition of terminating existing foreign citizenship is mandatory for all applicants, except for those applying for the restoration of citizenship of the Republic of Belarus.
• For questions regarding the acquisition of citizenship, you must contact the Department for Citizenship and Migration (OGiM) at your place of registration.