Insights
How to Hire Employees in Belarus
Insights · By Chen ChunJie · Published 8 November 2026
Belarus has a large pool of engineers and a detailed Labour Code. A foreign company can hire through its own Belarusian company, through an employer of record, or by engaging independent professionals for defined projects. This guide covers the routes, contracts, pay, leave and how employment ends.
Last reviewed in November 2026 against the Labour Code of Belarus, FSZN rules and the 2026 income tax rates. Rates change, so we confirm them for each engagement.
Three ways to hire
| Route | Who employs the person | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Your own Belarusian company | Your company or branch | Long-term teams |
| Employer of record | A Belarusian employer such as our Local Team | First hires before your entity is ready |
| Independent professional | No employer; a civil contract | Projects by individual entrepreneurs or self-employed professionals |
Contracts and kontrakts
The contract must be written, in Russian or Belarusian, in two copies. Many employers use kontrakts, fixed-term contracts of one to five years that must give extra incentives such as higher pay or extra leave. Probation can last up to three months.
No Belarusian company yet? Our Local Team can be the legal employer while you manage the work. See Employer of Record in Belarus.
Pay and payroll
The minimum wage is BYN 858 a month from January 2026. The employer pays 34% to the FSZN, withholds the employee’s 1% and income tax, pays accident insurance and pays salaries at least twice a month. See our Belarus payroll and tax guide.
Working time and leave
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Hours | 40 a week |
| Overtime | At least double pay, capped at 180 hours a year |
| Annual leave | At least 24 calendar days |
| Public holidays | 10 a year |
Ending employment
Employees on open-ended contracts resign with one month’s notice. On redundancy or liquidation the employer gives two months’ notice and pays at least three months’ average earnings. Kontrakts end on expiry, with advance warning if they will not be renewed.
Hiring a foreign national
Foreign nationals without permanent residence need a special permit and work permit, unless they are EAEU citizens. See Expat Employment in Belarus.
FAQ: hiring employees in Belarus
Must the contract be in writing?
Yes, in two copies.
What is the minimum wage?
BYN 858 a month in 2026.
How long can probation last?
Up to three months.
How much leave is required?
At least 24 calendar days.
Hiring your first employee in Belarus?
Our Local Team employs the person, runs payroll with FSZN and income tax, and handles the paperwork, while you manage the day-to-day work.
Related
How we employ your team in Belarus.
Contracts, leave, termination and more.