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Overview
If you’re visiting Belarus on a tourist visa and receive a job offer, you might wonder whether you can convert your tourist visa into a work visa while staying in the country. The short answer is no—you cannot convert a Belarus tourist visa into a work visa from within Belarus.
Tourist Visa in Belarus
A tourist visa (Type C) allows short-term stays, usually up to 90 days within 180 days. This visa category is strictly for tourism or short visits. Holders are not permitted to work under any circumstances.
Work Visa Requirements
To legally work in Belarus, you must obtain:
• A special work permit from the Department of Citizenship and Migration.
• A Type D long-term visa, which is required for employment purposes.
Both the work permit and the work visa must be applied for outside Belarus, usually at a Belarusian embassy or consulate, after securing a job offer.
No In-Country Conversion Rule
Belarus immigration rules do not allow changing visa categories inside the country. If you hold a tourist visa and want to work, you must:
1 Leave Belarus before your tourist visa expires.
2 Apply for a work permit and Type D work visa from abroad.
Validity and Processing
• Work permits are typically valid for one year, with possible extensions.
• Processing times for work permits and visas can take several weeks, depending on the employer’s paperwork and the authorities involved.
Exceptions
Certain categories, such as citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or highly skilled workers, may have simplified procedures or exemptions from work permits, but visa requirements generally remain in place.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only. Immigration laws change frequently, and requirements may vary depending on your nationality, job type, and employer. Always confirm details with the Belarusian embassy or official authorities before making any visa-related decisions.
FAQs on Belarus Work Visa
1. Can I work on a tourist visa if I get a job offer??
No. Employment on a tourist visa is illegal in Belarus.
2. Do I need to leave Belarus to apply for a work visa?
?Yes, applications for work permits and work visas must be made from abroad.
3. How long does a work permit last??
Usually one year, with options for renewal before expiry.
4. Are any foreigners exempt from work permits?
?Certain EAEU citizens or highly skilled professionals may be exempt, but visas are still required in most cases.
5. Can a tourist visa be extended??
No, tourist visas cannot be extended or converted into work visas.
Sources
• Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
