Belarus Increases Minimum Salary for Work Permits and Dependent Sponsorships

If you are working in Belarus and have plans to bring your spouse or children along with you, here is an important update you need to know. Belarus recently updated its income requirement for dependent sponsorship. These changes could make a real difference to your eligibility for family planning.

Updated Income Rules for Sponsorship

As per the updated income requirements, starting November 1, 2025, foreign workers who wish to sponsor their dependents will face new income rules.

• For a Dependent Spouse: If you wish to bring your spouse, the minimum household income must now reach BYN 2,624.97 per month, a minor increase from the previous BYN 2,623.92.
• For Each Child: However, to sponsor a child, applicants must earn an additional BYN 305.86 to BYN 479.59 per child each month, depending on the child’s age. These amounts were previously between BYN 301.50 and BYN 476.97.

It is worth mentioning that, authorities review these dependency thresholds quarterly, and applicants should check the latest figures before appling and submitting documents.

Higher Salary Thresholds for Work Permit Holders

Along with the higher income requirement for sponsoring dependents, Belarus has raised the salary thresholds for work permit holders this year. To be eligible for the Special Work Permit or Temporary Residence Permit, foreign workers must earn at least BYN 3,630 per month, up from BYN 3,130 previously.

The new salary threshold is five times the present national minimum wage of BYN 726 per month.

What About Everyone Else?

Foreign workers in all other categories will now have to meet the higher minimum salary of BYN 2,100 per month. This is a small increase from BYN 2,000. While this is not the highest in Europe, it shows a steady rise and suggests that Belarus wants employers to pay foreign workers more fairly.

Payroll, Taxes, and Social Security Rules

Foreign workers in Belarus must be formally employed on the local payroll with salaries are paid in Belarusian Rubles (BYN). However, employers can link the salary amount to a foreign currency using the bank’s exchange rate on the payment date.

Employers shoulder several additional obligations:

• 34% of the salary goes toward mandatory social security insurance.
• An extra 6% covers accident insurance.
• Workers contribute 1% of their salary toward social security, while 13% is withheld as personal income tax.

Some employees may qualify for tax deductions, depending on individual circumstances.

Applies to Both New and Pending Applications

The new salary thresholds will impact all pending and new applications for work and residence permits . Authorities emphasize that while these figures are based on general laws, specific cases may differ depending on the type of job and sector.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to work or hire foreign staff in Belarus, review the updated salary and financial requirements carefully. These rules apply to both new hires and existing applications. Even small gaps in income documentation could delay approval.