Permanent residence permit in Belarus in 2022
What is a permanent residence permit
Many foreigners come to Belarus for the purpose of business or tourism, and some of them stay to live in Belarus both for some time and for a long time.
All foreign citizens, as well as stateless persons who wish to reside in Belarus for more than one year, must obtain a permanent residence permit.
A residence permit is a document that confirms the legal grounds for the residence of a foreigner on the territory of Belarus. By analogy with a passport, i.e. a document identifying the identity of a citizen of the state, a residence permit – a document on the right to permanent residence in the Republic of Belarus.
In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Republic of Belarus”, a permit for permanent residence in the country (for more than one year) can be issued if there are certain grounds.
Grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Belarus
The list of grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Belarus is exhaustive. Thus, the legislator refers, in particular, to the grounds for issuing a residence permit:
– kinship with a citizen of Belarus;
– marriage union with a citizen (citizen) of Belarus;
– exceptional talent in the field of science, culture, technology or sports;
– a foreigner is a specialist needed for the Republic of Belarus;
– the person has refugee status;
– family reunification;
– other grounds.
It should be noted that Russian citizens can obtain a residence permit in Belarus on the basis of Russian citizenship.
How to get a residence permit in Belarus
In order to obtain a permit for permanent residence in the Republic of Belarus (residence permit), one should apply to the department for citizenship and migration of the internal affairs body at the place of registration.
Documents to be submitted for obtaining a residence permit:
– statement;
– autobiography;
– Passport or Refugee ID Certificate;
– birth certificate;
– marriage certificate (if any);
– birth certificate of the child (if there are children);
– certificate of criminal record or no criminal record;
– other documents.
If a foreigner moves to Belarus for permanent residence with a child, then you must first obtain a residence permit for the parent, and on the basis of this subsequently apply for a residence permit for a minor.
The state fee for issuing a residence permit is 64 Belarusian rubles, and citizens of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics are exempt from paying the fee.
Biometric residence permit
In addition to a residence permit, a foreign citizen must have a biometric residence permit. This document is a plastic smart card that performs two functions simultaneously:
– identifies the identity of the foreigner;
– confirms the legal grounds for his stay in Belarus.
In order to obtain a biometric residence permit, you must apply to the department of citizenship and migration at the place of residence, attaching the required package of documents (in particular, an application, passport, birth certificate, birth certificate of a child, if there are children under 18 years old, and other documents).
To obtain a biometric residence permit, a state duty of 64 Belarusian rubles is paid.
The term for consideration of documents and the issuance of a biometric residence permit is 15 days, however, if you pay more, you can get this document within 10 or even 5 days.
Responsibility for living without a residence permit
If it is found that a foreigner has been living in the Belarusian state for a long time without a permanent residence permit and does not have a biometric residence permit, then he faces administrative liability.
The penalty for this administrative offense can be imposed in the form of:
– warnings;
– a fine of up to 4 basic units (today, the amount of a fine can be up to 128 Belarusian rubles).
A warning is issued if a person has admitted his guilt and has not previously been held administratively liable for such offenses.
Residence permit and temporary residence permit: what is the difference
If a foreigner or refugee came to Belarus for a short period of time (up to 1 year), then they are issued a temporary residence permit in the Republic of Belarus.
If the period of residence in Belarus is more than one year, then a residence permit is issued. The residence permit is issued for 2 years, and then can be extended.
Thus, the difference between a residence permit and a temporary residence permit lies in the period of residence of a foreigner or stateless person in the territory of our country.
How can we help you
If you need assistance with obtaining a permanent residence permit in Belarus in 2022, please contact us. Our specialists will advise you on any issues related to obtaining a residence permit in Belarus, as well as advise you on the best way to obtain a permanent residence permit. Email: info@allford.by.