Belarus
Capital: Minsk
Currency: Belarusian Ruble- BYN
Belarus Labor Law and Employment Policy Overview
Employment Law Overview
- Key Legislation:
- Labor Code of the Republic of Belarus
- Law on Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus
- Legal Characteristics:
- Aims to protect employee rights and promote employment stability
- Regulates minimum wage, working hours, vacation, severance pay, etc.
Employment Contract Requirements
- Contract Types:
- Fixed-term contract (with specific start and end dates)
- Indefinite-term contract (no specified end date)
- Contract Provisions:
- Must include:
- Names and addresses of parties
- Place of work
- Job duties
- Working hours
- Probation period (if applicable)
- Start date
- Annual leave
- Other types of leave
- Wages
- Must include:
- Language and Currency:
- Contracts must be in Belarusian or Russian
- Wages must be paid in Belarusian rubles
Working Time Regulations
- Standard Working Hours: 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day
- Rest Days and Breaks:
- At least 1 rest day per week
- At least 1 hour break per day
Vacation Policy
- Annual Leave: Minimum of 24 days of paid annual leave per year
- Public Holidays: 9 official public holidays
- Special Leave:
- Sick leave: 80% of regular salary for first 12 days, 100% thereafter
- Maternity leave: 126 days of paid leave (140 days for complications or multiple births)
- Paternity leave: No paid paternity leave, but fathers may take up to 14 days of unpaid leave within 6 months of child's birth
Employee Dismissal and Contract Termination
- Notice Period:
- 1 month's notice by employer
- 1 month's notice by employee
- Severance Pay:
- Termination with cause: 12 days' salary per year of service
- Protection Against Unfair Dismissal:
- Labor Code outlines grounds for unfair dismissal and employee rights
Taxation
- Personal Income Tax:
-
Salary Range (BYN) Tax Rate 0 - 30,000 0% 30,000 - 45,000 10%
-
- Social Security Contributions:
- Employer: 28% (pension) + 6% (health insurance)
- Employee: 13% (flat rate)
Health Insurance
- Insurance Policy:
- Employees must participate in the state health insurance scheme
- Coverage:
- Basic medical services, hospitalization, prescription drugs
Compensation and Benefits
- Minimum Wage: BYN 554 per month
- Salary Structure:
- Base salary
- Bonuses (common)
- 13th-month salary (widespread)
Work Permits and Visas
- Permit Requirement:
- Foreigners require a work permit
- Application Process:
- Application made by employer to the Immigration Department
- Applicant must provide passport, employment contract, etc.
Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses
- Enforceability:
- Confidentiality and non-compete clauses are enforceable in Belarus
- Common Provisions:
- Restricting employees from disclosing confidential information after leaving employment
- Restricting employees from working for competitor companies after leaving employment
Training and Development
- Legal Requirements:
- Employers must provide safety training and skills development training to employees
- Government Support:
- Government provides training grants and incentives
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
- Legal Requirements:
- Prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc.
- Enforcement Measures:
- Employers must develop and implement anti-discrimination policies
Remote Work Policy
- Legal Framework:
- Remote work is not explicitly regulated by law in Belarus
- Tax and Insurance Implications:
- Remote work may affect tax and social security obligations
Authoritative Website Addresses
- Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Belarus: https://mintrud.gov.by/