Navigating new employment laws is a critical part of global expansion. For companies hiring in Belarus, creating a competitive and compliant compensation and benefits package is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. This guide covers the key statutory requirements you need to know.
Belarus compensation laws
All employee salaries must be paid in the national currency, the Belarusian ruble (BYN). As of January 1, 2025, the national minimum wage in Belarus is BYN 670 per month. This rate is set by the government and is subject to annual review.
The standard workweek is 40 hours, typically structured as 8 hours per day over 5 days. Any work beyond these hours is considered overtime and is strictly regulated. Overtime work cannot exceed 12 hours per week or 180 hours per year. Compensation for overtime is mandated at a premium rate:
- First 2 hours of overtime: At least 1.5 times the employee’s standard hourly rate.
- Subsequent hours: At least 2 times the employee’s standard hourly rate.
With the employee’s consent, monetary compensation for overtime can be replaced by paid time off in lieu.
Statutory benefits in Belarus
To ensure compliance in Belarus, all companies must provide the benefits guaranteed by the government, as outlined in the country’s labor laws. These mandatory benefits include:
Belarus public holidays
Belarus observes nine non-working public holidays each year:
- Jan. 1-2: New Year’s Day
- Jan. 7: Orthodox Christmas
- March 8: Women’s Day
- May 1: Labour Day
- May 9: Victory Day
- July 3: Independence Day
- Nov. 7: October Revolution Day
- Dec. 25: Catholic Christmas
Belarus annual leave
The statutory minimum for annual paid leave is 24 calendar days, which is separate from and does not include the public holidays. Certain categories of employees may be entitled to extended leave based on their profession or working conditions.
Belarus sick leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave, which is covered by the state’s Social Protection Fund. The benefit is paid at 80% of the employee’s average earnings for the first 12 days of illness and at 100% for any subsequent days.
Maternity and parental leave in Belarus
Female employees are entitled to 126 calendar days of paid maternity leave, which is extended to 140 calendar days in case of medical complications or the birth of two or more children.
After the paid maternity leave, a parent can take up to three years of unpaid parental leave until the child reaches the age of three. The employee’s job is legally protected and must be secured for them upon their return.
Social security contributions
Both employers and employees contribute to Belarus’s social security system, which funds pensions and social benefits.
- Employer contribution: 34% of the employee’s gross salary to the Social Protection Fund (FSZN) for pension and social insurance. An additional mandatory accident insurance premium of approximately 0.6% is also required.
- Employee contribution: 1% of their gross salary to the pension fund.
Supplemental benefits & bonuses
While not legally required, a 13th-month bonus is a customary and widely expected part of compensation in Belarus. To remain competitive, many companies also offer supplemental benefits like private health insurance, wellness programs, or additional professional development opportunities.
Navigating Belarusian employment with an EOR
Managing compensation and benefits in a new country requires deep local expertise. Companies expanding to Belarus traditionally had to establish a subsidiary, a process that can take months and delay hiring. However, partnering with a Belarus employer of record offers a faster, more compliant alternative.
Partner with G-P to build your everywhere workforce.
With G-P — the #1 Rated Global Employment Platform — you can offer global employees local, competitive benefits that are continuously updated by our in-house experts to meet country-specific regulations and norms. Easily administer benefits plans through our EOR platform to provide a smooth employee experience.
Learn more about our platform and request a proposal today.