In Belarus, certain types of activities are subject to mandatory licensing that are potentially associated with increased risks to safety, health, public interests, or require government supervision. This mechanism has long served as a tool to protect both the state and businesses, ensuring transparency, control, and accountability.
In recent years, the licensing process has undergone significant changes. For instance, in 2022, the list of licensed activities was expanded. Now, in addition to the traditional areas such as banking, education, and healthcare, activities like retail trade of non-tobacco nicotine-containing products and the provision of educational services (preschool and school programs) also require licenses.
A major innovation is the transition to digital licensing. A license is now a virtual permit rather than a paper document and is confirmed through the Unified License Register. This reduces administrative burdens, eliminates unnecessary paperwork, and speeds up interactions between businesses and the government.
Requirements for foreigners have also been simplified; they no longer need to open permanent representations to obtain licenses.
In this article, we provide:
- An overview of licensed types of activities relevant in 2025.
- A practical guide: where and how to apply for a license, including requirements and timelines.
- A selection of trusted legal and consulting firms that can help with proper document preparation and smooth processing.
Overview of Licensed Types of Activities in Belarus in 2025
In Belarus, only business areas that the state considers socially significant or potentially risky for society and the economy are subject to licensing. This approach allows for a balance between entrepreneurial freedom and the need for control in sensitive areas.
As of 2025, the list of licensed activities covers several key sectors:
1. Financial and Credit Sector
This includes banking, insurance companies, microfinance institutions, and pawnshops. Licensing in this area is aimed at protecting the interests of depositors and clients, as well as maintaining financial market stability.
2. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
A license is required for providing medical services, manufacturing and selling pharmaceuticals, and operating pharmacies. This mechanism ensures that patients receive care and medications that meet quality and safety standards.
3. Education
In recent years, the state has placed special emphasis on educational services. Licensing applies to preschools, schools, and organizations providing additional education. This ensures a uniform approach to program quality and teacher qualifications.
4. Transport and Logistics
Certain types of transport, passenger and cargo, including international, require a license. This applies to both road and air carriers. Regulation aims to improve the safety and reliability of transport services.
5. Telecommunications
Service providers must have licenses for services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet access, and data transmission. Licensing ensures quality and uninterrupted infrastructure, which is crucial for both businesses and the population.
6. Trade in Certain Goods
The sale of alcohol, tobacco, and non-tobacco nicotine-containing products is only allowed with a license. This regulation is intended to protect public health and prevent the circulation of low-quality products.
7. Security Services
Private security companies working with property, facilities, or individuals must also be licensed. Requirements include personnel training and specialized equipment, minimizing risks and ensuring service reliability.
8. Energy
Licensed activities include operation and technical maintenance of energy facilities, including electricity and heating systems. The key focus is on safety and stability of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Thus, in Belarus, licensing is concentrated in areas that require special qualifications, enhanced quality control, and state accountability to citizens. For investors and entrepreneurs, this means planning in advance to determine whether a chosen activity falls under licensing requirements and obtaining a permit at the business launch stage.
New Licensed Activities
In addition to the key sectors mentioned above, such as financial services, healthcare, education, transport, telecommunications, trade, security, and energy, new areas became subject to licensing in 2025. This is important for business planning, especially given constantly updated requirements.
Production and Wholesale Trade of Non-Tobacco Nicotine-Containing Products
From 2025, control over non-tobacco nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes and vape liquids, is being strengthened. Licenses for production and wholesale trade are now mandatory, whereas previously only retail trade required licensing (since 2023).
This change is particularly important for companies in the vaping sector, as well as manufacturers and distributors of such products.
Licensing of Social Services Providing Residential Care
Since July 2024, government requirements include licensing for residential social services, for example, facilities for elderly or disabled individuals. This was introduced to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with sanitary standards.
If you plan to open a social care center or similar facility, this area requires special attention.
Practical Guide: Where and How to Apply for a License, Requirements, and Timelines
Obtaining a license in Belarus is a mandatory step for those planning to operate in state-controlled sectors. Although the process has become simpler and largely digital, careful preparation is still required.
Where to Apply
The main coordinator for licensing in Belarus is the Ministry of Economy, but licenses are issued by the relevant specialized authorities:
- Ministry of Health – medical and pharmaceutical activities.
- Ministry of Education – educational services.
- Ministry of Transport and Communications – passenger and cargo transportation.
- Ministry of Internal Affairs – security services.
- National Bank and Ministry of Finance – financial and insurance services.
- Local executive authorities – trade in certain goods and services.
Applications can be submitted directly to the authority or via the government services portal.
Licensing Procedure
1. Document Preparation – prepare an application, statutory documents, personnel qualifications, confirmation of compliance of management, staff, premises, and equipment, and certificates of no outstanding debts.
2. Submission of Application – submit in person, by mail, or electronically.
3. Review – the authority checks documents, conducts on-site inspections if needed, and coordinates with supervising agencies.
4. Decision and Registration – the license is issued electronically and recorded in the Unified License Register.
Requirements for Applicants
Requirements depend on the sector, but typically include:
- Qualified management and personnel.
- Compliance of premises and equipment with technical and sanitary standards.
- Necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.
- Absence of violations by the management in similar activities.
Timelines:
- Standard review period – up to 15 business days from submission of a complete application.
- Complex cases (financial services, security, pharmaceuticals) – up to 1 month if additional checks are required.
- Correction of errors – if documents are incorrect, the period starts from resubmission of the corrected package.
- License reissuance (change of address, company name, or management) – usually up to 10 business days.
License restoration after suspension – possible only after violations are corrected and confirmed by the supervisory authority.
License Renewal and Supervision
Most licenses are now issued indefinitely, but holders must comply with all requirements. Supervisory authorities monitor compliance. Violations may result in temporary suspension or revocation of the license.
Therefore, for entrepreneurs and investors, the licensing timeline in Belarus in 2025 is predictable: with properly prepared documents, the process rarely takes more than two to three weeks.
How to Choose a Legal or Consulting Firm for Licensing Support
Even though the licensing procedure in Belarus has become simpler and largely digital, it remains a challenging task for entrepreneurs, especially for foreign investors. Document requirements vary depending on the sector, and errors in their preparation can lead to delays of several weeks or even to license denial. This is why many companies prefer to turn to professionals for assistance.
Why you need a consultant:
Comprehensive support. This includes not only obtaining a license but also ongoing business support: preparation for inspections, license renewal or reissuance, and protection in disputes with regulators.
Time savings. Experienced specialists know the requirements of government authorities, help gather only the necessary documents, and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.
Risk reduction. Consultants verify the legal compliance of documents, as well as the qualifications of personnel, premises, and equipment—especially important for medical, educational, and security services.
Support for foreign investors. For international companies, law firms handle not only document preparation but also communication with government authorities, acting as a trusted representative.
Choosing a partner in Belarus
In practice, companies that offer “turnkey” business support and have specific experience with licensing procedures are in demand:
- Law firms with international experience. They assist foreign investors in adapting to Belarusian requirements, translating and legalizing documents, and representing clients before government authorities.
- Business registration consulting companies. These organizations typically support clients from the stage of establishing a legal entity to obtaining all necessary permits, including licenses.
- Specialized firms. For example, law offices that focus solely on medical or pharmaceutical licenses, or companies specializing in transport and logistics permits.
Checking reliability:
- Review the firm’s experience and case studies, ensure they handle your specific type of activity.
- Verify positive reviews and references, including from foreign clients.
- Clarify whether their service includes full support until the license is entered in the Unified Register and assistance with regulator inquiries.
Common Mistakes When Obtaining a License and How to Avoid Them
Although the licensing procedure in Belarus is standardized, entrepreneurs often encounter difficulties that can delay the process or lead to refusal.
1. Incomplete Document Package
The most common issue is missing certain certificates or confirmations, such as sanitary service approvals or employee qualification documents. Solution: Create a checklist tailored specifically to your type of activity and coordinate it in advance with a consultant, or obtain such a checklist from the law firm you are working with.
2. Incorrect Personnel Information
For medical, educational, and security services, having specialists with the required level of education and experience is a key requirement. Errors in confirming diplomas, certificates, or work experience can result in denial.
3. Non-Compliance of Premises and Equipment
Licensing authorities may conduct on-site inspections. If the premises do not meet sanitary or fire safety standards, the license will be denied. Solution: Conduct a preliminary inspection of the facility before submitting documents.
4. Delays in License Renewal or Reissuance
Although most licenses are indefinite, in some cases, changes are required—for example, when changing the address or management. Renewal applications should be submitted on time to avoid suspension of activities.
5. Lack of Understanding by Foreign Investors
Foreign companies often fail to consider that some documents must be translated and legalized, which can prolong the process. Solution: Work in advance with consultants experienced in assisting foreign clients.
Conclusion
Licensing in Belarus covers key business sectors with high standards of quality and safety. For entrepreneurs and investors, it is both a mandatory legal step and a mark of company reliability in the eyes of clients and partners.
Properly prepared documents, understanding requirements, and cooperation with authorized authorities allow faster licensing and prevent delays. Even small mistakes can result in lost time and resources, which is why professional support is increasingly chosen.
Our team provides full licensing support: from document preparation and preliminary examination to obtaining permits and entering them in the Unified License Register. We work with both Belarusian and foreign clients, ensuring a smooth, error-free process.
If you plan to operate in a licensed sector, contact us. We provide expert legal support so you can focus on growing your business in Belarus.
