How to Buy Property in Belarus as a Foreigner: A Complete Guide

1. Do Foreigners Have the Right to Own Property in Belarus?
According to Belarusian law, foreign citizens and stateless persons enjoy the same rights to purchase residential premises as Belarusian citizens. In 2025, you are free to purchase:

• Apartments in new developments and the secondary market.
• Residential houses (cottages, summer houses).
• Commercial real estate (offices, warehouses, retail spaces).

The Main Restriction: Foreigners cannot own land outright. When purchasing a private house, the land plot is transferred to the foreign citizen under a leasehold agreement (usually for a term of up to 99 years). The only exception applies to citizens of the Russian Federation, who, within the framework of the Union State, can acquire land ownership under the same conditions as Belarusians.
2. Step-by-Step Purchase Procedure: From Selection to Registration
The transaction process in 2025 is strictly regulated and secure. It consists of the following stages:
Step 1: Object Selection and Due Diligence
Before purchasing, it is vital to ensure the "legal purity" of the property. A foreigner can act independently or through a real estate agency. In 2025, online services allowing for preliminary video viewings are highly popular.

Step 2: Preparation of Personal Documents
To complete the transaction, a foreigner will need:

• Passport. If the document is not in Russian or Belarusian, a notarized translation is required.
• Visa or Registration. For citizens of visa-free countries (including the extended 2025 "visa-free" regime for EU residents), an entry stamp is sufficient.
• Interpreter. If the buyer does not speak the state languages of Belarus, the presence of a certified interpreter during the signing of the contract is mandatory.

Step 3: Concluding the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
The contract is drawn up in writing. The transaction can be certified in two ways:

1. By a state registrar at the Agency for State Registration and Land Cadastre (BTI).
2. By a notary public.

The contract must specify the price, property characteristics, and terms of asset transfer.
Step 4: Payment of the Transaction
In Belarus, real estate transactions are settled in Belarusian Rubles (BYN). The amount can be transferred from a foreign bank account to the seller's account in a Belarusian bank or via a letter of credit. While a currency equivalent may be mentioned in the contract for reference, the actual payment must be executed in the national currency.
Step 5: State Registration
After signing the contract and making the payment, it is necessary to register the transfer of ownership rights at the BTI. Only after this does the foreigner become the full legal owner. In 2025, this process takes between 1 and 7 business days.
3. Taxes and Expenses for Foreigners in 2025
When buying property, the main expenses are related to registration:

• State duty for contract registration and the certificate of ownership (amounting to several "base values").
• Notary fees (if the deal is processed by a notary) — from 74 to 148 BYN depending on the relationship between parties.
• Property Tax: All property owners in Belarus must pay an annual tax, which is approximately 0.1% of the property's value.

Note: Foreigners who sell real estate in Belarus more than once every five years are liable to pay income tax at a rate of 13% on the profit.
4. Benefits of Owning Property for Foreigners
Besides being a safe capital haven, owning property in Belarus provides additional bonuses:

• TRP Eligibility: Owning a home serves as a legal basis for obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for up to 1 year.
• PR Prospects: Property ownership simplifies the process of obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP/VNZH) if other grounds (employment, family) are met.
• Low Utility Bills: Compared to EU countries, the cost of maintaining a home in Belarus remains one of the lowest in the region.

5. Specifics for Russian Citizens in 2025
Russian citizens enjoy unique preferences:

• Ability to purchase land as private property.
• Payments can be made via the MIR system or direct bank transfers between Russia and Belarus.
• No need for special residence permits to conduct a transaction.

Conclusion
Buying property in Belarus as a foreigner in 2025 is no more difficult than for a local resident. The key is to comply with currency regulations and officially register the deal with state authorities. Belarus remains a safe "harbor" for housing investments.

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