In the first quarter of 2025, the Alba team of experts identified a number of interesting legislative changes and planned initiatives that may impact the life sciences & healthcare sector in Belarus. Among them are public discussions on the draft Healthcare Code, the introduction of new forms of commercial presence for foreign organisations, and discussions on liability for violations of personal data protection laws. In this review, we will examine these news items in detail, as they may affect key aspects of the activities of professionals in the healthcare and pharmaceutical fields. We hope this overview will help readers stay informed about current changes.
- Public Discussions on the Draft Healthcare Code
At the beginning of 2025, public discussions on the draft Healthcare Code took place in Belarus. The draft does not propose any radical innovations. Its main goal is to unify existing laws in the healthcare sector, eliminate contradictions, and reduce duplication of norms. Noteworthy innovations include a ban on the sale of pharmaceuticals to individuals under 14 years of age, as well as the possibility for legal entities without pharmaceutical or medical licences to purchase over-the-counter pharmaceuticals for their own use, without the right to subsequent resale. It remains unclear when the Code will be adopted and come into effect, but it is expected to occur by the end of 2025.
- Branches of Foreign Legal Entities
As of 19 November 2024, a new form of commercial presence for foreign organisations has been introduced in Belarus: branches. Now, foreign organisations can conduct business by establishing a local legal entity or opening a branch. Representative offices of foreign organisations will continue to exist, but as before, without the right to engage in commercial activities. It is expected that the new rules will simplify the process for foreign companies entering Belarusian market, fostering competitiveness and innovation.
- Turnover-Based Fines for Violating Personal Data Protection Laws
According to March 2025 news, the possibility of introducing turnover-based fines for violations of personal data protection laws is being discussed in Belarus. Currently, the focus is on rectifying violations rather than imposing strict penalties. The maximum fine for legal entities for failing to comply with personal data protection measures is currently set at 50 basic units (approximately 620 euros). The turnover-based fine, on the other hand, will be calculated based on the organisation’s revenue.
- Exclusion of Foreign Currency in Lease Agreements
According to the Law on Consumer Credit and Consumer Microloans dated 17 February 2025, which amends the Civil Code, the amount of rent and other obligations in lease agreements must now be expressed in Belarusian roubles. This provision is now enshrined in the Civil Code as imperative and has no time limitation. All previously concluded lease agreements must be brought into compliance with the new requirements. However, the use of foreign currency remains permissible in financial lease agreements.
- Changes in the Procedure for Posting Job Vacancy Information
Starting 1 January 2025, posting information about job vacancies on any electronic information resources without a reference to the Republican Bank of Vacancies will be prohibited. Employers are required to first post vacancy information in the Republican Bank of Vacancies and only then on other resources, including their own official websites. Failure to notify, untimely or incomplete notification of job vacancies will result in administrative liability in the form of a fine of up to 15 basic units (approximately 190 euros).
In case of any further questions, please turn to our specialists partner Marina Golovnitskaya and senior associate Yauheni Budchanka.