Lukashenko Has Made It Easier For Russians To Move To Belarus

• 10.07.2026, 19:44

The dictator granted Russians the same rights as Belarusians.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has approved a draft protocol with Russia to ensure equal rights of citizens of both countries to freedom of movement, which simplifies the process for Russians to obtain temporary and permanent residency in Belarus, according to Lukashenko’s press service.

Under the draft, citizens of Russia and Belarus will be able to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit in the other country solely on the basis of their citizenship. The processing time for applications for permanent residence permits is being reduced from three to two months.

It should be noted that Belarus has become an alternative place of residence for many Russians. It is becoming an attractive place to live due to the absence of drone attacks and a fuel crisis, as well as less stringent internet restrictions. Russians have begun to take a keen interest in real estate in Minsk. In May, the National Cadastral Agency of Belarus published statistics on real estate transactions involving Russians. According to its data, in the first quarter of 2026, Russian citizens accounted for 60% of all foreign buyers. In March 2026, Russian citizens purchased nearly one in ten apartments. By comparison, in 2019, Russian buyers accounted for 1.5% of the total, in 2021—3%, and in 2022—2%.