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Belarus Imposes Dividend Restrictions on Foreign Owners

New rules require government approval for dividend payments to foreign owners. Companies must seek consent or face penalties.

In this picture it looks like a pamphlet of a company with an image of a cup on it.
In this picture it looks like a pamphlet of a company with an image of a cup on it.

Belarus Imposes Dividend Restrictions on Foreign Owners

Belarus has implemented new regulations on dividend payments to foreign owners of Belarusian companies, effective from April 2024. These restrictions target countries engaging in unfriendly actions and apply to various business entities.

The new rules cover LLC, LLC, JSC, and UPC entities. From July 2025, Belarus requires government approval for dividend payments to investors from 'unfriendly' countries. Banks have control functions in these transfers and can refuse them on established grounds.

Belarusian companies must obtain consent to pay dividends to former foreign shareholders by October 2025. Even if a foreign participant is no longer a participant, the company must seek approval to pay dividends. If permission is refused, funds must be transferred to a special account, fulfilling the company's obligation.

From July 2025, all dividend payments require approval, with less stringent criteria for amounts not exceeding 20,000 basic values after tax. Notably, if a foreign participant transfers their dividend claim to a non-foreign participant, the Belarusian company still needs permission for payment.

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