Belarus has announced a series of tax changes for 2026, including higher corporate rates for insurance brokers and gambling, revised rules on dividends and high-tech profits, updates to the simplified tax system thresholds, and the removal of certain VAT exemptions, all effective from 1 January 2026. 

RF Report

The Belarus Ministry of Taxes and Duties has announced a wide-ranging package of tax measures affecting companies from 1 January 2026, reshaping corporate taxation, sector-specific rates, and compliance requirements.

The changes span corporate income tax, dividends and high-tech incentives, the simplified tax system, and VAT exemptions, with notable increases for gambling activities and tighter conditions for preferential regimes.

Together, the reforms signal a shift toward higher sectoral taxation and reduced reliefs across several areas of the tax system.

The main tax changes are:

Corporate tax rates

  • The tax rate for insurance brokers is set at 25%.
  • The tax on traditional gambling establishments, such as casinos, slot halls, bookmakers, and totalisators, has increased from 4% to 5%, while the rate for virtual gambling establishments rises from 10% to 12%.
  • Income from electronic interactive games and lottery operations will now be taxed at 12%, up from 8%.

Dividends and high-tech profits

  • The previously reduced 6% dividends tax for companies that do not distribute profits for at least three years has been abolished, although the 0% rate for five-year non-distribution remains in effect until 2028.
  • The reduced 10% tax on profits from the sale of self-produced high-tech goods now requires the submission of electronic certificates for such goods.

Simplified tax system (STS) changes

  • The eligibility threshold to apply for STS has increased to BYN 3,735,000 (up from BYN 3,500,000), while the threshold to transition to STS from 1 January 2027 has risen to BYN 2,800,000 (up from BYN 2,625,000).
  • The requirement to maintain full accounting in addition to the STS income/expense book has been raised to BYN 960,000, up from BYN 900,000.

VAT Adjustments 

Short-term housing rentals of 15 days or less are no longer exempt from VAT. Secured factoring services by financial institutions lose their exempt status. Insurance intermediary services provided to organisations are now subject to VAT. Transfers of intellectual property resulting from R&D activities also lose their exemption.

All changes are effective from 1 January 2026.