Belarus-Russia

Bilateral in force

INTRODUCTION

Belarus and Russia signed a Treaty on the Formation of an Association between the two countries in 1996. This was followed in 1997 by the signing of the Treaty of Union. This document was established to create a Union between the two states and aimed to set up a common legal system, including the free movement of people.

In 1999, Belarus and Russia signed a third treaty regarding the establishment of the Union State, which came into effect in January 2000. The Union State was initially intended to form a confederation; however, both countries continue to uphold their sovereignty, concentrating on economic integration, taxation, and the integration of defence and intelligence apparatus. Citizens of Russia and Belarus are simultaneously citizens of the Union State. This permits them to freely move, reside, work, study, and own property in either country without formal immigration procedures.

Additionally, Belarus and Russia have signed further agreements that impact the rights of individuals travelling between the two countries. These agreements are also available below in Russian, along with official translations or unofficial ones when the official version is not accessible.

STATE PARTIES

BELARUS
RUSSIA

TIMELINE

1996	The Treaty on the Formation of an Association between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus is signed on 2 April 1996 and entered into force on 29 August.
1997	The Treaty of Union is signed on 2 April. Entry into force on 11 June.
1999	Signature of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State on 8 December.
2000	Entry into force of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State on 26 January.

KEY LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Treaty on the Formation of an Association between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, Moscow, 2 April 1996, entry into force 29 August 1996.

Treaty of Union (with Statute/Charter dated 23 May 1997), Moscow, 2 April 1997. Entry into force on 11 June. Terminated with the entry into force of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State on 26 January 2000.

Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State, Moscow, 8 December 1999.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Declaration on further unification between Belarus and Russia, Moscow, 25 December 1998.

Treaty between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on equal rights of citizens, 25 December 1998. Entry into force 22 July 1999. Unofficial translation in English.

Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement between the Russian Federation
and the Republic of Belarus on Equal Rights of Citizens dated December 25, 1998, 13 March 2025. In Russian.Unofficial English Translation.

Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on ensuring equal rights of citizens of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation to freedom of movement, choice of place of stay and residence in the territories of the member states of the Union State, 24 January 2006, entry into force February 2009. Unofficial English translation here. In Russian.

Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on ensuring equal rights of citizens of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation to freedom of movement, choice of place of stay and residence in the territories of the member states of the Union State of 24 January 2006, 3 March 2015, entry into force 15 December 2015. Unofficial English translation In Russian.