From 1 January 2027, private investors will be able to finance urban planning projects in Belarus

The new rules take effect on 1 January 2027. From that date, the development of an urban planning project can be financed not only by the state but also by private investors.

Under the document, an investor who has their own territorial development project and the money to develop urban planning documentation can offer it to local authorities. Local authorities have the right to recognise the investor as the client for developing such documentation. Having become the client, the investor gets the opportunity to act as the developer of the facilities as well.

This is presidential decree No. 392 of 29 October 2026. State media report that it was prepared with the participation of the Ministry of Architecture and Construction. Private Belarusian outlets operating in the country write that, drawing on the ministry, the bet is being placed on private capital.

Previously, decisions by local authorities had to be agreed with the Council of Ministers. According to private Belarusian outlets, the decree removes these bureaucratic costs and red tape. Which project is beneficial for a particular region or city will be decided by local officials. The criteria by which the authorities will choose between a state and a private option are not yet known.

The state will nevertheless continue to finance some projects. The government has approved a list of projects that it plans to develop and finance in 2027. It was compiled from applications by regional executive committees and includes 13 projects. Among them are the master plans for Hrodna, Zhodzina and Babruisk, as well as the republican-level recreation zone "Vilejka". The government noted that the changes will affect all regions of the country and their individual districts.

State media describe the decree as the end of the state's historical monopoly on financing urban planning projects: from 1 January 2027, settlements will be allowed to be built and developed with private capital.

Until now, the development of an urban planning project has been financed exclusively by the state, from the budget.