Work and residence permits in Suriname
A foreigner may only work in Suriname with a work permit, and the employer applies for it. You first need a residence permit, or proof that you applied for one.
Who does not need a work permit?
- Holders of a PSA card (Persons of Surinamese Origin)
- Returning migrants of Surinamese origin
- Foreigners married to a Surinamese citizen
- CARICOM skilled nationals (with a CARICOM Skills Certificate)
- Refugees and civil servants
Note: a Dutch passport alone does not exempt you. Only PSA status or Surinamese origin does.
Applying for a work permit
| Where | Ministry of Labour, Employment and Youth Affairs, Foreign Work Permits department, Lalla Rookhweg 25, Paramaribo (tel. 463543) |
| Who applies | The employer or an authorised representative. Employer and employee both sign. |
| Fee | USD 100 per application or extension (paid in SRD). Gold, oil and timber sectors: USD 500. Since 2 January 2023. |
| Decision | Within 30 days, extendable once by 30 days |
| Appeal | To the Minister, within 30 days |
Documents
- Completed and signed application form with passport photo
- Proof of fee payment
- Valid residence permit (at least 2 months left) or proof of application
- Passport copy, valid for at least 4 more months
- Employer statement: job, hours, start date and why a foreigner is needed
- Proof the company operates legally: KKF extract and licence
- Diplomas and CV in Dutch or English, translations legalised
Employing someone without a permit is an offence for the employer: up to 6 months detention or a fine.
Residence permit
- Apply at the Aliens Affairs department of the Ministry of Justice and Police, mr. J. Lachmonstraat 166-168, Paramaribo. In Nickerie through the District Commissariat.
- Needed: request letter to the Minister, SRD 1.50 stamp, passport copy, proof of means of support and proof of payment.
- Temporary permit for up to 2 years, renewable. Apply for renewal at least 3 months before it expires.
- Visa-required foreigners staying longer than 3 months need an Authorisation for Temporary Stay (MKV) from an embassy or consulate before arrival.
PSA: for people of Surinamese origin
Were you born in Suriname, or was a parent or grandparent? Then you can apply for PSA status. It gives visa-free entry, the right to reside and the right to work without a work permit. The card is valid for 5 years and renewable. Apply at psa.gov.sr.
After you arrive: Net salary calculator · Start a business · Jobs · Living and getting around: Explore Suriname visitor guide
Sources
- Wet Werkvergunning Vreemdelingen (DNA)
- Ministerie AWJ: folder werkvergunning 2024
- Ministerie AWJ: tarieven werkvergunning 2023
- Ministerie JusPol: verblijfsvergunningen
- Doing Business Dutch Caribbean: foreign nationals
Checked on 17 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.