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Guide to Doing Business
in Suriname

Foreign nationals

Foreign nationals

With respect to immigration to Suriname, a distinction is made between three (3) categories of foreign nationals can be distinguished:

  • foreign nationals requiring a visa;
  • foreign nationals exempt from a visa requirement; and
  • foreign nationals with a PSA (Persoon van Surinaamse Afkomst) status (Persons with Surinamese Roots).

Foreign nationals requiring a visa that intend to remain in Suriname for a period of longer than three (3) months must apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay 3 months prior to their intended day of arrival in Suriname.

Accordingly, those traveling to Suriname as tourists, do not require an Authorization for Temporary Stay for the duration of their stay. However, should they wish to exceed the allowed period of touristic stay, they will not be able to apply for their Authorization for Temporary Stay in Suriname.

The Authorization for Temporary Stay cannot be submitted in Suriname, while remaining on a tourist or business visa. The Authorization for Temporary Stay may be submitted at one of Suriname’s Diplomatic or Consular post in the country of residence or region of the respective foreigner.

Foreigners who do not need a visa to enter Suriname may enter Suriname and apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay in Paramaribo. Foreign nationals with a PSA (Persoon van Surinaamse Afkomst) status may enter Suriname with a tourist Visa and apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay in Paramaribo (this also applies for the spouse, if married by law).

Foreign nationals from visa exempt countries (see Tourists and visas) are exempted from the Authorization for Temporary Stay procedure.

Suriname additionally makes a distinction when it comes to foreign nationals of Surinamese descent. This category – irrespective of their nationality – are exempt from the Temporary Stay procedure, provided they meet the necessary requirements for qualifying as foreign nationals of Surinamese descent. The latter are permitted a maximum stay of six (6) months, which can be extended with a further maximum of six (6) months before being required to register themselves as residents of Suriname. However, visitors of Surinamese descent wishing to remain in Suriname for a period longer than six (6) months should apply for a residence permit.

In accordance with the PSA Law 2014 (PSA Wet) the PSA (Persoon van Surinaamse Afkomst) status, on request, can be granted to persons with Surinamese roots (person born in Suriname from parents with a permanent stay in Suriname or not born in Suriname with one parent or grandparent born in Suriname). The PSA (Persoon van Surinaamse Afkomst) status is for 5 years and can be prolonged on request and entitles the PSA person (Persoon van Surinaamse Afkomst) to a visa exemption, a resident permit and license to work.