Work Permit
When do I need a work permit?
Every employer who wants to employ a worker of a nationality other than Surinamese (a foreign national) must have a work permit.
Income tax for individuals (in SRD)
Which authority issues a work permit?
A work permit is issued by the Director of the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment (ATM).
When is a work permit not required?
An employer does not need a work permit in the following cases:
- A foreign national married to a Surinamese citizen;
- A remigrant of Surinamese origin;
- A foreign national with refugee status;
- A foreign national who will be employed as a government worker;
- A foreign national with the status of a CARICOM skilled national.
Who applies for a work permit?
Applying for a work permit is the responsibility of the employer. The foreign national supports the application by co-signing it.
Where does the employer apply for a work permit?
The application for a work permit must be submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment, Department of Work Permits for Foreign Nationals.
How does the employer apply for a work permit?
By submitting a fully completed and signed work permit application form, along with the required supporting documents.
Where can I obtain the application form for a work permit?
The application form is available at the ‘Work Permits for Foreign Nationals’ department or via the website: www.gov.sr/ministerie-van-atm.aspx
Which supporting documents are required when applying for a work permit?
In addition to the fully completed and signed work permit application form (signed by both the employer and the foreign national), the following documents must be submitted:
- One passport photo of the foreign national;
- Proof of payment of the application fee for a work permit:
- USD 300 (or equivalent in Surinamese dollars) per application for employment in companies engaged in gold mining in the interior;
- SRD 75 per application in all other cases.
- A copy of the valid residence permit of the foreign national or proof of application for a residence permit (the VZ slip) issued by the Ministry of Justice and Police (Department of Immigration); (original must be shown for verification)
- A copy of the foreign national’s passport; (original must be shown for verification)
- A declaration from the employer specifying: company opening hours, working hours of the foreign national, the (partial) tasks of the foreign national, and the reasons why the work (for which the application is made) must be carried out by a foreign national and not a Surinamese.
- Documents proving that the company is legally operating (e.g., business license, Chamber of Commerce extract, articles of association, etc.).
Which documents are required to demonstrate that the foreign national meets the job requirements?
Copies of documents proving that the foreign national meets the requirements for the position/profession (e.g., diplomas and certificates). These must be in Dutch or English. Diplomas and certificates translated into Dutch or English must be legalized.
Which documents are required to demonstrate that the foreign national meets the job requirements?
The USD 300 fee must be deposited at the Central Bank of Suriname:
- Account No. 324525 for deposits in SRD.
- Account No. 324524 for deposits in USD,
What must be stated on the USD 300 payment receipt?
The payment receipt must state the description “Work Permit Foreign Nationals Gold Sector” and include the correct name of both the employer and the foreign national.
Where should the SRD 75 fee for a work permit be paid?
The SRD 75 fee must be paid at the Department of Budget and Financial Affairs of the Ministry of ATM.
What must be stated on the SRD 75 payment receipt?
The payment receipt must state the description “Work Permit Foreign Nationals” and include the correct name of both the employer and the foreign national.
How long does it take to process the application?
A decision is made within 30 days after submission of the application. If special circumstances arise, the processing period may be extended by an additional 30 days.
What factors are considered when assessing a work permit application?
When assessing the application, consideration is given to:
- The availability of Surinamese workers to fill the position/profession;
- The duration of the foreign national’s stay/residency in Suriname;
- The degree of integration of the foreign national into Surinamese society;
- The extent to which the foreign national meets the requirements of the position.
What can you do if the application for a work permit is denied?
If the application for a work permit is denied, the employer and the foreign national have the right to appeal to the Minister of Labour within 30 days after being notified of the decision of the Director of Labour.
Contact details of relevant authorities
Ministry of Labour
Department of Work Permits for Foreign Nationals
Address: Wagenwegstraat No. 47
Telephone: 472920 and 475241 ext. 229, 270, 271, and 272
Department of Budget and Financial Affairs
Address: Wagenwegstraat No. 47A
Telephone: 471126 and 475241 ext. 235
Ministry of Justice and Police
Department of Immigration Affairs
Address: Mr. Jagernath Lachmanstraat 167
Telephone: 532109 and 532123
Central Bank of Suriname
Address: Waterkant 20
Telephone: 473731 and 474788