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SurinameStatus in-countryLast checked October 17, 2026

Suriname residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) and authorisation for short stay

MKV

Residence permits in Suriname are handled by the Aliens Affairs Department (Hoofdafdeling Vreemdelingenzaken) of the Ministry of Justice and Police. Visa-required foreigners who plan to stay longer than three months must first apply for an authorisation for short stay (MKV) at a Surinamese embassy or consulate in their home country. People of Surinamese origin and nationals of visa-waiver and CARICOM countries are exempt from the MKV and can apply in Suriname during their legal stay. The application needs a request to the Minister, proof of means of support and a USD 150 payment.

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1 entry rule for Suriname based on recent travel

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Life in Suriname

Money

3

Currency

Surinamese Dollar

SRD

Surinamese Dollar

Cost of living

42

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

8–38%

Income tax (national)

BTW (VAT) 10%

Income up to SRD 108,000 untaxed; 8%, 18%, 28%, and 38% above SRD 234,000 a year.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.3

#2 of 2 countries

World Happiness Report 2015

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Who it’s for

Foreigners who want to live in Suriname for work, family or other reasons, including people of Surinamese origin and CARICOM nationals.

Eligibility

  • MKV for visa-required foreigners

    If you need a visa and plan to stay longer than three months, apply for an MKV at a Surinamese embassy or consulate in your country of origin.

    • Legal basis: art. 3 Aliens Act 1991 with art. 12 Aliens Decree 1995
    • Documents are the same as for a residence permit
    Official wording

    Visa-required foreigners intending to stay longer than three (3) months must apply for an MKV at the Surinamese embassy or consulate in their country of origin (art. 3 Aliens Act 1991 with art. 12 Aliens Decree 1995). The documents are the same as for a residence permit.

  • Exempt from MKV

    Some people do not need an MKV; they register with the Aliens Service after arrival and apply during their legal stay.

    • Persons of Surinamese origin: born in Suriname, or with a parent born there
    • Spouse and minor children of persons of Surinamese origin are also exempt
    • Nationals of countries with a visa-waiver arrangement with Suriname
    • Citizens of other CARICOM member states
    Official wording

    Persons of Surinamese origin (born in Suriname, or with a parent born there, and their spouse and minor children), nationals of countries with a visa-waiver arrangement with Suriname, and citizens of other CARICOM member states. They register with the Aliens Service after arrival and apply during their legal stay.

  • Means of support

    Proof showing how the foreigner will earn their income.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Document checklistRequest addressed to the Minister of Justice and Police
  • FeesResidence permit application deposit
  • Steps to applyIf you are visa-required and plan to stay more than 3 months, apply for an MKV a

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  • 5 documents
  • 2 fees
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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