Business Startup
DISCOVER SURINAME focuses on increasing entrepreneurship in Suriname. Here you can find out how you can start up a new business in Suriname.
Setting up a company in Suriname is very easy to do, once you know what you need to do.
What you need to do, all depends on your type of business, where you work and whether you take people on to help.
And though it is not mandatory, it is strongly advised to write a business plan when you start up a company.
Business Plan
Register your business
Most businesses register as a sole trader, limited company or partnership.
Sole traders (Eenmanszaak, Dutch)
It’s simpler to set up as a sole trader, but you’re personally responsible for your business’s debts. You need to be a resident of Suriname and you also have some accounting responsibilities.
Find out more about being a sole trader and how to register.
Public Limited companies (NV, Dutch)
If you form a public limited company, its finances are separate from your personal finances, but there are more reporting and management responsibilities.
Some people get help from a professional, for example an accountant, but you can set up a limited company yourself.
Limited Partnership (CV, Dutch)
A partnership (vennootschap, Dutch) is the simplest way for 2 or more people to run a business together.
You share responsibility for your business’s debts. You also have accounting responsibilities. Find out more about setting up a partnership with your business relations.
Business License
There are a number of sectors where companies are required to have a business license before they can become operational. The next two lists indicate where a license is required. Check www.surinamechambers.com for the full list.
Service providers
- Cambios
- Technical installer
- Travel agencies
- Air en water shipping
- Freight forwarder
- Importer
- Exporter
- Building constructor
- Accountant
- Tax consultant
- Real-estate agent
- Banker Luminaries
Insurance agent
- Engineering
- Tour operator
- Security
- Hotel
- Motel
- Cinema
- Catering
- Shipping agent
- Harbor exploitation
- Salvage
Manufacturers
- Cement
- Processing of fruit, fish and fish products
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Pharmacies
- Cement producer
- Lumber mill
- Sawmill
- Plastic and aluminum products
- Gravel extraction
- Pasture
- Mattresses
- Cosmetics
- Clothing
Need help in setting up a company in Suriname?
If you want support in setting up a company in Suriname, we have four options of contact for you:
FDI BIBIS | Institute for Foreign Direct Investments in Suriname
The official governmental institute for investments in Suriname
Henck Arronstraat 8
Paramaribo, Suriname
+597 431 320
bibis.fdi.division@gmail.com
Department of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation
http://foreignaffairs.gov.sr/
sec.minister@gov.sr
SVB | Association of Surinamese Businesses
You can also contact Discover Suriname directly via the contact details on this page, at the right or the bottom.