Visa Types

Suriname Work Visa Criteria

Apply to work in Suriname, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.

Suriname Flag

Key Points for Suriname Work Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Suriname?

Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Suriname.

Suriname visa application is made online or offline?

This visa application must be made online through the VFS website.

Do I need to give biometrics?

No, biometrics are not required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a Suriname visa?

No, an interview is not mandatory for most common visa types for Indians.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?

Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Suriname?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-10-2024)

Application Type

Single/Multiple

Validity

Maximum Duration of Stay

Fees

Entry Fee

Single Entry

None

90 days

USD 50

EUR 50

Business Visa

Multiple Entry

3 months

90 days

USD 100

EUR 85

Business Visa

Multiple Entry

5 years

90 days

USD 360

EUR 305

Business Visa

Multiple Entry (USA Passport Holders)

5 years

90 days

USD 160

-

Tourist Visa - 3 months

Multiple Entry

3 months

90 days

USD 60

EUR 50

Tourist Visa - 1 Year

Multiple Entry

1 year

90 days

USD 210

EUR 175

Transit Visa

Single Entry

3 days

3 days

USD 15

EUR 10

Short Stay (MKV)

Single Entry

3 months

90 days

USD 45

EUR 40

Note:

  • You can pay the fees using a MasterCard, Visa, or Maestro credit/debit card. The card doesn’t need to be in your name, but it must be "3D Secure" and enabled for international transactions.
  • The E-Visa or Entry Fee can only be paid in US Dollars (US$) or Euros (€).
  • There is a service fee of US$ 18.00 or €17.00 for all application types.
  • If you experience any issues with transactions, contact the Help Desk. Do not create a new application or make a new payment unless advised. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation Suriname is not responsible for extra payments, and no refund will be given for incomplete transactions.
 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • Identify the right visa type for your visit to Suriname—whether it's for tourism, business, or visiting family. Picking the correct type is crucial for success. Understand the requirements and procedures for a smooth application.

  • If staying over 90 days, including for studies and work, you need an Authorization for Temporary Stay (MKV) from Suriname's Ministry of Justice and Police.
  • Tourist or business visas don't work for stays over 90 days.

  • Gather necessary documents, like filling out the KV form, having a valid passport, colored passport copies, proof of funds, valid health insurance, and recent passport photos meeting specific requirements.

  • Schedule an embassy appointment if needed.
  • Submit your application and documents in person or by courier.
  • Ensure documents are translated if required.

  • Pay the non-refundable MKV processing fee at a designated bank.
  • Pay the visa fee at the embassy after approval.

  • Processing times vary but usually take several weeks.
  • Check your application status online or contact the embassy.

  • Once approved, pick up your passport with the visa stamp from the Embassy or Consulate.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for a work visa to Suriname from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application.

Foreigners, who plan to stay in Suriname for more than 90 days must apply for a Temporary Stay Authorization (MKV) at least three months before their intended departure. MKV applications cannot be submitted through the e-Visa/e-Tourist Card website.

The following are needed to apply for Authorization of Temporary Stay (MKV):

  1. Personal Information:
    • Two (2) completed and signed MKV application forms.
    • Three (3) recent color passport photographs meeting specified criteria.
    • Two (2) color copies of all pages in the passport, including blank pages.
  2. Identity and Citizenship:
    • One original notarized copy of the birth certificate with English translation, along with one color photocopy.
    • Two (2) color copies of the Certificate of Good Conduct in English, along with one color photocopy.
  3. Financial Documentation:
    • One original bank statement or alternative document proving sufficient financial means during the stay in Suriname (in English), along with one color photocopy.
    • Two (2) color copies of statements of the guarantor in Suriname (in case of insufficient funds of the applicant).
    • Proof of payment for MKV processing fee (Bank statement).
  4. Purpose of Visit:
    • If the applicant plan to study in Suriname: Official letter of acceptance from the Surinamese educational institution confirming admission.
    • If the application concerns internship or voluntary work: two (2) color copies of an official letter from the organization/institution in Suriname stating the purpose and duration of the agreement.
    • If the applicant intends to work in Suriname: two (2) color copies of the labor/employment contract.
  5. Residential Status:
    • Proof of residence (if applicable).
  6. Marital Status:
    • Certified copy of the marriage license/divorce certificate/proof of widowhood (if applicable).
    • Proof of cohabitation in the country (if in a partner relationship).
  7. Traveling with Minors:
    • Notarized letter of consent by parents and a copy of the birth certificate:
      • If a child (up to 18 years) is traveling alone.
      • If a child (up to 18 years) is traveling with one of the parents (with consent of the 2nd parent).
    • Custodians should provide legal documents or a notarized power of attorney from parents.
    • Certified copy of the judicial decision in case of adoption/legal guardianship of a child (up to 18 years).
  8. Health and Safety:
    • Two (2) color copies of valid health insurance.
    • Two (2) color copies of the Certificate of Health Examination for International Travelers.
    • Two (2) color copies of valid International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever.

Apply for the Temporary Stay (KV) visa only after receiving approval for your MKV application from the Consular Affairs officer, allowing entry into Suriname:

The following are needed to apply for Temporary Stay (KV) Visa:

  1. Passport and Personal Details:
    • A passport valid for at least six months from the date of intended arrival in Suriname.
    • Completed KV visa application form.
    • Two passport photos.
  2. Financial Documentation:
    • Bank transfer statement for payment of KV visa.
  3. Travel Arrangements:
    • Flight booking from China to Suriname.
  4. Contact Information:
    • A separate sheet of paper with your names in full, home address, mobile number(s), and email address.
  5. Submission Process:
    • Application and passport, along with other requirements, should be sent to the Embassy by a trusted courier service.

Note:

  • Only proceed with the KV visa application after receiving notification of MKV approval.
  • Ensure all required documents are accurately completed and submitted.
  • The bank transfer statement should reflect the payment for the KV visa.
  • Provide comprehensive contact information for communication purposes.
  • Adhere to the submission process guidelines using a trusted courier service.
  • Keep the Embassy informed of any changes in your contact details.

  1. Short-Term Work Visa:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport with at least six months validity.
    • Passport-sized photographs.
    • Letter of employment from the Surinamese employer.
    • Travel itinerary and accommodation details.
    • Proof of financial means to cover stay.
  2. Long-Term Work Visa:
    • Completed long-term visa application form.
    • Passport with at least six months validity.
    • Passport-sized photographs.
    • Detailed employment contract.
    • Letter from the employer in Suriname.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  3. Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP):
    • Completed HSMP application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Educational and professional qualifications.
    • Detailed job offer from a Surinamese employer.
    • Proof of financial means.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  4. Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Letter from the sending company.
    • Letter of acceptance from the Surinamese branch.
    • Detailed employment contract.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  5. Business Owner/Investor Visa:
    • Completed business visa application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Business registration documents.
    • Business plan.
    • Proof of investment funds.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  6. Specialist Visa:
    • Completed specialist visa application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Letter from the employer detailing the need for the specialist.
    • Qualification and experience certificates.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  7. Trainee Visa:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Letter of acceptance into the training program.
    • Details of the training program.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  8. Researcher/Scientist Visa:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Letter from the research institution or employer.
    • Research proposal or project details.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  9. Diplomatic and Official Visas:
    • Note verbale from the sending government or organization.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Letter from the relevant government department.
    • Proof of diplomatic or official status.
    • Health insurance coverage.
  10. Seasonal Worker Visa:
    • Completed seasonal worker visa application form.
    • Passport and passport-sized photographs.
    • Employment contract or letter of employment.
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Health insurance coverage.

Remember that this is a general guide, and actual requirements may vary. Always consult with the relevant authorities for the most accurate and current information.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.

Suriname Temporary Stay (MKV) Application Form

  • If you’re a foreigner requiring a visa for over 90 days in Suriname, excluding Surinamese origin, apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay (MKV) at least 3 months before your planned departure.
  • Note that you can’t apply for MKV through the e-Visa/e-Tourist Card website. MKV is the initial approval step, not a visa.

Republic of Suriname Application for visa

  • To obtain a KV (Temporary Stay) visa, you must first secure an approved MKV from the Ministry of Justice and Police in Suriname, not the Embassy.
  • Your documents will be forwarded to Suriname for evaluation by the Ministry of Justice and Police.
  • After the Consular Affairs officer approves your MKV application, you can then proceed to apply for the Temporary Stay (KV) visa, granting entry into Suriname.
 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

The process for applying for a Suriname Work visa from India typically involves the following steps:

  1. Understand the types of work visas:
    • Suriname offers different work visas depending on your employment situation and intended duration of stay. The most common types for Indian citizens include:
    • Temporary Work Permit (TWP): Issued for specific projects or contracts lasting up to one year, with possible extensions.
    • Highly Skilled Migrant Permit (HSM): For highly qualified professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, or IT.
    • Investor’s Permit: Granted to individuals investing a significant amount in a Suriname business.
  2. Job Offer and Employment Contract:
    • Get a job offer from a Suriname employer. Make sure they give you a detailed employment contract that specifies the terms and conditions of the job, including a letter of invitation or work contract.
  3. Understand the requirements:
    • Firstly, An Authorization for Temporary Stay (MKV) is required for non-Surinamese citizens staying longer than 90 days for any purpose including studying, issued by the Ministry of Justice and Police in Suriname, not the Embassy.
    • You can’t use a tourist or business visa to stay for studies exceeding 90 days.
  4. Gather the required documents:
    • Gather necessary documents like Complete the MKV form, a valid passport, color copies of all passport pages, proof of financial means, invitation or work contract, valid health insurance, two recent passport photos meeting specific size and background requirements.
  5. Submit your application:
    • Schedule an appointment (if required) with the embassy.
    • Submit the completed application form and all required documents in person or by courier.
    • Ensure all documents are properly translated into Dutch or English if necessary.
  6. Pay the required fees:
    • MKV processing fee: You’ll need to pay this non-refundable fee, usually at a designated bank. Check the embassy website for the current amount.
    • Visa fee: Additional fee you pay at the embassy once your application is approved.
  7. Wait for a decision:
    • Processing times can vary, but typically take several weeks.
    • You can track your application status online or by contacting the embassy.
  8. Collect Your Visa:
    • Once your visa is approved, collect your passport with the visa stamp from the Embassy or Consulate.

Note:

  • Only proceed with the KV visa application after receiving notification of MKV approval.
  • Ensure all required documents are accurately completed and submitted.
  • Adhere to the submission process guidelines using a trusted courier service.
  • Keep the Embassy informed of any changes in your contact details.
  • You will receive an email notification once your MKV application is approved.
  • The processing time for Authorization for Temporary Stay (MKV) is at least 90 days. During this period, MKV applicants cannot apply for other types of visas for Suriname.

The Suriname E-visa is only valid for a short-term stay of 90 days. If you plan to stay in Suriname for more than 90 days (except for those of Surinamese origin), you must apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay (MKV). In this case, an e-visa won’t be sufficient.

Note: It’s important to note that specific details and requirements for these visa types can vary based on Suriname’s immigration policies. For the most accurate and current information, individuals interested in working in Suriname should consult the Surinamese immigration authorities or the embassy. Regulations may change, so relying on the latest official guidance is crucial.