How to Set Up an Entity in Suriname

Suriname, a resource-rich South American country with growing interest from foreign investors, presents an opportunity for companies seeking access to both Caribbean and South American markets. Its economy—anchored in sectors like mining, agriculture, and emerging energy projects—makes entity setup appealing for businesses looking to serve regional markets. Foreign investors can benefit from full ownership rights and familiar corporate structures, though navigating local requirements and language nuances can be complex.

Setting up a legal entity in Suriname involves registering with local authorities, ensuring tax and social security compliance, and fulfilling employment obligations. While not overly bureaucratic, the process can require attention to detail, especially regarding document preparation, notarization, and tax registration. Key challenges include compliance with local language requirements (often Dutch), detailed documentation, and managing ongoing tax and reporting obligations. The main benefits for companies include legal autonomy, full control over operations, and the ability to hire staff directly under local employment law.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult official sources before acting.

What does “opening an entity” mean in Suriname?

Opening an entity in Suriname means legally registering a business with the relevant authorities to gain corporate legal status and comply with local business, tax, and employment regulations. The most common option for foreign investors is a limited liability company (NV/BV).

Entity overview in Suriname

Below is an overview of key elements of establishing an entity in Suriname.

Step-by-step guide: How to open an entity in Suriname

Step 1: Choose the right structure

Foreign investors most commonly choose a limited liability company—either an NV or BV—because it limits liability and allows full foreign ownership. Other options include sole proprietorships (Eenmanszaak), general partnerships (VOF), or establishing a branch of an existing foreign company. The key differences involve liability, formalities, and administrative requirements: an LLC separates personal and business assets, while sole proprietorships do not.

Step 2: Verify business name availability

Before registering, you must ensure your proposed business name is unique. You can check and reserve a name through the Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken registry’s online search system before submitting registration documents. Names must meet local rules about meaning, not misleading the public, and include required terms for certain entity types (e.g., “N.V.” for a corporation).

Step 3: Prepare incorporation documents

You will typically need the following notarized and authenticated in Dutch or with certified translations:

• Draft Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association detailing the structure and shareholder information
• Proof of shareholder identity (passport IDs)
• Proof of address for the registered office
• Evidence of deposit of the minimum share capital in a local bank

Step 4: Register with the Chamber of Commerce and Factories

Submit your incorporation package with the Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken either online or in person. Upon approval, you will receive a company registration certificate and a trade registration number.

Step 5: Register for tax and social security

After entity registration, you must register with the Surinamese Tax Authority under the Ministry of Finance to obtain a corporate tax identification number and comply with corporate income tax filings. Employers must also register for wage tax and social contributions where applicable.

Step 6: Open a corporate bank account

Open a local corporate bank account. Banks will require KYC documentation—such as incorporation documents, shareholder information, and proof of address—and may take several weeks to complete due diligence.

Step 7: Set up payroll and employment compliance

Once registered as an employer, you must comply with Suriname’s employment laws, including wage tax withholding from employees, mandatory public pension contributions, and ensuring employment contracts meet local standards.

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Post-registration obligations

After incorporation, companies in Suriname must maintain compliance with local laws:

• Tax and financial reporting: Submit annual corporate tax returns and financial statements, and remit turnover tax or VAT as required by the tax authority
• Corporate registers: Maintain up-to-date records of directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners and report changes to the Chamber of Commerce
• Compliance tracking: Monitor all tax, licensing, and corporate filing deadlines to avoid penalties
• Licenses and renewals: Renew any necessary business licenses and sector-specific permits each year
• Recordkeeping: Retain accounting, payroll, and transaction records for the period required by local law
• Employment law compliance: Ensure employment contracts, payroll reporting, and social contributions meet local requirements

Taxes and financial considerations

You are responsible for:

• Corporate income tax: Standard rate 36% on profits
• Turnover tax / VAT: Historically, Suriname used a turnover tax system (10% on goods and 8% on services) and has been transitioning to a VAT regime under the VAT Act
• Payroll/social contributions: Employers must withhold wage tax and contribute to public pension schemes
• Accounting standards: Companies should prepare financial statements according to sound accounting practices, often aligning with IFRS or local standards.

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Expand internationally with Deel

Whether you’re hiring through an EOR or establishing your own local entity, Deel’s all-in-one platform gives you everything you need to expand into the United Kingdom—quickly, compliantly, and with confidence. From market entry to ongoing operations, Deel helps you hire, onboard, and manage teams seamlessly from day one.

With Deel, you can:

• Test new regions using Deel’s local entities through our Employer of Record service—hire employees compliantly, delegate payroll and taxes, and access localized employment contracts.
• Open entities with Deel Entity Setup, where our team manages everything—from incorporation and tax registration to coordination with local experts.
• Centralize your compliance and records with Deel Entity Management, including automated filings, calendar reminders, and visibility across all entities.
• Integrate with Deel Payroll and Deel HR for compliant payments, benefits, and workforce oversight—all in one platform.

For companies transitioning from the EOR model to owned entities, Deel ensures a smooth handover and consistent compliance every step of the way. Enter new markets, onboard talent, and manage your global workforce—all through one unified platform.

FAQs

How long does it take to open an entity in Suriname?
It typically takes 4–8 weeks to complete incorporation and basic registrations.

What is the minimum capital required?
The minimum share capital for most companies is around SRD 1,000 (≈ USD 130).

Can foreign companies own 100 % of an entity in Suriname?
Yes. Suriname allows 100 % foreign ownership in most sectors.

Do I need a local director or representative?
Suriname generally does not require a local director, but some regulated industries might have specific local representation requirements.

How much does it cost to register an entity?
Costs vary based on legal, notary, and administrative fees; government fees for registrations are relatively modest. Use the Entity Setup Calculator for estimates.

Can Deel help me open an entity in Suriname?
Yes. Deel Entity Setup manages the end-to-end process — from registration to payroll compliance—in over 100 countries. Deel’s local experts handle documentation, filings, and legal requirements on your behalf.

Does Deel offer ongoing compliance and payroll support?
Yes. Deel offers both managed services and self-service tools to help you stay compliant.

If you’re using Deel Entity Management, Maintenance, EOR, or Payroll, our team handles payroll, benefits, filings, and compliance obligations on your behalf.

For teams managing their own entities, Deel Compliance Hub makes staying compliant simple by providing real-time regulatory updates, risk alerts, and workforce insights across 150+ countries. Proactively manage compliance with our Compliance Monitor, Workforce Insights, and an AI-powered Worker Classifier, staying ahead of changing employment laws.