Moving to Suriname: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

609,569

Population Growth Rate

1.15%

Urban Population

69.700000

Population in Major Urban Areas

PARAMARIBO (capital) 278,000

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Age Structure

25.150000

Median Age

28.200000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

17

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

6.15

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.04

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

45.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

45.6%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.57

Ethnic Groups

Hindustani (also known locally as ""East Indians""

their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, ""Maroons"" (their African ancestors were brought to the count

Nationality Noun

Surinamer(s)

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Literacy - total population

89.6%

Literacy - male

92.3%

Literacy - female

84.1%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

12.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

71.410000

Infant Mortality Rate

27.990000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

27.990000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

130

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.91

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

3.1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.3%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

25.1%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

98.100000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

88.400000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

5.8%

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Economic Overview

• Suriname: Economy and
• GDP: Suriname's economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy. Its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is primarily driven by the extractive industries, including mining and oil production. Other important sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and services.
• Natural Resources: Suriname is rich in natural resources, including bauxite, gold, oil, and hardwood forests. These resources play a significant role in the country's economy, attracting foreign investments and generating export revenues. Mining
• Sector: Suriname has a well-developed mining sector, with bauxite being its most significant mineral export. Bauxite mining and alumina production are key contributors to the country's economy and provide employment opportunities. Gold mining is also a prominent industry, with Suriname being one of the top gold producers in South America. Oil and Energy
• Sector: Suriname has recently emerged as an oil-producing nation. Significant offshore oil discoveries have led to the development of oil fields, attracting international oil companies and investment. The oil sector has the potential to significantly impact Suriname's economy in the coming years.
• Agriculture: Agriculture plays an important role in Suriname's economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Key agricultural products include rice, bananas, citrus fruits, vegetables, and shrimp. The government has made efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and expand export opportunities for agricultural products. Services
• Sector: The services sector is an important contributor to Suriname's economy. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including trade, transportation, finance, tourism, and telecommunications. The government has been focusing on diversifying the services sector to reduce reliance on extractive industries. Infrastructure and
• Investment: Suriname has been investing in infrastructure development to support economic growth. Improvements in transportation, energy, telecommunications, and ports are crucial for attracting investments, enhancing trade, and fostering economic development.
• Challenges: Suriname faces several economic challenges, including high public debt, inflation, and unemployment. The country is working towards fiscal consolidation, promoting sustainable economic growth, and attracting foreign investment through policy reforms and initiatives. Regional
• Integration: Suriname is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). Regional integration and cooperation play a role in facilitating trade, investment, and economic development in Suriname.

Industries

bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$16,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.5%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$9,460,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$16,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

1.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$5,050,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 52% government
• consumption: 11.2% investment in fixed
• capital: 11.9% investment in
• inventories: 26.5% exports of goods and
• services: 24.2% imports of goods and
• services: -25.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

6.2%

GDP by Sector- Industry

48.7%

GDP by Sector- services

45.1%

Industrial Growth Rate

6.5%

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Inflation Rate

6.4%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Surinamese Dollar (SRD)

Currency Name and Code

Suriname Guilder (SRG)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

12%

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Labor Force

165,600

Unemployment Rate

9.5%

Major Industries

bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing

Agriculture Products

• paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts
• beef, chickens
• forest products
• shrimp

Population Below Poverty Line

70%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

6,094

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

6%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

8%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

14%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

78%

Annual Budget

$392,600,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

16.5%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Suriname

Country Name

Suriname

Local - Long

Republiek Suriname

Local - Short

Suriname

Former Name

Netherlands Guiana, Dutch Guiana

Etymology- history of name

name may derive from the indigenous "Surinen" people who inhabited the area at the time of European contact

Independence

25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1975; latest ratified 30 September 1987, effective 30 October 1987
• amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership; amended 1992

Legal System:

civil law system influenced by Dutch civil law; note - a new criminal code was enacted in 2017

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025)
• head of government: President Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS (since 16 July 2025)
• cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly; president and vice president serve a 5-year term (no term limits) most recent election
• date: 6 July 2025
• election results: 2025: Jennifer GEERLINGS-SIMONS elected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA 2020: Chandrikapersad "Chan" SANTOKHI elected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA 2015: Desire Delano BOUTERSE reelected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA expected date of next
• election: 2030
• note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51 seats; members directly elected in 10 multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote, using the D'Hondt method, to serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 25 May 2020 (next to be held in May 2025)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - VHP 41.1%, NDP 29.4%, ABOP 17.6%, NPS 7.8%, other 3.9%; seats by party - VHP 20, NDP 16, ABOP 9, NPS 3, BEP 2, PL 2; composition as of February 2024 - men 35, women 16, percentage women 31.4%

Judicial Branch:

• office: court judges appointed by the national president in consultation with the National Assembly, the State Advisory Council, and the Order of Private Attorneys; judges serve for life
• subordinate courts: cantonal courts

Regions or States:

10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, Wanica

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Brotherhood and Unity in Politics or BEP [Ronnie ASABINA]
• Democratic Alternative '91 or DA91 [Angelique DEL CASTILHO]
• General Liberation and Development Party or ABOP [Ronnie BRUNSWIJK} National Democratic Party or NDP [Desire Delano BOUTERSE]
• National Party of Suriname or NPS [Gregory RUSLAND]
• Party for Democracy and Development in Unity or DOE [Steven ALFAISI]
• Party for National Unity and Solidarity or KTPI [Iwan GANGA]
• People's Alliance (Pertjajah Luhur) or PL [Paul SOMOHARDJO]
• Progressive Workers' and Farmers' Union or PALU [Jim HOK]
• Progressive Reform Party or VHP [Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI]
• Reform and Renewal Movement or HVB [Mike NOERSALIM]
• Surinamese Labor Party or SPA [Guno CASTELEN]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Suriname dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Paramaribo

Capital - geographic coordinate

5 50 N, 55 10 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AOSIS
• Caricom
• CD
• CDB
• CELAC
• FAO
• G-77
• IADB
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAES
• MIGA
• NAM
• OAS
• OIC
• OPANAL
• OPCW
• PCA
• Petrocaribe
• UN
• UNASUR
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UPU
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Robert J. FAUCHER (since 31 January 2023)
• Embassy: 165 Kristalstraat, Paramaribo
• Mailing Address: 3390 Paramaribo Place, Washington DC 20521-3390
• Telephone: [597] 556-700
• FAX: [597] 551-524
• Email: caparamar@state.gov
• Website: https://sr.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Jan Marten Willem SCHALKWIJK (since 19 April 2022)
• Chancery: 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 629-4302
• FAX: [1] (202) 629-4769
• Email: amb.vs@gov.sr
• Website: https://surinameembassy.org/index.html
• Consulate(s) General: Miami

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Geographic Location

South America

Geographic Coordinates

4 00 N, 56 00 W

Total Area

63,251 Square Miles 163,820 Square Kilometers

Land Area

60,232 Square Miles 156,000 Square Kilometers

Water Area

3,019 Square Miles 7,820 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,058 Miles 1,703 Kilometers

Border Countries

Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Coastline

240 Miles 386 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Highest Point

1,230 Meters

Highest Point Location

Juliana Top 1,230 m

Lowest Point

-2 Meters

Lowest Point Location

unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m

Natural Resources

timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore

Irrigated Land

197 Square Miles 511 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Suriname's climate is tropical, hot and humid year-round.

Daytime temperatures in Paramaribo average 75°F to 90°F.

Temperatures in the interior, not moderated by the steady coastal breezes, are generally higher.

Seasons are distinguished mainly by more or less rain, with annual rainfall averaging 87 inches.

Indeed, locals will tell you that the four seasons of Suriname are: 1) Little Rainy Season (December to February); 2) Little Dry Season (March to April); 3) Big Rainy Season (May to August); and Big Dry Season (September to November).

The hottest months of the year are September and October when temperatures average 90 �F (32 �C).

Suriname lies outside hurricane and earthquake zones.

Parts of Paramaribo experience heavy flooding.

Isolated flooding occurs on some city streets and in low-lying areas of Paramaribo for up to 24 hours at a time.

Terrain

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Location

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana

Total Area

63,251 Square Miles 163,820 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Environment - Current Issues

deforestation as timber is cut for export

pollution of inland waterways by small-scale mining activities

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$1,391,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$1,297,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

alumina, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas

Major Imports

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods

Top Export Partners

US 25.7%, Norway 20.4%, France 8.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 6.5%, Canada 6.1%, Iceland 6.1%, Netherlands 5.7%

Top Import Partners

US 22.7%, Netherlands 16.1%, China 12.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.4%, France 7.6%, Japan 6%, Netherlands Antilles 4.5%

Export Partners

US 25.7%, Norway 20.4%, France 8.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 6.5%, Canada 6.1%, Iceland 6.1%, Netherlands 5.7%

Import Partners

US 22.7%, Netherlands 16.1%, China 12.3%, Trinidad and Tobago 11.4%, France 7.6%, Japan 6%, Netherlands Antilles 4.5%

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Country Description

The Republic of Suriname is a developing country located on the northern coast of South America.

Tourist facilities are available in the capital city of Paramaribo, but are less developed and in some cases non-existent in the country's rugged jungle interior.

Dutch is the national language, but most Surinamese in Paramaribo speak English; accordingly most tourist arrangements can be made in English.

Tourist arrangements for the interior should be made ahead of time.

Safety & Security

Demonstrations are not common in Suriname.

If they occur, they will take place primarily in the capital or secondary cities, and are usually peaceful, but U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Suriname should take common-sense precautions and avoid large gatherings or other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest.

Travelers proceeding to the interior may encounter difficulties due to limited infrastructure and limited presence of government authority.

Limited transportation and communications may hamper the ability of the U.S.

Embassy to assist in an emergency situation.

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Crime

Criminal activity throughout the country has shown a slight increase since September 2010 and travelers, including U.S. citizens, may be viewed as targets of opportunity.

Burglary, armed robbery, and violent crime occur with some frequency in Paramaribo and in outlying areas.

Pick-pocketing and robbery are common in the major business and shopping districts of the capital.

Visitors should avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry and should not display large amounts of money in public.

There have been several reports of criminal incidents in the vicinity of the major tourist hotels.

Night walks, outside the immediate vicinity of the hotels, are not recommended, especially if you are alone.

Visitors should specifically avoid the Palm Garden area (“Palmentuin” in Dutch) after dark, as there is no police presence and it is commonly the site of criminal activity.

Theft from vehicles is infrequent, but does occur, especially in areas near the business district.

Drivers are cautioned not to leave packages and other belongings in plain view in their vehicles.

There have been a few reports of carjackings within Paramaribo, mainly in residential areas.

When driving, car windows should be closed and doors locked.

The use of public minibuses is discouraged, due to widespread unsafe driving and poor maintenance.

Taxis in Suriname are not clearly identified; they do not display the “Taxi” sign.

As there are no meters in the taxis, you should verify the price before entering the taxi.

The Embassy recommends that you use hotel concierge taxis.

Travel to the interior is usually trouble-free, but there have been reports of tourists being robbed.

Police presence outside Paramaribo is minimal, and banditry and lawlessness are occasionally of concern in the cities of Albina and Moengo, and the district of Brokopondo, as well as along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, and the Afobakka Highway in the district of Para.

There have been reports of attempted and actual carjackings committed by gangs along the East-West Highway.

If you plan on traveling to the interior, you are advised to make use of well-established tour companies for a safer experience.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Suriname, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In Suriname you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, particularly government buildings.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

If suspected of driving under the influence and caught in an accident, the Surinamese Police may not be able to measure the alcohol level on the scene; they will take you to the nearest medical center to measure blood alcohol content.

You will be held by the police for up to six hours until the results of your blood alcohol content are determined.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States.

You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in Suriname is a crime, which is also prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Suriname, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Suriname, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Medical care, including emergency medical care, is limited in many areas and does not meet U.S. standards.

There is one public emergency room in Paramaribo, and only a small ambulance fleet providing emergency transport with limited first response capabilities.

The emergency room has no neurosurgeon, and other medical specialists may not always be available.

In general, hospital facilities are not air conditioned, although private rooms with individual air conditioning are available at extra cost and on a space-available basis.

Emergency medical care outside Paramaribo is limited, and is virtually non-existent in the interior of the country.

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age.

Rabies risk is present; all dog and bat bites or scratches should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought.

Insect precautions are recommended.

Due to the presence of Schistosomiasis in some of the freshwater bodies, avoidance of freshwater exposure is recommended.

Traffic Safety

While in Suriname, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Traffic moves on the left in Suriname; left-hand-drive (U.S. style) vehicles also are allowed on the road.

Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits by both vehicles and motorcyclists/bicycles, unusual right of way patterns, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards on Surinamese roads.

Seatbelts have been required for all automobile passengers since January 2007, and drivers must use a hands-free device if using a mobile phone while driving; driving while talking on cell phones is illegal in Suriname.

Visitors are encouraged to use automobiles equipped with seatbelts and to avoid the use of motorcycles or scooters.

An international driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Visitors renting a car in Suriname should be aware that child seats are required by law.

The major roads in Paramaribo are usually paved, but are not always well maintained.

Large potholes are common on city streets, especially during the rainy season, which lasts from approximately mid-November to January, and from April to July (rainy seasons can differ from year to year by as much as six weeks).

Roads often are not marked with traffic lines.

Many main thoroughfares do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycle traffic to share the same space.

The East-West Highway, a paved road that stretches from Nieuw Nickerie in the west to Albina in the east, runs through extensive agricultural areas; it is not uncommon to encounter slow-moving farm traffic or animals on the road.

Travelers should exercise caution when driving to and from Nieuw Nickerie at night due to poor lighting and sharp road turns without adequate warning signs.

There are few service stations along the road, and western-style rest stops are non-existent.

The road is not always well maintained, and during the rainy season, large and sometimes impassable sinkholes develop along the road.

Police recommend that you check with the police station in Albina for the latest safety information regarding travel between Paramaribo and Albina.

Roads in the interior are sporadically maintained dirt roads that pass through rugged, sparsely populated rain forest.

Some roads are passable for sedans in the dry season, but deteriorate rapidly during the rainy season.

Interior roads are not lit and there are no service stations or emergency call boxes.

Bridges in the interior are in various states of repair.

You are advised to consult with local sources, including The Foundation for Nature Conservation in Suriname, or STINASU, at telephone (597) 421-683 or 476-579, or with their hotels regarding interior road conditions before proceeding.

For specific information concerning Surinamese driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the

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Airports - total

55

Airports with Paved Runways

6

Roadways- total

2,674 Miles 4,304 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

702 Miles 1,130 Kilometers

Waterways

746 Miles 1,200 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Albina, Moengo, New Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam, Wageningen

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Pipelines: Gas

31 Miles 50 Kilometers

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Telephones

83,700

Cell Phones

320,000

Internet Users

44,000

Internet Country Code

.sr

Internet Hosts

171

Broadcast Media

• 2 state-owned TV stations
• 1 state-owned radio station
• multiple private radio and TV stations

Telephone System

• assessment: international facilities are good
• domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 185 telephones per 100 persons; microwave radio relay network
• international: country code - 597; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,467,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,600,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

14,100

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

7,621

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

.66

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

12,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

76,800,000

Anthem Lyrics

Opo kondreman oen opo Sranan gron e kari oen Wans ope tata komopo Wi moes seti kondre boen Stre de f'stre wi no sa frede Gado de wi fesi man Heri libi te na dede Wi sa feti gi Sranan

Anthem Lyrics English

Rise country men, rise The soil of Suriname is calling you Where ever our ancestors came from We should take care of our country We are not afraid to fight God is our leader Our whole life until our death We will fight for Suriname