Purpose
Provide contact information and service descriptions for government agencies essential to business formation and operations in Suriname. For founders, advisors, and service providers coordinating registrations and compliance.
What this page covers:
- KKF (Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken) contact and services
- Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) contact and services
- Licensing authorities and municipal offices
- Ministry contacts for foreign investment and sector approvals
Who this is for:
- Founders coordinating government registrations
- Advisors managing multi-step formation processes
- Foreign investors navigating Suriname authorities
- Anyone requiring official contacts or government services
Context & Assumptions
Regional scope: Suriname government agencies with business formation authority.
Contact currency: Information current as of documentation date; government offices relocate, hours change, and contact details update periodically.
Verification requirement: Always confirm contact information independently before visiting or submitting applications.
Core Guidance
KKF (Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken)
Purpose: Chamber of Commerce and Industry; central business registration authority.
Services:
- Business registration (all structures: Eenmanszaak, VOF/CV, BV/NV, Stichting)
- Business name verification and reservation
- KKF registration certificates and extracts
- Business information and public registry access
- Annual renewal processing
Main Office:
- Address: Verlengde Gemenelandsweg 93, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Phone: +597 499-355 / +597 499-356
- Website: www.kkf.sr
- Services: All registration types, name checks, extracts, renewals
What to bring:
- Complete application packet per structure (see KKF registration guide)
- Personal identification (ID or passport)
- Payment for registration fees (confirm current fees on-site)
Processing times:
- Simple structures (Eenmanszaak): 3-7 business days
- Partnerships (VOF/CV): 5-10 business days
- Corporations (BV/NV): 10-15 business days (plus notarial steps)
Language support: Dutch primary, English available, Sranantongo spoken.
Belastingdienst (Tax Authority)
Purpose: Tax registration, compliance, and administration.
Services:
- FIN (Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer) registration
- BTW (Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde) registration
- Payroll tax registration
- Tax return filing and payment processing
- Tax compliance information and guidance
Main Office:
- Address: Henck Arronstraat 26-30, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Phone: +597 472-501 / +597 472-502
- Website: www.belastingdienst.sr
- Services: All tax registration types, filings, payments, compliance
District Offices:
- Nickerie: Basic registration and information (limited hours)
- Wanica: Information services primarily
- Commewijne: By appointment only
What to bring:
- KKF registration certificate and extract
- Personal identification (ID or passport)
- Business address proof (lease, utility bill, title deed)
- Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement (if applicable)
Processing times:
- Simple FIN registration: 3-5 business days
- Complex structures or foreign ownership: 10-15 business days
Language support: Dutch primary, English limited, Sranantongo available.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and International Cooperation
Purpose: Foreign investment approvals, trade facilitation, international business coordination.
Services:
- Foreign investment approval and registration
- Foreign ownership clearances
- Trade and investment information
- International business coordination
Main Office:
- Address: Gravenstraat 117-119, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Phone: +597 472-506 / +597 410-550
- Website: www.gov.sr/ministries (confirm current ministry website)
- Services: Foreign investment approvals, trade information
When required:
- Foreign ownership exceeding thresholds (confirm current regulations)
- Certain regulated sectors requiring foreign investment clearance
- Branch establishment by foreign companies
Processing times: Variable; 2-6 weeks depending on structure and sector.
Language support: Dutch, English.
Municipal Offices and Business Licensing
Purpose: Local business licenses, municipal permits, zoning approvals.
Services:
- Business operating licenses (sector-dependent)
- Municipal permits (signage, construction, etc.)
- Zoning approvals and compliance
- Local tax registration (where applicable)
Paramaribo Municipality:
- Address: Onafhankelijkheidsplein, Paramaribo (City Hall)
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Services: Business licenses, permits, municipal information
District Municipalities:
- Contact your local district commissioner's office (Districtscommissariaat) for licensing requirements and contacts.
Sector-specific licensing:
- Food/beverage: Ministry of Health (Ministerie van Volksgezondheid)
- Construction: Ministry of Public Works (Ministerie van Openbare Werken)
- Import/export: Customs Authority (Douane)
- Financial services: Central Bank of Suriname (Centrale Bank van Suriname)
Language support: Dutch primary, Sranantongo widely spoken, English limited.
Other Relevant Agencies
Central Bank of Suriname (Centrale Bank van Suriname):
- Purpose: Banking licenses, foreign exchange, financial regulation
- Address: Waterkant 16, Paramaribo
- Phone: +597 473-741
- Website: www.cbvs.sr
Customs Authority (Douane):
- Purpose: Import/export clearances, customs registration
- Address: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 118, Paramaribo
- Phone: +597 498-521
- Website: www.douane.sr
Social Insurance Bank (Staatsbeleid Ziekenfonds - SZF):
- Purpose: Social security registration, employee insurance
- Address: Zinniastraat 10, Paramaribo
- Phone: +597 498-491
Common Pitfalls
Using outdated contact information: Offices relocate, phone systems change, and hours adjust; always verify current details before visiting or calling.
Visiting without complete documentation: Government offices reject incomplete applications; prepare full packets per agency requirements.
Missing office hours: Many offices close early on Fridays and around holidays; confirm hours before traveling.
Language barriers: Limited English at some agencies; bring interpreter or Dutch-speaking advisor if needed.
Assuming online services are comprehensive: Most registrations require in-person visits; online portals provide limited functionality.
Not confirming fees: Government fees change; confirm current amounts on-site to avoid payment delays.
Practical Considerations
Planning agency visits
Timing:
- Arrive early; offices often busiest late morning
- Avoid month-end and year-end periods (high volume)
- Check public holiday calendar; government offices closed
Documentation:
- Bring originals and copies (agencies retain copies)
- Organize documents in order per agency checklists
- Include extra passport photos (some forms require)
Payment:
- Confirm accepted payment methods (cash, bank transfer, card)
- Bring exact change or small bills (change availability varies)
- Request official receipts for all payments
Communication tips
Phone contact:
- Call during office hours; early morning often best
- Have reference numbers ready (application IDs, KKF numbers)
- Request specific names and callback numbers
Email communication:
- Use official email addresses (verify on agency websites)
- Include reference numbers in subject lines
- Expect slower response times; follow up in person if urgent
In-person visits:
- Bring business cards and contact information
- Request names and direct contacts for follow-up
- Take notes on next steps and required documentation
Related Documentation
Formation processes:
- Choosing your legal structure
- KKF registration process
- Tax registration (FIN)
- Timeline and next steps
Other resources:
Disclaimer
This contact directory is informational and not guaranteed current. Government offices relocate, phone numbers change, and service hours adjust. Always verify contact information, hours, and requirements independently with the relevant agency before visiting, calling, or submitting applications. This directory does not constitute official government guidance.