Invest
INVEST IN SURINAME: WHY TO INVEST?
How SITA supports investors
SITA is Suriname’s national trade and investment promotion agency, established by State Decree in November 2021. Our support for investors is free.
- One-stop entry point: we guide you through registration, permits and other procedures.
- Tailored facilitation: we help you find opportunities, understand regulations and meet the right ministries and local partners.
- Incentive support: we help you understand and apply for incentives.
- Sector expertise: dedicated knowledge of Suriname’s priority sectors.
- Aftercare: we support your expansion and connect you with local suppliers and partners.
INVEST IN SURINAME: WHY TO INVEST?
Quick geographical facts
Capital
Paramaribo, on the Suriname River, is the capital and business centre.
Population
About 660,000 people, with low population density and plenty of land available.
Maritime
A robust port in Paramaribo, named Container Port of the Year 2022 by the Caribbean Shipping Association. A deepwater port is planned at Nieuw Nickerie.
Aviation
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, with flights via Amsterdam, Panama and the Caribbean.
INVEST IN SURINAME: WHY TO INVEST?
Good access to other markets
Suriname is a CARICOM member with duty-free access to about 19 million Caribbean consumers, and has duty-free, quota-free access to the EU under the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.
INVEST IN SURINAME: WHY TO INVEST?
Competitive labor and operational costs
Suriname is the ideal destination if you want to invest while saving costs in a perfect location.
The average age of the workforce is 29. Most workers speak Dutch and English. Labour and operating costs are competitive compared with the rest of the region.
Operational costs like real estate and electricity are very low.
Electricity
US$0.12 to 0.14 per kWh (commercial and industrial)
Office rent
US$10 to 25 per m² per month in Paramaribo
Employer contributions
6% employer social contributions
The cultural, social, economic and geographical situation of Suriname has enabled a perfect environment for the proliferation of multiple professional services in the country, ranging from audit, tax and legal firms, insurance companies, financial services, consulting, advisory and research services, among others.
Starting a business
Establishing a business in Suriname is relatively easy, the registration process at the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry can be completed in a couple of hours. A company can be 100% foreign owned.
Institutional support: investment incentives
Suriname offers fiscal incentives to investors under the Investment Act 2001 and related decrees. SITA helps you understand them and supports your application. Incentives are granted by the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
- Income tax holiday: qualifying businesses can apply for an income tax exemption for about 10 years (the year of approval plus 9 years). Apply within one year of company registration.
- Free write-off of capital goods: full write-off of new capital goods worth at least US$5,000. Apply within 3 months of purchase.
- Import duty exemption on capital goods: 75% exemption for producing companies and 50% for other qualifying companies, for machinery and equipment in eligible sectors.
- Raw materials and packaging: full import duty exemption for manufacturers in industry, agriculture, fisheries and food and beverage production.
- ICT equipment: full import duty exemption on laptops, tablets, PCs, accessories and monitors up to 22 inches. No application needed.
- Solar energy systems: 90% import duty exemption. No application needed.
Contact invest@sita.sr for advice on your project.
INVEST IN SURINAME: WHY TO INVEST?
Living environment: multiculturalism
Society
Suriname has one of the richest heritages in America. Multiculturalism is key within the society, which is formed by Amer-Indian, Afro-Surinamese, Chinese, Javanese and Indian people, among others.
The streets and architecture of its capital city, Paramaribo, are the perfect example of this rich and multicultural heritage. Although they are very influenced by the Dutch, in its streets we can easily find a Synagogue next to a Mosque and, nearby, the Mama Kerki or a gospel church.
Weather
Great temperature throughout the year 28°C.
Safe from hurricanes
Outside the Atlantic hurricane belt
Diversity
Multicultural society made up of about 660,000 people
Cuisine
Suriname’s cultural diversity is also present in the great variety of international cuisine, especially in the capital, where it is possible to find traditional dishes from all over the world: from spicy curried Hindustani cuisine to complex Javanese food and authentic Creole dishes.
Weather
Suriname has a tropical weather with an average temperature of 28ºC, being a very comfortable place to live and work. The country has a very rich biodiversity, ranging the coast through rivers to the deep tropical jungles, where it is possible to find unique and rare species of wildlife.