Name approval
Get your trade name approved first. That way you know no other business already has that name; then you can register.
SRD 300 · valid for 3 months
Doing business in Suriname
KKF: Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Starting a business, registering in the trade register, an extract or a permit: here's what the KKF arranges for you, what it costs and where to go.
- Founded1 May 1910
- Offices6, in 4 districts
- OpenMon–Fri 08:00–16:00
- Trade registerpublic
What do you arrange at the KKF?
The five services entrepreneurs most often come to the Chamber for.
Registration in the trade register
Every business must be in the trade register before it starts. A sole proprietorship registers online; legal entities first need a notarial deed.
Required before you start
Extract
Proof that your business is registered, for the bank, a tender or a permit. The register is public: anyone may request an extract.
SRD 300 · English: at least 1 week
Permits via the One Stop Window
The KKF collects your documents, submits the application to the district commissariat or the ministry and follows up on it for you.
SRD 550, including permit fee
KKF E-Services
Apply online for name approval, sole proprietorship registration, extracts and permits, without going to an office.
Online, day and night
Start your business in 5 steps
From idea to a registered business with a permit.
- 1
Choose your legal form
Sole proprietorship, partnership, NV or foundation: the form determines whether you need a notary and who is liable.
Compare the legal forms - 2
Get your name approved
Apply for name approval at the KKF. It costs SRD 300 and is valid for 3 months.
Apply online - 3
Register in the trade register
With the approval and your documents, you register your business. A sole proprietorship can do this online; an NV, foundation or association only after the notarial deed.
Go to the E-Services - 4
Apply for your permit
Most businesses and professions need a permit (Businesses and Professions Act). The KKF One Stop Window arranges it for you.
See the checklist - 5
Put your business in our guide
Registered? Let customers find you: list your business for free in the SurinaamseGids.com business directory.
List for free
Legal forms compared
Which form suits your business, and what is needed?
| Legal form | Formation | Legal entity | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | No notarial deed needed | No | One owner, who is personally liable. Quick to register online. |
| General partnership (OV) | Private or notarial deed | No | Two or more partners running a business together under one name. |
| Silent partnership (SV) | Agreement; deed recommended | No | Formed by an agreement between the partners; a deed is advisable but not required. |
| Public limited company (NV) | Notarial deed in Dutch | Yes | Presidential declaration of no objection and publication in the Government Gazette. At least 1/5 of the authorised capital issued and 10% of that paid up. |
| Foundation | Notarial deed or will | Yes | Has its own assets for a purpose; no payments to founders or directors. Registration is required if the foundation runs a business. |
| Association | Notarial deed in Dutch | Yes | Members with a shared goal; the deed gives the association legal personality. |
| Cooperative | Notarial deed in Dutch | Yes | An association that does business for the benefit of its members; the name is stated in the deed. |
Every legal form is registered in the KKF trade register. Not sure which form is right? Ask a notary or accountant for advice.
Rates
What you pay for the most requested services.
| Service | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Extract from the trade register | SRD 300 | With the company name or file number |
| Extract in English | SRD 300 | Request by phone or at the counter; at least 1 week |
| Name approval | SRD 300 | Valid for 3 months from the date of the letter |
| One Stop Window (permit) | SRD 550 | Including permit fee and other costs |
| Permit fee (applying yourself) | SRD 304,50 | Payable at the district commissariat or the ministry |
Rates according to the KKF, checked on 19 October 2026. Amounts may change.
Checklist for a permit
You need these documents for a permit application (Businesses and Professions Act).
- Three recent, identical passport photos
- Statement from the Tax Office that you have no tax debt (or a payment arrangement)
- Extract from the population register
- Declaration of nationality
- Copy of residence permit or PSA card (non-Surinamese)
- Health certificate from your GP stamped by the B.O.G. (for food and drink)
- Proof of payment of the permit fee (SRD 304.50)
- Permission from the owner of the business premises and a mortgage extract
- KKF extract with contribution stamp (proof that the annual fee has been paid)
- Copy of the articles of association (legal entities only)
Depending on your profession, diplomas, transcripts, a CV or a building plan may also be required. You pay the permit fee at the Paramaribo North-East district commissariat (Sommelsdijckstraat) or at the Ministry of Public Works (Jagernath Lachmonstraat).
Offices and opening hours
Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00.
Head office Paramaribo
Gravenberchstraat 33, Paramaribo
Paramaribo North Paramaribo
Jan Besar Sarno Rebostraat 74, Paramaribo
Get directionsKwatta Wanica
Kwattaweg BR. 664, Wanica
Get directionsPad van Wanica Wanica
Vier Kinderenweg 2, Wanica
Get directionsCommewijne Commewijne
Oost-Westverbinding 231, Commewijne
Get directionsNickerie Nickerie
G.G. Maynardstraat 34-36, Nieuw Nickerie
Get directionsKKF news and events
Entrepreneurs’ evenings, trade missions and workshops.
- Trade mission from Japan
From 21 to 23 October, ten Japanese companies visit Suriname, including a KKF entrepreneurs’ evening.
- Entrepreneurs’ evening on tenders
How do you take part in government tenders?
- Doing business with Macapá (Brazil)
Trade trip with a fair visit from 8 to 15 August, covering agriculture, livestock and fishing, among other topics.
- Incubation programme “From idea to impact”
Support for entrepreneurs with ideas in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, education and climate.
- Lecture “Love, Money and the Law”
Information lecture by AWEDI.
- Workshop: a professional annual report
How do you prepare a good annual report?
Laws and regulations
The laws that affect you as an entrepreneur, available for download from the KKF.
- Handelsregisterbesluit S.B. 2025 no. 46
- Act of 5 December 2024 on the trade register S.B. 2024 no. 169
- Algemene Vergunningsplichtige Bedrijven en Beroepen S.B. 2019 no. 35
- Besluit Rechtsbescherming Wet Bedrijven en Beroepen S.B. 2018 no. 63
- Wet Bedrijven en Beroepen S.B. 2017 no. 40
- Hinderwet
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 1 - Personen en Familierecht S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 2 - Rechtspersonen S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 3 - Vermogensrecht in het algemeen S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 4 - Erfrecht S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 5 - Eigendom in het algemeen S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 6 - Algemeen gedeelte van het verbintenissenrecht S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 7 - Bijzondere overeenkomsten S.B. 2024 no. 164
- Burgerlijk Wetboek, Boek 8 - Verkeersmiddelen en vervoer S.B. 2024 no. 164
About the KKF
The voice of Surinamese business since 1910.
What does the KKF do?
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry looks after the interests of the business community, promotes entrepreneurship and economic growth and represents entrepreneurs. The KKF manages the trade register.
Legal basis
Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ordinance (G.B. 1962 no. 85). The Chamber is a legal entity.
Executive
29 Chamber members, elected for 4 years from the registered businesses and divided into 8 business groups. Chair: J.A. Padarath; vice-chair: P. De Baas.
1.104 businesses are already in our guideRegistered with the KKF? Put your business in the business directory for free, with contact details, opening hours and a map.
List your business for free
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to what entrepreneurs ask most often.
When is the KKF open?
Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00.
Where is the KKF?
The head office is at Gravenberchstraat 33 in Paramaribo. There are also offices in Paramaribo North, Kwatta, Pad van Wanica, Commewijne and Nickerie.
How do I reach the KKF?
Call +597 530311 or email chamber@kkf.sr.
What does an extract cost?
SRD 300. You need the company name or file number.
Can anyone request an extract?
Yes. The trade register is public.
How do I get an English extract?
Request it by phone or at the counter. Allow at least a week.
What does a name approval cost and how long is it valid?
SRD 300. The approval is valid for 3 months from the date of the letter.
Can someone else submit the name approval for me?
Yes, if your details are on the form and the person submitting it shows an ID card, driving licence or passport.
Does a sole proprietorship need a notary?
No. A sole proprietorship doesn't need a notarial deed; an NV, foundation, association or cooperative does.
What does the One Stop Window cost for a permit?
SRD 550, including the permit fee and other costs.
Which documents do I need for a permit?
Among other things passport photos, a tax clearance, an extract from the population register and a KKF extract. See the checklist on this page.
Can I arrange things online?
Yes, via the KKF E-Services: name approval, registering a sole proprietorship, extracts and permits.
Please note: this is not an official KKF website. SurinaamseGids.com summarises the information of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for entrepreneurs. Rules and rates can change: always check important matters with the KKF itself.
Last updated on 19 October 2026. Sources: surinamechamber.com (home), About the KKF, Information on legal forms and permits, Frequently asked questions, Laws, Contact and offices.