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CARICOM Skills Certificate in Suriname
How to apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate (also called the CSME Skills Certificate) in Suriname, with the office to apply to, who qualifies, and what you need.
Where to apply in Suriname
Office: Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment
Apply through the Free Movement of Skills unit at the Ministry of Labour in Paramaribo.
Search your government website for “Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment” to confirm the current requirements.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a CARICOM national in one of the 12 approved categories of skilled workers:
- University graduates (now includes associate degrees, two A-levels or CAPE)
- Artistes
- Musicians
- Media workers
- Sportspersons
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Artisans (with a CARICOM Vocational Qualification, CVQ Level 2)
- Holders of associate degrees
- Domestic workers (with a CVQ Level 2)
- Agricultural workers
- Private security officers
How to apply in Suriname
Confirm you qualify
Check that you fall into one of the twelve approved categories of skilled CARICOM nationals. Your supporting documents depend on your category.
Contact the Ministry first
Suriname publishes little online, so contact the Ministry of Labour at Wagenwegstraat 22 in Paramaribo to confirm the current form, document list and fee before you gather anything.
Gather your documents
The known requirements are listed below. Note that your passport bio page copy must be signed by a Justice of the Peace.
- The police report must cover the country where you have lived for the last three years.
- Ask your professional ministry or body for the letter confirming you are registered in your field. It goes in with copies of your qualifications.
Submit and confirm the fee
Submit your application to the Free Movement of Skills unit and confirm the cost at that point, since no fee is published.
Wait for processing and collect
Allow several weeks for verification, then collect your certificate when notified.
Use it abroad
When you arrive in another member state, present the certificate to immigration for an initial six-month entry stamp. You can begin work immediately, then receive an indefinite stay stamp once that country's competent authority verifies the certificate. Spouses and dependants enjoy the same rights to live and work with you.
- Travel with your original qualification documents and a fresh Police Certificate of Character. The receiving country will want them for verification.
Documents required in Suriname
- Letter from the relevant Ministry confirming you are registered in your field, with copies of your qualifications
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Copy of your passport bio-data page, signed by a Justice of the Peace
- Police report for the country where you have lived for the last three years
Good to know
- Suriname does not publish a fee online. Confirm the current cost with the Ministry.
CARICOM Skills Certificate in other countries
Travelling for your application?
If you need to travel to another CARICOM country for your application or to start work, we can sort your flights, a place to stay and your transfers in one booking.