A suture device includes a needle operating device movable longitudinally with respect to a housing between at least an insertion position and a needle transfer position. The needle operating device includes an elongate operating element arranged extending from a distal end of the housing to or near a housing proximal end. A needle holder connected at a distal end of the operating element holds two or more needles, with free ends directed in proximal direction. The holder is movable with respect to a protection device between at least a protecting position shielding the free ends, and a non-protecting position for the same. A needle receive device at a distal end of the housing receives the free ends when the operating device is moved to the transfer position. In at least the insertion position the holder and the protection device are spaced longitudinally from the housing to receive a tissue therebetween.