Starting a business in Timor-Leste requires proper legal registration to operate lawfully and access benefits like tax IDs and credit facilities. This guide outlines how to register a business in Timor-Leste, from name approval to licensing.
Step 1: Reserve a Company Name
Start by submitting the Certificate of Uniqueness of Company Name form at the Public Registry Department.
🕓 Processing Time: Maximum 2 days
This step ensures no other business has registered the same or a confusingly similar name.
Step 2: Submit Business Registration Application
Complete and submit the Application for Business Registration form along with all required documents. These include:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- ID of each shareholder
- Proof of share capital
- Power of attorney (if applicable)
- Proof of residency for at least one administrator
- Company office address (must include a map)
If shareholders are companies, additional documents must be notarised, legalised, and translated into Portuguese or Tetum.
Step 3: Receive Receipt and Wait for Certificate
Once the documents are verified, you’ll receive a Receipt indicating:
- Type of registration requested
- Return date for collecting the Business Registration Certificate
📄 Certificate is typically ready in 5 working days.
Step 4: Apply for a TIN
After registration, apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) at:
📍 National Directorate of Domestic Revenue
Ministry of Finance, Colmera, Dili
📞 Tel: +670 333 9646
📧 Email: [email protected]
💸 No cost to obtain a TIN
Step 5: Request a Business License
Apply for a Business License from:
📍 National Directorate for Domestic Commerce
Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry
Fomento Building, Mandarin, Dili
This license is essential before legally starting operations.
Required Documents
- Certificate of Uniqueness of Company Name
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- ID and civil status proof of each shareholder
- Proof of share capital (cash or in-kind)
- TIN of each shareholder
- Proof of residence for at least one administrator
- Office address and location map
- Notarised and translated foreign documents (if applicable)
- Power of attorney (if representative is applying)
Company Types & Capital Requirements
- Unipessoal Lda.: 1 shareholder, US$5,000–500,000 capital
- Lda.: 2–30 shareholders, US$5,000–500,000 capital
- S.A.: ≥3 shareholders, min. US$50,000 capital
Note: Companies above US$500,000 must register as S.A.
Office Contact Information
Ministry of Justice
📍 Avenida Jacinto Cândido, Dili – Timor-Leste
📧 [email protected] / [email protected]
📞 Tel: (+670) 7730-5734
Public Registry Department
📍 Beside Dili District Court, Mandarin, Dili
📧 [email protected]
📞 (+670) 77230056 / (+670) 3322454
⏰ Submission Hours: Mon–Thu, 8:30am – 12:00pm
Fees
While specific registration fees are not publicly listed, they may vary based on company type and services required. The application for a TIN is free.
Validity
- Business registration certificate remains valid unless amended or dissolved
- Business licenses and TINs may need periodic renewal
Benefits of Business Registration
✅ Legal operation in Timor-Leste
✅ Access to bank credit and government services
✅ Protection for owners and employees under commercial law
✅ Taxpayer compliance and national recognition
Helpful Resources
📄 Business Registration Pamphlet – English PDF
🌐 Ministry of Justice – National Directorate of Registry and Notary
