Investor Residence Authorization

Timor-Leste's Investor Residence Authorization enables foreign investors to obtain temporary and permanent residence through qualifying capital investment. The program is administered by TradeInvest Timor-Leste, a government agency that serves as a one-stop-shop for investment promotion and registration, coordinating all required authorizations, visas, and licenses. The minimum investment is $1,500,000 with at least 50% in cash. Qualifying investors receive generous tax exemptions of up to 10 years and a faster path to permanent residence (3 years versus the standard 12 years). In October 2025, Timor-Leste became the 11th member state of ASEAN, bringing it into the ASEAN Economic Community and Comprehensive Investment Agreement framework.

• Minimum capital investment of $1,500,000 (at least 50% in cash)
• For joint ventures where Timorese nationals hold 75%+ of voting shares: minimum $750,000 (at least 10% in cash)
• Investment must be registered and certified through TradeInvest's administrative procedure
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Must not have criminal convictions exceeding 1 year imprisonment
• Medical fitness certificate (physical and psychological)
• Valid passport with 6+ months validity

For the Investor's Certificate (TradeInvest):

• Investment project proposal
• Company registration documents
• Proof of capital
• Business plan

For the Visa to Establish Residence (Immigration):

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Proof of financial means
• Accommodation declaration
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin or residence
• Medical fitness certificate
• Company ownership documentation

The process begins with a Visa to Establish Residence (single-entry, valid 6 months), used to enter the country and apply for a temporary residence permit. The temporary residence permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for identical periods. Permanent residence is available after 3 consecutive years of legal residence, subject to economic criteria. Under the general immigration framework, permanent residence otherwise requires 12 consecutive years of legal residence. The permanent residence card is renewed every 5 years as an administrative formality.

Qualifying investors receive substantial tax benefits:

• 100% income tax exemption for 5 years (standard zones), 8 years (rural areas), or 10 years (peripheral areas)
• 100% customs import duty exemption on capital goods for equivalent periods
• Road infrastructure expenses benefiting workers are tax-deductible

Standard tax rates apply after the exemption period: flat 10% personal income tax for residents present 183+ days per year, and 10% corporate income tax.

The investor residence provisions cover shareholders holding at least 10% of the investing company's shares. Family reunification for dependants of residence permit holders is available under the general immigration framework, which allows immediate family members to apply for residence permits. Dependants must independently demonstrate a clean criminal record and physical and psychological fitness.

The Investor's Certificate automatically grants:

• A minimum of 5 work visas for foreign workers in supervisory, directing, or technical functions necessary for the investment project
• Coordination of all required authorizations, registrations, and licenses
• Specified tax and customs incentives

The State may lease State-owned property to Investor's Certificate holders for up to 50 years, renewable once. Note that under the Constitution, only citizens may own land — foreigners can access property through leases or other arrangements.

The pathway involves two agencies. First, submit an investment project application to TradeInvest Timor-Leste, which reviews it and presents it to the Private Investment Commission. TradeInvest should issue investment decisions within 30 days. Upon approval, TradeInvest issues an Investor's Certificate documenting investment obligations, job creation targets, training plans, and all granted incentives.

With the certificate in hand, apply for a Visa to Establish Residence at a Timor-Leste embassy or the Department of Consular Affairs in Dili ($50 fee). After entry, apply for the temporary residence permit at the Immigration Service in Dili ($40 new application, $25 per renewal; permanent residence costs $100). The Investor's Certificate processing fee is $2,000 for foreign investors.

• The Visa to Establish Residence cannot be obtained at border posts — it must be applied for in advance at diplomatic missions or the Department of Consular Affairs
• The residence permit may restrict the holder's residence to a specific region for up to 5 years
• The Investor's Certificate may be revoked if the investor fails to meet the obligations specified in it, including job creation targets and vocational training plans for Timorese workers
• Foreign companies can own up to 100% of shares in most sectors, except petroleum and media communications
• Overstay fines apply: $150–$300 for up to 30 days, $230–$350 for 31–90 days, $350–$580 for overstays exceeding 90 days