As you establish your business in Timor-Leste, you will likely employ both Timorese citizens and non-nationals from other countries. You may even want to send some employees from your parent company abroad to help with the transition. Your international workers will need Timor-Leste work permits and visas with the appropriate documentation to work in the country.
Types of Work Visas in Timor-Leste
Nonnationals have three options for business-related visas in Timor-Leste:
- Business visas (Class I): This visa option is applicable if you will be conducting short-term business in Timor-Leste and will be in the country for a limited time for business-related reasons. To apply for a long-term visa for business, you will first need to enter the country with a Class I visa.
- Work visas: Employees who plan to work and live in Timor-Leste will need to apply for this visa.
- Cultural, Scientific, Sporting, or Media (Class IV) visas: This option only applies to nonnationals who work in the specific fields listed.
Requirements to Obtain Timor-Leste Work Visas
As a nonnational, you will need to provide some key documentation as part of the Timor-Leste work visa application:
- A visa application form from your country’s embassy or through Timor-Leste’s Immigration Services
- Proof of accommodation in the country
- Proof that you have adequate funds to live in Timor-Leste
- Payment to cover your visa fee
- Any applicable documents that prove why you will be in Timor-Leste, such as an employment contract
Keep in mind that the requirements for your application will depend on the consulate or embassy through which you apply. Make sure you’ve researched the requirements for your specific country’s embassy.
Application Process
Because visa requirements can differ from country to country, you’ll want to start by locating the nearest Timor-Leste consulate office. Once you’ve found the appropriate office, follow these steps:
- Find out from your embassy or consulate office what documentation you need to include in your application.
- Gather and submit the necessary documentation and pay your visa fee, which is about USD 30. Remember that you’ll need to apply for a short-term business visa before obtaining a long-term one.
- Wait for approval of your application.
- Once you’ve received authorization, your visa will be valid for one year. You can apply for a long-term employment visa after you’ve entered the country at the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dili.
Other Important Considerations
If you want to extend your stay beyond your visa terms, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires at the Immigration Service Offices in Dili.
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also be able to obtain a short-term visa upon arrival in Timor-Leste. However, some embassies’ information regarding upon arrival visas differs from Timor-Leste’s official guidelines. For this reason, it’s best to be prepared with a work visa before you fly out. You can also consult with your local embassy for more information.
Partner With Globalization Partners
When you work with Globalization Partners, we’ll manage the most complex factors of employing a global workforce. Reach out to our team to get more information on how we can manage your business’s requirements and ensure compliance in Timor-Leste.