Registering a Company in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste is a Southeast Asian Island nation with one of the youngest populations. Timor-Leste, which is located between Indonesia and Australia, is experiencing rapid development and economic growth, which is why the government has implemented various subsidy schemes to attract inward investment. As a result, registering a company in Timor-Leste is relatively simple; all that is required is a visit to the Timor-Leste Business Registration Agency (SERVE), where all registration procedures can be completed.

If you intend to register a company in Timor-Leste, this article will provide you with detailed information on the three key steps to registering a company to assist you in starting up your business smoothly.

Step 1: Learn About Timor-Leste’s Laws and Regulations

The first step in registering a company in Timor-Leste is to become thoroughly familiar with the country’s laws and regulations. Timor-Leste’s business environment is strictly governed by the government’s laws, regulations, and regulatory policies. To begin, you must select a business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or branch.

Then you must ensure that the company’s business plan complies with Timor-Leste regulations. You will also need information on tax policies, labour regulations, and intellectual property laws to ensure that your business is operating legally.

But first, you must understand the conditions that must be met to register a company in Timor-Leste. These include the number of shareholders, executive residency requirements, shareholder civil status, and whether you already have a registered office.

Establishing a company in Timor-Leste is more than just registering a company; it entails several legal and regulatory procedures that necessitate the assistance of a team of consultants.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documents and Materials

Once you have familiarized yourself with the laws and regulations of Timor-Leste, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents and materials to complete the company registration. Before that, the applicant must deposit the required amount in the bank. According to the Timor-Leste Company Law, the shareholders or founders are free to determine the requirements related to the company’s capital. The minimum amount that must be deposited by the shareholders is US$1 or more. Usually, it takes only one working day for the applicant to deposit the money in the bank.
You will need to provide the following documents:

Articles of Incorporation
Address and lease agreement of the company or registered office
Proof of identity of the company’s directors and shareholders
Biographical details of the directors and shareholders of the company
A copy of the company’s financial plan or a copy relating to the operation of the business (power of attorney)
Company name and trademark
Foreigners’ visas and passports
Documents proving that the company’s capital has been deposited.
Ensure that your documents are complete and meet Timor-Leste’s regulatory requirements to avoid unnecessary delays and problems.

Step 3: Submit the Registration Application and Pay the Fees

Finally, you must submit your registration application to Timor-Leste’s commercial registry and pay the applicable registration fees. You must fill out and submit the company registration application form, attach the necessary documents and materials, and pay the applicable fees. When your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration, indicating that your company has been officially incorporated. Please keep in mind that registration fees and processing times may vary depending on the type of business and the circumstances.

Contact 3E Accounting for Assistance

Finally, forming a company in Timor-Leste can provide you with numerous business opportunities, particularly in local tourism, oil and gas, and agriculture.

Finally, forming a company in Timor-Leste can provide you with numerous business opportunities, particularly in local tourism, oil and gas, and agriculture. 3E Accounting can assist you in gaining an in-depth understanding of the regulations, preparing the necessary documents and materials, and following the correct procedures for submitting your application, allowing you to successfully register a company operating in Timor-Leste in the shortest possible time and succeed in this promising market. We hope you find these three key steps useful and wish you the best of luck on your business trip to Timor-Leste!

Registering a Company in Timor-Leste