Starting a Business in Timor-Leste

BUSINESSREGISTRATION

Sana Hosseini

7/15/20251 min read

Starting a business in Timor-Leste has been made easier with the establishment of a one-stop shop, SERVE (Serviço de Registo e Verificação Empresarial), which handles company registration and business licensing.

Starting a business in Timor-Leste has been made easier with the establishment of a one-stop shop, SERVE (Serviço de Registo e Verificação Empresarial), which handles company registration and business licensing. The process involves several steps, from choosing a business structure to obtaining necessary permits and complying with post-registration requirements. For detailed information on business registration, please refer to the Business Registration section.

Foreign investors can benefit from various government incentives, including tax benefits and import duty exemptions, particularly for businesses contributing to priority sectors. It is advisable to explore available incentive schemes and seek professional advice to maximise benefits and ensure compliance.

Forming partnerships with local entities or agents can often be beneficial, and in some industries, local participation may be required due to regulatory constraints. Thorough due diligence is recommended when selecting a local partner to ensure reliability and contractual clarity.

For comprehensive details on business registration, taxation, and visa requirements, please refer to their respective dedicated sections on this website.

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