Immigration
Visas and residence under the 2017 Migration and Asylum Act
Law No. 11/2017 governs entry, visas, residence and asylum. The Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior issues permits, and work permits are coordinated with the labour authorities.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National. Administered by the Immigration Service, Ministry of Interior.
- Deadline — Residence permit renewals should be filed before expiry; overstaying attracts fines and possible removal
Governing law
- Migration and Asylum Act (Law No. 11/2017) — entry, stay, removal and refugee protection
In practice
The Act provides classes of visa for tourism, business, work and study, with work visas requiring an employment contract and, in most cases, a work permit issued under the labour legislation. Nationals of a number of states can obtain a visa on arrival at Dili airport for short visits. Permanent residence becomes available after a qualifying period of lawful residence. The Act also contains the domestic framework for refugee status determination, reflecting Timor-Leste's accession to the Refugee Convention. Removal decisions are subject to judicial challenge in the district courts.