Timor-LesteWork

Timor-Leste work visa

Work Visa

In short

The Work Visa allows a foreigner to enter and work for an employer in Timor-Leste under an employment or service contract, or to volunteer for more than 120 days a year. It costs USD 100, is valid up to one year with multiple entries and can be renewed for equal periods. Processing takes up to 30 working days, half of which is for the labour authority SEFOPE.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to one year, renewable for equal periods
Validity
Multiple entry
Fee
US$100Initial application; extension also USD 100, paid in cash.
Processing time
Up to 30 working days (15 for SEFOPE, 15 for the Migration Service)
Work
Only with the specified employer in the specified role
Family
Dependent relatives can apply for a Temporary Stay Visa
Path to permanent residence
Five years of legal stay on work, business or temporary stay visas can lead to a Temporary Resident Permit
Where to apply
In person in Dili or at a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate abroad

Who qualifies

The visa is for foreigners who will pursue a professional activity for hire or reward under an employment contract or a contract for services, and for volunteers working more than 120 days a year (shorter volunteering uses the Temporary Stay Visa). The applicant must hold a valid travel document, be of good character and health, and have complied with earlier visas. The employer and the job must be legitimate, and the employment conditions must satisfy labour law as certified by SEFOPE, the employment authority that reviews work visa applications.

Where to apply and processing

Apply in person at the client service counter of the Migration Service in the Interior Ministry headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili, or at a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate before arrival. The USD 100 fee is paid in cash on application. Processing takes up to 30 working days: 15 for SEFOPE to assess the employment and 15 for the Migration Service.

  1. Sign an employment or service contract with an employer in Timor-Leste.
  2. Gather the personal documents and the employer documents listed by the Migration Service.
  3. Lodge the application in person in Dili or at a Timor-Leste embassy or consulate and pay USD 100 in cash.
  4. Wait up to 30 working days for the SEFOPE assessment and the Migration Service decision.
  5. Work only in the approved role and report any changes within 60 days; renew before expiry.

Forms

Conditions while working

You may work only for the specified employer in the specified role. If you stay longer than six months, notify the Migration Service within 60 calendar days of any change of employer or role (to seek permission), the end of employment (for cancellation of the visa and confirmation of departure), a change of address, name or nationality.

Renewal and family

The visa can be extended for equal periods of up to one year for USD 100 each time. Apply at least 15 days before expiry so that the current visa does not run out while the extension is processed. Relatives dependent on a work visa holder apply for a Temporary Stay Visa with the same validity; they may not work.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Travel document and copy
  • Criminal record from the country of origin and any country of residence over one year

Money

  • Evidence of means of subsistence, accommodation and a return ticket or other means of departure

Work

  • Certified copy of the employment or service contract, or the volunteer agreement
  • Qualifications or other evidence of skills relevant to the position
  • Employer's tax payment certificate; commercial registration and authorisation for economic activity if applicable

Other

  • 3x4 cm colour photo on a plain background and the work visa application form
  • Medical certificate confirming good health

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Timor-Leste work visa take?

Up to 30 working days: 15 for SEFOPE and 15 for the Migration Service.

How much does it cost?

USD 100 for the initial application and USD 100 for each extension, paid in cash.

Can I change employer?

Only with the permission of the Migration Service; notify it within 60 days of the change.

I work for a government programme or the UN. Which visa applies?

Staff directly engaged by Timorese state institutions, the UN, accredited international organisations, bilateral cooperation programmes or registered NGOs can obtain a free Special Stay Authorization instead.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Timor-Leste

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the study period, extendable by six months

Family

Residence

Protection

Timor-Leste visa guide