Business Visa Class II

Timor-Leste's Business Visa Class II (Visto de Negócios Classe II, VNG2) is the country's primary immigration pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who intend to establish and operate commercial enterprises. The visa targets foreign nationals who will act as members or administrators of commercial companies registered with SERVE (Serviço de Registo e Verificação Empresarial), Timor-Leste's official business registration authority. Unlike the Investor Residence Authorization which requires a minimum investment of $1,500,000, the Business Visa Class II has no minimum capital threshold and is designed for entrepreneurs who want to actively manage businesses in Timor-Leste.

• Must intend to pursue business activities as a member or administrator of a commercial company registered or to be registered with SERVE
• Must stay or intend to stay in Timor-Leste for more than 183 days per year
• Proof of financial means (general entry requires $100 per entry plus $50 per day of stay)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Medical fitness certificate (physical and psychological)
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin or country of residence (if resided there for more than 1 year)

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Proof of financial means
• Return transportation ticket or equivalent
• Accommodation declaration
• Documentation justifying the purpose and conditions of stay
• Certified copy of commercial company registration (or documentation of pending registration with SERVE)
• Economic activity authorization
• Tax payment certificate from the company
• Medical fitness certificate
• Criminal record certificate
• Passport-sized photograph

The initial visa is valid for 6 months with multiple entries permitted. Extensions are granted for 2-year periods at a fee of $150 per extension. Renewal requires: effective registration of the commercial company with SERVE, continuous compliance with legal obligations applicable to commercial companies, and physical presence in Timor-Leste for at least 183 days per year. The visa does not directly lead to permanent residence — holders seeking permanent status must apply separately, which requires 12 consecutive years of legal residence or 6 years holding a temporary residence permit.

Dependants do not receive automatic visa rights with the principal applicant. Family members must apply separately for temporary stay visas, with validity periods matching the main visa holder's stay. For longer-term arrangements, dependants may apply for residence permits under the general immigration framework's family reunification provisions.

Individuals present in Timor-Leste for 183 days or more in any 12-month period are considered tax residents and are subject to income tax on worldwide income at a flat rate of 10%. Corporate income tax is also 10%.

All visa holders must maintain a registered commercial company with SERVE and comply with all applicable commercial legislation. Companies must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the National Directorate of Domestic Revenue and file annual tax returns. At least one company director must hold a Work Visa or Permanent Residence visa. Company registration requires paid share capital: minimum $1 for sole traders, $5,000–$500,000 for limited liability companies (Lda.), and minimum $50,000 for joint stock companies (S.A.). Foreign companies can own up to 100% of shares in most sectors, except petroleum and media communications where foreign ownership is restricted.

Applications submitted before arrival are lodged at Timor-Leste embassies or consulates abroad, or at the Department of Consular Affairs in Dili. Applications after arrival are submitted directly to the Department of Consular Affairs in Dili. The initial issuance fee is $150. Currently, the Department of Consular Affairs issues a visa authorization letter rather than a visa sticker, and Immigration Service staff stamp the passport upon arrival. The granting of business visas depends on a substantiated opinion from governmental bodies supervising private investment and employment, which must be issued within 15 days — failure to respond within this period is deemed a favorable opinion. Note that significant processing delays have been reported, with some applications waiting over a year.

• Business visas cannot be obtained at border posts upon arrival — they must be applied for in advance
• Under the Timor-Leste Constitution, only citizens may own land; foreigners may access property through leases
• The requirement that at least one board member hold a Work Visa or Permanent Residence visa means a sole foreign founder may need to appoint a locally-resident director
• Overstay fines apply in tiers: $70–$150 for up to 30 days, $150–$270 for 31–90 days, $270–$500 for overstays exceeding 90 days