Temporary/ Permanent Resident Permit : Immigration Service of Timor-Leste

Organization : Immigration Department
Type of Facility : Temporary/ Permanent Resident Permit
Country: Timor-Leste

Website : http://migracao.gov.tl/?page_id=66

Temporary/ Permanent Resident Permit :

Important Note:
Foreigners are unable to apply for and be granted a Resident Permit unless they have first been granted the Visa to Establish Residence, or are granted family reunification as immediate family of a person granted a Resident permit.

Related : Immigration Service of Timor-Leste Work Visa/ Permit : www.statusin.org/10061.html

Foreigners who have been granted that visa may then apply to the Immigration Service in Dili for a Residence Permit.

Criteria:
The applicant must:
** Possess a Visa to Establish Residence (where applying for the first resident permit)
** Demonstrate that s(he) does not have a criminal or police record.
** Be physically present in the country

Additional criteria for grant of Permanent Residence:
** Must have been a legal resident in the country for at least 12 consecutive years
** Must not have been sentenced for criminal offences to a prison term(s) that, separately or cumulatively, exceed(s) one year, during the residence period

Conditions:
Temporary Residence:
Valid for 2 years from the date of issue, renewable for the same period

Permanent Residence:
No time limit to the period of residence

Permit card must be renewed every 5 years

Fee::
Temporary Residence:
** New application – US$40
** Renewal – US$25

Permanent Residence:
** New application – US$100
** Renewal – US$25

Application Form: http://migracao.gov.tl/?page_id=119

Place of Application:
Please note – Resident Permits cannot be applied for or granted on arrival at a border post.

Applications can only be made within Timor-Leste:
** Applications must be submitted by persons within the country directly to the Immigration Service in Dili, Timor Leste.

Place of Grant:
Immigration Service in Dili, Timor Leste.

FAQ :
I am the holder of a Portuguese passport. Do I need to apply for a Visa on arrival or before I travel if I am travelling as a tourist?
** No. According to the terms of a bilateral agreement between Timor-Leste and Portugal, Portuguese nationals of good health and character who present a Portuguese passport on arrival and who seek to enter for tourism are exempted from having to obtain a Class 1 visa on arrival.

** They may stay up to 90 days from the date of arrival, and have the same status as the holder of a Class 1 Tourist Visa.
** The stay period may be extended up to a further 90 days after arrival on application to the Department of Immigration, where that further stay is justified on exceptional grounds.

** Ministry of JusticeMinistry of Justice
** Courts of Timor-LesteCourts of Timor-Leste
** Government Results PortalGovernment Results Portal
** Timor-Leste KOICATimor-Leste KOICA

I have overstayed my visa. Will there be a penalty?
Yes. You should contact the Immigration Service to regularize your status as soon as possible. Do not let the situation wait longer than necessary. Article 116 of the Migration and Asylum Law 2003 provides the following fines per person for those who have overstayed their visa in Timor Leste :

a) US$ 70 to US$ 150, if the overstay period does not exceed 30 days;
b) US$ 150 to US$ 270, if the overstay period exceeds 30 days, but is less than 90 days;
c) US$ 270 to US$ 500, if the overstay period exceeds 90 days.
** Visa extensions cannot be authorized without proof of payment of any applicable fine for overstay.
Important Note : Fines may be levied upon departure from the country.

Can I work on a Class 1 Tourist Visa?
** Generally not. The visa is for tourism, family visits, and for business visits. It is not designed for work as an employee, and work of this kind is not permitted to holders of this class of visa. Those wishing to visit Timor Leste on business (e.g., to explore business opportunities, conduct negotiations etc.), may enter and stay for this purpose on a Class I visa. Persons wishing to work in Timor Leste should apply for the appropriate Work Permit or Residence visa.