Timor-Leste Visa Documents Checklist
Timor-Leste visas are handled by the Migration Service (Serviço de Migração) at migracao.gov.tl. This page covers the visa and permit forms and documents — not passports, which are not handled on that site. Verified against the Migration Service, October 2026.
The 15-second answer
There are four fillable PDF forms: the Visa Application Form (one form shared by six visa types), the Visa Extension Application Form, the Special Stay Authorization form, and the Residence Permit form. Most visa applications also need the same core set: a travel document, a colour photo 3×4 cm on a plain background, proof of funds, a return ticket, accommodation evidence and documents on the purpose of stay.
The four forms
| Form | Used for |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Form | Shared by six types: Tourist, Transit, Work, Business Class I and II, Visa to Establish Residence, and Temporary Stay Visa. |
| Visa Extension Application Form | To apply to extend a visa. |
| Special Stay Authorization | A two-part form and cover form for a new application or an extension. |
| Residence Permit Form | Temporary and Permanent Resident Permits (new and renewal), Family Reunification, data alteration, and replacement card. |
All four are published as fillable PDFs on the Migration Service forms page.
Documents common to most visas
- Travel document and a copy, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Colour photograph, 3×4 cm, on a plain background.
- Documentary evidence of means of subsistence (see the funds rule below).
- Return ticket or other means of departure from Timor-Leste.
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements.
- Documents justifying the purpose or conditions of stay.
- Any additional evidence justifying the grant of the visa.
The Migration Service notes that where copies are lodged with the originals, the copies need not be certified externally — the Immigration Officer certifies them free of charge at lodgement. Extra notarial or certification steps are required only where specifically indicated.
Fees by visa type
| Visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tourist | US$30, paid in US$ cash |
| Transit | US$20, paid in cash on application |
| Business Class 1 | US$100 (new and extension) |
| Business Class 2 | US$150 (new and extension) |
| Work | US$100 (initial and extension) |
| Temporary Stay | US$50 (initial and extension) |
| Visa to Establish Residence | US$50, paid in cash |
| Special Stay Authorization | Fee-free |
The funds rule (Article 15)
Under Article 15 of the Law on Migration & Asylum, an applicant must show sufficient funds of US$100 for each entry into the country and US$50 for each day of stay. This can be waived on presentation of a term of responsibility (sponsorship) guaranteeing food and accommodation, given by a national citizen, a residence-permit holder, a diplomatic or consular card holder, a work or business visa holder, a residence-visa or Special Stay Authorization holder, or a registered corporate body in Timor-Leste.
Extending a visa
- Extensions are governed by Articles 50–54 of the Law on Migration & Asylum (11/2017).
- Apply at least 15 days before the visa expires; a properly lodged application within that window suspends the counting of the current visa's validity during processing.
- An extension can be considered even where not normally permitted, but only in exceptional circumstances outside the applicant's control.
Special Stay Authorization and work/study documents
- Special Stay Authorization (for government, UN, accredited international organisation or cooperation-programme contractors) is lodged at the Migration Service headquarters in Vila Verde, Dili, is fee-free, and requires a photo with a red background, the travel document plus a copy of the last visa, a copy of the contract, and a letter from the entity.
- Work and study/specialised visas add items such as a certified copy of the contract, qualifications or evidence of professional skills, the employing company's tax payment certificate, a medical certificate, and a criminal record from the country of origin and any country where you have lived more than a year.
The photograph
Most visas use a colour photo, 3×4 cm, on a plain background (the Special Stay Authorization uses a red background). For preparing a photo, see the photo size chart and the passport photo checker; the at-home photo guide and rejection reasons guide cover common problems.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a Timor-Leste visa?
Most visas need a travel document (valid at least 6 months) and copy, a colour photo 3x4 cm on a plain background, evidence of sufficient funds, a return ticket, accommodation evidence, and documents on the purpose of stay. Extra items apply to work, study and business visas.
What are the Timor-Leste visa forms?
There are four fillable PDFs: the Visa Application Form (shared by six visa types), the Visa Extension Application Form, the Special Stay Authorization form, and the Residence Permit form.
How much is a Timor-Leste visa?
Tourist US$30, Transit US$20, Business Class 1 US$100, Business Class 2 US$150, Work US$100, Temporary Stay US$50, and Visa to Establish Residence US$50. The Special Stay Authorization is fee-free.
How much money do I need to show for a Timor-Leste visa?
Under Article 15 of the Law on Migration & Asylum, US$100 for each entry and US$50 for each day of stay, which can be waived with a sponsorship (term of responsibility) guaranteeing food and accommodation.
How do I extend a Timor-Leste visa?
Apply at least 15 days before expiry; a properly lodged application within that window suspends the counting of the current visa's validity while it is processed. Extensions are governed by Articles 50-54 of the Law on Migration & Asylum (11/2017).
What photo does a Timor-Leste visa need?
A colour photograph, 3x4 cm, on a plain background for most visas; the Special Stay Authorization requires a photo with a red background.
Does this cover Timor-Leste passports?
No. The Migration Service site covers visas and permits and has no passport section, so this checklist is about visa and permit documents only.
For the tourist route in more detail, see the Timor-Leste tourist visa checklist. Browse the checklists hub for other countries.
All checklists → Tourist visa detail →
Source note: the four forms, the common document set, the fees per visa type, the Article 15 funds rule, the 15-day extension window and the Special Stay Authorization requirements are from the Timor-Leste Migration Service, migracao.gov.tl/wp/forms/ and its visa pages (migracao.gov.tl/wp/visas-permits/ and the individual visa and permit pages) (checked October 2026). The site covers visas and permits and has no passport section.