The following overview outlines the typical costs associated with creating and maintaining a standard private limited company (Sociedade por Quotas, Lda.) in Timor-Leste, based strictly on the most recent available data for 2025. This includes both initial company formation expenses and average annual maintenance costs, with all amounts presented in US dollars (USD).
Company Formation Costs in Timor-Leste (2025)
Establishing a standard Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in Timor-Leste involves a modest upfront investment. The primary formation costs are summarized in the table below:
| Cost Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | $250 |
| Business registration fee (Serviço de Registo e Notariado) | $100 |
| Total Average Formation Cost | $350 |
The minimum capital requirement represents legal capital that must be deposited during setup. The registration fee is paid to the national registry and notary service.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
Ongoing operation of a Lda. company in Timor-Leste includes license renewal and basic accounting obligations. Depending on the size and complexity of the business, annual costs may vary:
| Maintenance Item | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Annual business license renewal | $100 |
| Basic accounting services (estimated) | $400 |
| Total Estimated Range* | $100 – $500 |
*Annual accounting requirements may be less for very small companies but can approach the upper end for entities with moderate accounting activity.
Costs for audit, extraordinary compliance, or other professional services are not included here due to lack of public pricing information. The above ranges reflect standard operational scenarios as observed by official sources.
Summary Table: Company Creation & Maintenance Costs (USD)
| Category | Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Minimum capital | $250 |
| Registration fee | $100 | |
| Annual Maintenance | License renewal | $100 |
| Basic accounting | $400 | |
| Total Formation | $350 | |
| Total Annual Maintenance | $100 – $500 |
Pro Tips for Company Registration and Cost Management
- Confirm current minimum capital and registration fees with the Serviço de Registo e Notariado prior to application, as government schedules can occasionally change.
- Negotiate fixed-price arrangements with local accountants, especially if your company has low transaction volume. Clarify all required filings upfront to avoid hidden charges.
- Budget for annual business license renewal well in advance. Failure to renew on time may result in penalties or operational delays.
- Keep all corporate documents and receipts meticulously organized; this will streamline ongoing compliance and reduce accounting fees.
Key Sources
- servicos.gov.tl (Government of Timor-Leste)
- investtimorleste.gov.tl (Investment Authority Timor-Leste)
Setting up and maintaining a company in Timor-Leste is relatively cost-effective, particularly when compared to many regional markets. The main recurring expenses to monitor carefully are license renewals and accounting fees. As with any jurisdiction, staying up to date with local administrative requirements is essential for avoiding unnecessary costs and ensuring business continuity.