Nationality of Timor-Leste: all obtaining pathways
Timor-Leste requires ten years of habitual residence for ordinary naturalization, and five years of marriage plus two of residence on the spousal route. Nationality is acquired from origin by descent, and there is a discretionary route for services relevant to the country.
1Nationality from origin (descent)
Nationality from origin (descent)
Requirements
- Child of a Timorese father or mother (Law No. 9/2002 on Nationality, arts. 3-4)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parent's nationality document
2Nationality by naturalization
Nationality by naturalization
Requirements
- Habitual and regular resident in Timor-Leste for at least TEN (10) years
- SPEAKING one of the official languages (Tetum or Portuguese) and knowing Timorese history and culture (art. 13 of Law 9/2002 and Regulation DL 1/2004)
Documentation
- Application with the documents required by DL 1/2004 (National Directorate of Registries and Notary Services, Ministry of Justice)
3Nationality by marriage
Nationality by marriage
Requirements
- Married to a Timorese national for more than FIVE (5) years and resident in the national territory for at least TWO (2) years (official Ministry of Justice guidance)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of residence (2 years)
- Language/history certificate as laid down by DL 1/2004
4Naturalization for relevant services
Naturalization for relevant services
Requirements
- Grant by the National Parliament for services relevant to Timor-Leste (art. 13 of Law 9/2002), subject to registration with the NDNR
Documentation
- File of the parliamentary act and the registry record
5Adoption
Adoption
Requirements
- Adopted by a Timorese national in line with the law — acquisition by adoption with registration (DL 1/2004, chapter on acquisition by adoption)
Documentation
- Adoption order
- Adoptive parent's documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Timor-Leste
How many years of residence does Timor-Leste require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Timor-Leste (Nationality by naturalization), the term is 10 years of habitual residence. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Timor-Leste be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Nationality by marriage pathway (5 years of marriage + 2 of residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Timor-Leste require?
The Nationality by naturalization pathway requires: Application with the documents required by DL 1/2004 (National Directorate of Registries and Notary Services, Ministry of Justice).
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste provides 5 pathways: Nationality from origin, Nationality by naturalization, Nationality by marriage, Naturalization for relevant services, Adoption.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Timor-Leste?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Timor-Leste, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.