Timor-Leste: immigration

What is the population of Timor-Leste?

Timor-Leste had an estimated 1,418,517 people in 2025, up from 1,400,638 in 2024, according to the World Bank, based on UN estimates that start from the national census.

The last census was held in 2022 by the National Institute of Statistics, which has published thematic reports on its results, including one on migration, on its website. Estimates between censuses project the census count forward using births, deaths and migration.

Official sources: World Bank: Population, Timor-Leste · INETL

Do I need a visa for Timor-Leste?

A tourist visa for Timor-Leste costs US$30, paid in cash, and allows a single entry and a 30-day stay that can be extended once for 30 days, according to the Migration Service's tourist visa page. It can be obtained on arrival at official border posts by air, land or sea.

Citizens of Schengen Area countries can visit without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period, and citizens of several ASEAN member states for up to 30 days, according to the visa exemptions page. People previously refused entry or with unpaid fines must apply before travelling.

Official sources: Migration Service: Tourist Visa · Migration Service: Visa exemptions

How many foreigners live in Timor-Leste?

10.5 thousand residents of Timor-Leste were born abroad in 2022, 0.8% of the population of 1.341 million, according to INETL's Population and Housing Census 2022 main report. 4.1 thousand, or 0.3%, held another country's citizenship.

Indonesia was the birthplace of 73.6% of the foreign-born, China of 7.5%, and Portugal and former Portuguese colonies together of 8.2%. 60.4% of the foreign-born lived in Dili. Foreign diplomatic staff and military personnel were outside the scope of the census.

Official sources: INETL: Population and Housing Census 2022 Main Report (PDF)

What share of Timor-Leste's population are immigrants?

0.6%: that is the share of people born abroad in Timor-Leste for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 0.7% in 2015. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.1%; Timor-Leste is 20th highest of 30. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 166th highest.

What is net migration in Timor-Leste?

-2,550: that is net migration in Timor-Leste for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -5,620 (2023) to 3,942 (2019). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was -373, and Timor-Leste placed 20th highest of 30. World rank, highest first: 100th of 193.

How many refugees does Timor-Leste host?

In 2015, the number of refugees in the country in Timor-Leste was 0, according to UNHCR. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. It is 17th highest of 18 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 910. Worldwide: 162nd of 165.

How many refugees have fled Timor-Leste?

15: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Timor-Leste for 2025, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0 (2023) to 251 (2005). East Asia & Pacific median: 73; Timor-Leste is 22nd highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 172nd of 189.

How much are remittances to Timor-Leste?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Timor-Leste was 10.0% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2006 was 2009, at 15.6% of GDP; its low point was 2006, at 0.8% of GDP. It is 3rd highest of 15 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.2% of GDP. Worldwide: 16th of 127.