Registering an NGO or association in Timor-Leste
Civil society in Timor-Leste is organised under several legal forms. Picking the right one early saves years of paperwork later, and funders will ask which one you are.
The common forms
- Association (associação) / NGO — a non-profit with statutes, a general assembly and a board, registered with the Ministry of Justice; most national NGOs use this form.
- Foundation (fundação) — an endowment-based non-profit, less common, used by funders and legacy institutions.
- International NGO — registered abroad, operating in Timor-Leste under an agreement and a local registration.
- Cooperative — member-owned enterprise for producers, savings groups and services.
- Informal community group — women's groups, youth groups, suco committees. No registration needed to appear on Society of Timor, but funders usually require a registered partner to hold money.
What every organisation should have from day one
- Statutes and a named board — funders ask for both.
- A bank account in the organisation's name (BNCTL, BNU, Mandiri…), never a person's.
- A cash book with receipts from the first dollar. Society of Timor gives you one that posts to real accounts.
- A tax identification number (TIN) — needed to receive grants and to employ people.
This is general information, not legal advice. FONGTIL, the national NGO forum, and the Ministry of Justice registration desk are the authoritative sources.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and donor rules change — for registration or a grant agreement, check with FONGTIL, the Ministry of Justice or your funder.