DILI, 17 March 2026 (TATOLI) — The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste on Monday launched a new Commercial and Industrial Licensing Information System aimed at improving transparency, accelerating licensing procedures and strengthening oversight of business activities in Timor-Leste.
The system was launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Filipus Nino Pereira, together with Jorge Serrano, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste, and representatives of partner institutions.
Businesses can register through the online platform at www.lic.mci.gov.tl
Speaking at the launch event in Dili, Minister Pereira said the system aims to simplify licensing procedures, making them faster and more transparent.
“We already have a general licensing regime for economic activities, in which SERVE [Business Registration and Verification Service] is responsible for the registration and verification of documents. However, there are other important processes, such as pre-inspections and periodic inspections, which are carried out to ensure that companies use their licenses correctly and responsibly,” he said.
Pereira said the number of domestic and foreign companies opening businesses in the country has increased in recent years, including construction materials stores. However, authorities have identified some companies operating outside the activities authorized in their licenses.
The new system will help authorities strengthen oversight and classify economic activities according to risk levels — low, medium and high, he said.
“With this system we can ensure that economic activities do not harm the business environment, which we are currently trying to make more productive and competitive,” he added.
The platform will also allow registration procedures, document verification and the issuance of licensing certificates to be carried out online.
“This digital system makes it easier for companies and the private sector to process documents and obtain licensing certificates through an online platform,” Pereira said.
The minister said regulations governing the system have already entered into force and that the government has prepared staff and support systems “to provide better services to entrepreneurs.”
Serrano said the system represents a positive step toward simplifying business registration through digital tools.
“We observe a simpler process that may make sectoral licensing faster, especially in the commerce and industry sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director-General of Commerce Elias de Jesus said the platform will help authorities identify and classify companies that require sectoral licensing, simplifying the process of application, review and approval of licenses.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
