Timor-Leste moves to make electronic payments mandatory for economic operators
DILI, 28 October 2026 (TATOLI) – The Government has approved a draft law requiring economic operators to offer electronic payment options and accept digital transactions, aiming to improve payment security, transparency and efficiency in Timor-Leste.
The draft Decree-Law on the Legal Framework for the Use of Electronic Payment Instruments in the Conduct of Economic Activities was presented by the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), Hélder Lopes during the meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.
“The Decree-Law imposes an obligation on economic operators to provide electronic payment instruments and to accept electronic payments, with a view to promoting the efficiency, security, transparency and traceability of transactions, as well as the development and use of the national payment system,” said in a statement.
The scheme covers operators of economic activities throughout the country, payment service providers authorised by the BCTL, the public administration and other public bodies, whilst providing for exceptions for street traders and for activities carried out in remote areas where the technical, technological or infrastructural conditions necessary for the use of these instruments do not exist.
“The operators covered by the scheme have a period of six months to comply with the new obligations, with the legislation coming into force on the first day of the month following its publication,” the statement concluded.
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