Timor-Leste backs draft law to require digital payment acceptance
Businesses covered by the proposal would have six months to comply, while exemptions would apply to street traders and some remote-area activities.
Timor-Leste’s government approved a draft law on 28 October 2026 that would oblige economic operators to offer customers electronic payment methods and accept digital transactions. A government statement said the proposal seeks greater security, transparency and efficiency in payments.
Under the proposed framework, operators would be given six months to meet the requirements. The legislation would become effective at the start of the month after it is published, according to the statement.
Its scope extends nationwide to economic operators, alongside payment providers authorised by the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL). Public administration and other public bodies are also covered. Exemptions are provided for street traders and economic activities in remote locations lacking the technical capacity, technology or infrastructure needed for electronic payments.
Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, presented the draft to the Council of Ministers with BCTL Governor Hélder Lopes. The government said the measure also aims to make transactions more traceable and encourage wider use and development of the national payment system.
