Moving to United States from Timor-Leste

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Timor-Leste to United States? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Timor-Leste to United States, and you’d need to navigate life in English. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

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Who Else Is Making This Move?

What the data shows about people moving from Timor-Leste to United States.

Moved in 2018
3 ↑ 200% vs 2017

people moved from Timor-Leste to United States · OECD (latest data available)

Who's moving to United States?

Top countries of origin for United States's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in United States compared to Timor-Leste.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

TL
4.1
US
6.4
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

TL
12.0
US
14.2

Timor-Leste performs better than United States across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

TL
$461
US
$13,473
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

TL
7.7
US
36.1

Timor-Leste generally does better on health & wellbeing, though United States leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

TL
61.0
US
14.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

TL
0.5t
US
13.6t

Timor-Leste generally does better on environment, though United States leads in air pollution deaths.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

TL
0.0
US
37.8
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

TL
28.3%
US
28.2%

United States performs significantly better than Timor-Leste across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

TL
1.5%
US
3.6%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

TL
$4,600
US
$73,600

United States generally does better on employment & economy, though Timor-Leste leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

TL
69.9 yrs
US
80.6 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

TL
33.7
US
5.2

United States performs significantly better than Timor-Leste across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Timor-Leste and United States. To live, work, or study long-term in United States, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check United States's immigration authority.

Timor-Leste passport

Timor-Leste passport holder visiting United States

Visa Required
Timor-Leste passport holders need a visa to enter United States.
United States passport

United States passport holder visiting Timor-Leste

Visa on Arrival
United States passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Timor-Leste.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from United States?

Connectivity is usually fine (United States: 37.8 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does United States offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is United States safe for expats?

Timor-Leste performs better than United States across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in United States is 6.4 per 100,000 people, compared to 4.1 in Timor-Leste.

How is healthcare in United States compared to Timor-Leste?

Timor-Leste generally does better on health & wellbeing, though United States leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 36.1 doctors per 10,000 people in United States, compared to 7.7 in Timor-Leste. United States scores 86 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Timor-Leste: 52).

What language do they speak in United States?

The official language in United States is English. In Timor-Leste, the official languages are Portuguese and Tetum.

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At a Glance

TL US
Population 1,445,006 337,341,954
Currency United States Dollar ($) United States Dollar ($)
Languages Portuguese, Tetum English
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +670 +1
Time zones 1 11
Emergency number 911