Relations between Timor-Leste and Germany are cordial. Since the UN Transitional Administration of 1999, Timor-Leste has received extensive assistance (approximately 67 million euro) from Germany for nation-building. After achieving independence on 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was recognised by Germany under international law. Germany has had an honorary consul in Dili since 2022, and the German ambassador in Jakarta is also accredited in Timor-Leste.

The German Government took the decision to end bilateral state development cooperation with Timor-Leste. Projects were concluded in early 2023 and handed over to partners in Timor-Leste. Engagement in development cooperation continues through non-state, European and multilateral channels, in particular churches, the EU and global initiatives such as the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF/OCHA), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF).

Since 2007, Germany has invited a number of journalists from Timor-Leste to attend further education seminars in Germany and Indonesia. Students from Timor-Leste have been able to study in Germany on German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships since 2002.

Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN in 2025 makes it possible to support the country even more than before by including it in project cooperation with ASEAN.