New Regulations on the Licensing of Petrol Stations have been enacted by way of Presidential Decree 173/23, of 25 August 2023. Below is an outline of the Regulations:

The operation of petrol stations in Angola is subject to license.

The license is issued by:

• The Petroleum Products Regulator (“Instituto Regulador dos Derivados do Petróleo”) if the storage capacity of the petrol station exceeds 200m3;
• The local administration (“Administração Municipal”) if the storage capacity is equal to or less than 200m3:
• The Petroleum Products Regulator is responsible for issuing the license in case of stations for self-use of one entity (not for commercial purposes).

The license application must describe the petrol station, its location, the products/services to be provided, and include the following documents:

• Company Registry Certificate of the applicant;
• Title document of the petrol station;
• “Responsibility Statement” to be issued by the company responsible for the petrol station design project;
• Insurance policy;
• Environmental permit.

An inspection is carried prior to issuance of the license. The inspection must be undertaken within 20 days of the respective application being filed.

Thereafter, regular inspections must be carried out every 2 years to assess the safety and technical conditions of the petrol station. In addition to the Petroleum Products Regulator staff, the inspections must involve the Firefighting, Health and Environment departments.

A fee is due for issuance of the license and inspections. The fee amounts are set forth in separate regulations.

The license is valid for a period of 20 years, except for “containerized petrol stations” where the duration is 5 years.

Construction of petrol stations is subject to a set of technical rules and specifications defined in applicable regulations.

The following events constitute a breach of the Regulations and are subject to penalties:

• Operation of a petrol station without license;
• Provision of services/supply of products not permitted by the license;
• Failing to comply with technical rules and specifications;
• Poor maintenance of the petrol station;
• Modification to the petrol station without prior authorization;
• Lack of insurance/expiration of the insurance policy.

Penalties may consist of fines to be imposed by the Petroleum Products Regulator between a minimum of 150 times the minimum salary and a maximum of 280 times. In addition, the license may be revoked or suspended.

The license is cancelled if operation of the petrol station does not commence within 180 days of the date of issuance, or in case such operation is interrupted for 90 days or more without justification.

The license is the only authorization required for operation of a petrol station, and the government departments cannot request any additional permit or document, including the Fire Safety Certificate and the Utilization Certificate

The previous Regulations (contained in Presidential Decree 173/13, of 30 October 2013) have been revoked.

Rui Amendoeira – OneLegal Partner

A Unanimous Approval

In an era where unanimous decisions in politics are rare, Timor-Leste’s National Parliament has made a remarkable move. On August 24th, 2023, the Parliament approved the Rectified State General Budget (OGE) for 2023, amounting to a total of $1.77 billion USD. But what does this unanimous decision signify for the nation?

The allocations within the budget provide a clear insight into the nation’s priorities:

• Economic Matters: $439.06 million USD
• A significant portion dedicated to stimulating economic growth and stability.
• Housing and Collective Infrastructures: $24.96 million USD
• Reflecting the importance of infrastructure development and housing for the citizens.
• Health: $94.41 million USD
• A testament to the government’s commitment to public health, especially in the wake of global health challenges.
• Education: $136.97 million USD
• Investing in the nation’s future by prioritizing education.
• Social Protection: $253.38 million USD

Ensuring that the vulnerable sections of society are protected and supported.

The Prime Minister’s Vision

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in his address, emphasized the IX Constitutional Government’s dedication to a fiscal policy that promotes economic development. He highlighted the importance of managing expenses and revenues scrupulously and efficiently. The aim? To restore and boost confidence, not just among the citizens but also among potential investors.

One of the notable aspects of the budget was the reduction in the authorized transfer from the Petroleum Fund. It moved from $1.35 billion to $1.21 billion USD. This decision is a clear indication of the government’s strategic and cautious approach to financial management, ensuring the fund’s longevity and sustainability for future generations.

Budgets are more than just numbers on paper. They are a reflection of a nation’s priorities, its vision for the future, and its strategy to get there. The unanimous approval of the 2023 Rectified Budget showcases a collective vision for Timor-Leste’s sustainable and prosperous future.

Timor-Leste stands at a pivotal juncture, with decisions made today shaping its trajectory for years to come. The 2023 Rectified Budget is a testament to the nation’s unity, foresight, and strategic planning. As we delve deeper into the specifics and implications of this budget, one thing is clear: Timor-Leste is on a path towards sustainable growth and prosperity.

Want to stay updated on Timor-Leste’s economic and political landscape? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular insights and analyses. Follow OneLegal on social media to stay updated on legislative news and business opportunities in Timor-Leste, Portugal, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, and Brazil, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Mónica Mendes da Silva, Advogada, Managing Partner da MDS Legal, Timor-Leste e OneLegal Partner.

The Regulations for the Licensing of Commercial Activities were enacted by way of Presidential Decree 172/23, of 23 August 2023. Below is an outline of the Regulations:

• The Regulations are applicable to any wholesale or retail commercial activities, including mercantile and commercial representative services, and any other miscellaneous commercial operations not subject to specific legislation;
• The Ministry of Commerce is the government department responsible for overseeing and setting the standards of commercial activities carried out in Angola;
• Commercial activities are divided in two categories:

1. High risk activities – those activities that pose potential harm to human health or safety, or to the environment, such as the sale of food, animals, fish, birds, medicines, automobiles, fuels, lubricants and chemical products.
2. Low risk activities – those activities that do not pose a potential harm to human health or safety, or to the environment, such as bookshops, printing shops, beauty salons, barbers, apparel stores, shoe stores, tailors and furniture shops.

• Low risk activities can be undertaken without any prior authorization or license by the Ministry of Commerce or any government entity. However, registration with a Ministry of Commerce electronic platform is required.
• High risk activities are subject to prior licensing by the Ministry of Commerce. A Single Commercial License is issued to that effect.
• Prior to issuing the Single Commercial License the Ministry of Commerce must carry out an inspection to the facilities of the applicant. In addition to a Ministry of Commerce representative, the inspection team is made of representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Civil Protection and Firefighting Service and other government departments as applicable. If the facilities are found to be in order, the Single Commercial License must be issued within 5 days of the inspection.
• The Single Commercial License is valid for an unlimited period of time.
• The Single Commercial License must be displayed in a visible area of the facility/shop.
• If the facility/shop is closed down, or activities are suspended for more than 130 days, the license holder must inform the Ministry of Commerce and the Single Commercial License is cancelled.
• Otherwise, the license can be cancelled or suspended in case its holder:

1. Is subject to a legal proceeding that results in being banned from carrying out commercial activities in Angola;
2. Is dissolved or subject to bankruptcy proceedings;
3. Is in breach of applicable pricing legislation;
4. Is in breach of its tax obligations;
5. Engages in activities not covered by the Single Commercial License;
6. Is subject to any precautionary measure under the commercial legislation.

• The Single Commercial License is the only document that allows its holder to carry out the activities covered by the license, and no additional document, license or authorization may be required by any government entity for the same activities.

Rui Amendoeira – OneLegal Partner

Following the Parliament authorization given by Laws 3/23, 4/23 and 5/23, dated 21 July 2023, the President of the Republic has enacted the package of tax incentives for Blocks 30, 44 and 45. This was done by way of Presidential Legislative Decree 2/23 (Block 30), 3/23 (Block 44) and 4/23 (Block 45), all dated 8 August 2023.

The tax incentives comprise the following:

• Petroleum Production Tax (Royalty) set at 8%
• Petroleum Income Tax (PIT) set at 25%
• 3-year depreciation (at 33.33% per year) for capex
• Allowance of an Investment Premium to be deducted against PIT

These incentives are subject to the following conditions:

• The distance between the Block and the production facility must be longer than 250km at the time the Risk Service Contract is signed;
• The water depth at which a well is drilled is greater than 2000 meters.

ANPG (the Angolan Petroleum Regulator) is responsible for informing the Ministry of Petroleum (MIREMPET) and the Ministry of Finance that the above conditions have been met.

The above tax incentives will be maintained in the event of any unitization, merger or joint development between Blocks 30, 44 and 45. In the event such unitization or joint development also involves other blocks, the tax regime of each block will apply.

Blocks 30, 44 and 45 are located deep offshore in the Namibe basin. ExxonMobil is the operator in all blocks with a 60% interest, with Sonangol P&P holding the remaining 40%. The tax incentives are intended to improve the economics of the blocks and incentivize work/investment in the largely unexplored Namibe basin.

These blocks were awarded to ExxonMobil and Sonangol P&P in 2019.

Rui Amendoeira – OneLegal Partner

By way of Order 9/23, of 3 August 2023, the Angolan Central Bank (BNA) has enacted a new Home Loan Regime. The new regime is mandatory to all “systemically important financial institutions” operating in Angola. The regime is optional for the other financial institutions.  

Below is an outline of the new Home Loan Regime:

• Commercial banks are required to adopt robust credit risk policies in providing home loans, which must include:
• Undertaking a rigorous evaluation of client’s credit worthiness before granting any loan;
• Assessing the risks related to the property, the seller, and the builder as applicable;
• Monitor the implementation of the house construction project, if applicable;
• During the term of the loan, identify any situations which may increase the risk of default and take appropriate measures to mitigate such risk.
• Annual interest rates for home loans cannot exceeded the following:

For home loans:

• 7% (seven per cent) until 31 May 2032;
• From 1 June 2032, the 30-day interbank interest rate with a maximum 1% spread.

For building/construction loans:

• 10% (ten per cent) until 31 May 2027;
• From 1 June 2027, the 30-day interbank interest rate with a maximum 1% spread.

Commissions and other costs charged by the banks are subject to the following limits:

• Initial commission for granting a loan – maximum 1% of the loan value;
• Commission for extending or restructuring the loan – maximum 0.5%;
• No commissions can be charged in case of early repayment of the loan;
• The following commissions/costs can be charged separately (in addition to the 1%/0.5% limit): property evaluation, fees of building inspector, notary and registration fees, insurance, and taxes applicable on the loan.

• Home loans cannot exceed Kz 100.000.000,00 (roughly USD 120,000) per client. Only one loan can be granted per property;
• The maximum loan term is 30 (thirty) years;
• The loan cannot exceed 100% (one hundred per cent) of the purchase price or the property value, whichever is lower;
• The banks may require guarantors for the loan as they see fit;
• Information on home loan eligibility, and terms and conditions must be clearly displayed by the banks in their websites;
• The banks must submit to BNA a list of home loans granted/restructured on a monthly basis.

The granting of home loans is further subject to existing applicable legislation, including BNA Orders 14/16, of 7 September 2016, 4/19, of 26 April 2019 and 7/20, of 20 April 2020.

Rui Amendoeira – OneLegal Partner

By way of Presidential Decree 158/23, of 28 July 2023, certain project-specific transfer pricing rules have been approved for the New Gas Consortium. Under these rules, the New Gas Consortium is excluded from the general Transfer Pricing Regime (contained in Presidential Decree 147/13, of 1 October 2013) as regards the following transactions:

• Natural gas (including condensate and natural gas liquids) sales from the New Gas Consortium to Angola LNG Limited;
• Services provided by the Angola LNG project companies to the New Gas Consortium for the handling, storage, lifting and exportation of condensate.

These transactions are exempt from the Transfer Pricing Regime, and so their commercial terms cannot suffer any adjustments/corrections by the Angolan tax authorities under such Regime.

Other transactions or operations engaged by the New Gas Consortium which are not contemplated under (i) and (ii) above will be subject to the Transfer Pricing Regime.

However, the New Gas Consortium is under the obligation to prepare and submit to the tax authority the Transfer Pricing File and information required under the Transfer Pricing Regime, including as regards the exempt transactions described under (i) and (ii).

The New Gas Consortium is Angola’s first non-associated gas development project. In Phase 1 of the project the gas will come from the Block 2 Quiluma and Maboqueiro (Q&M) fields to supply the Angola LNG plant. First gas is expected in the second half of 2026, and plateau production is estimated to reach 300 mmscfd. Several new gas assets are planned to be developed in subsequent phases of the project in addition to the Q&M fields.

The project is operated by Azule Energy, the Eni/BP joint venture, with a 37.4% interest, and the consortium also includes Chevron (31%), Sonangol P&P (19.8%) and TotalEnergies (11.8%).

Rui Amendoeira – OneLegal Partner