The IUDN was created and operates based on a set of legal instruments that define its structure, autonomy, and operating rules. Among the main framework instruments, the following stand out:
1. Creation Decree-Law, which establishes the Institute, its nature, and its objectives.
2. Provisional Statutes, which organize the internal functioning, competences, resources, and teaching and research activities.
3. Regime of the indirect administration of the State, applicable to entities of this nature, under the terms of Decree-Law No. 30/2020, of July 29.
4. Higher education legislation, especially on matters of evaluation, accreditation, and recognition of diplomas and academic degrees.
5. Public finance regulations, which frame the financing and budgetary management, guaranteeing financial and patrimonial autonomy under legal terms.
6. Internal regulations, which detail the management model, the organization of work, and the functioning of the teaching and research system.
This framework ensures IUDN’s administrative, financial, academic, and scientific autonomy, consistent with Timor-Leste’s public policies on defense and higher education.