Macau is China’s Special Administrative Region. However, when it comes to immigration policy, it retains its own visa and control system. Read on to find out about the types of visas needed to travel, live and work in Macau.
Visitor visa for Macau
Citizens of most countries can travel to Macau visa-free for various periods of time. Depending on your country of origin, you will be allowed to stay in Macau for a period of 14 to 180 days. Citizens of some countries require a pre-arrival visa to Macau (Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam), while some countries' citizens can get their visas on arrival. For more details on the visitor visa for Macau, read Travelling to Macau.
Work permit for Macau
If you wish to stay longer and find a job in Macau, you will need to apply for a work permit, also known as the 'blue card'. It is recommended that you start looking for an employer prior to arriving in Macau ' however, understandably, this is not always possible. Alternatively, you can arrive in Macau as a visitor and start looking for employment on site. Once you've secured a position, you can apply for a working permit. Here's what you will need:
- Passport
- Birth certificate (copy)
- Criminal record from the country of permanent residence
- Five photos
- Employment contract including all the important information like employment period, work title, description of job duties, salary, etc.. Note that your remuneration should be adequate to the position and the country's labour market. The hiring company will also need to present proof of the lack of qualified personnel to fill the position locally.
- Proof of professional qualification (diploma, certificates, etc.)
- Job description (separate from employment contract)
- License and business registration of the hiring company
- Proof of relationship, if you have dependents travelling with you
While you await your work permit (the process may take from three to six months from the date of the application), you can apply for a temporary residence permit. You will need to make an appointment at the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and go through an interview and screening process that will check your eligibility for temporary residence.
Important:
The aforementioned list of documents is for reference only. Contact your nearest PRC Consulate or Embassy for updated information.
Temporary residence in Macau
As mentioned above, you can apply for a temporary work permit if you've been hired by a local or international company in Macau. Other instances when a temporary residence permit can be granted include residing in Macau based on an investment you make into the region's economy or as an immediate relative (spouse or child) of someone living in Macau ' whether a Macau national or someone with a temporary residence permit in Macau.
The process for applying for a temporary residence permit is similar for all cases. You will need to start with an appointment at the IPIM. All applicants must come in person or authorise a representative with the power of attorney to come on their behalf. To schedule an appointment, you will need:
- A valid ID
- Documentary proof of the purpose of your residence in Macau (investment, work, family, etc.)
On the date of your appointment, you will need to arrive on time with the following documents:
- Duly filled in application form
- Two copies of your passport
- Criminal record
- Non-resident Worker ID (if applicable)
- Recent photo
- Proof of relationship with accompanying dependents
Depending on the purpose of your residency, you will need to provide employment documentation (job offer, description of duties and remuneration, proof of qualifications, etc.) or investment documentation (investment proposal, proof of funds, original of Business Registration Certificate, copy of the Business Registration Tax, list of salaries for taxed, lease for business premise, documentary proof of business operation, your CV, etc.).
Important:
The list of documents and procedures above is for reference only ' please consult your nearest PRC Embassy or Consulate.
Useful links:
Macau Government Tourism Office
Macau Public Security Police Force
Macau Visa HQ, passport & visa services
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
