The visa procedures are subject to change anytime due to the epidemic situation. If you are interested in applying, please consult with our professional consultants before applying.

As of June 2nd, 2021, the steps to obtain an employment visa in Macao are as follows:

1. The applicant must apply for a work permit at the Labour Affairs Bureau. Note: non-residents who wish to engage in activities for self-profit in Macao are required to apply for a work permit. This also applies to visa-exempt countries whose nationals may, under normal circumstances, remain visa-free in Macao for 30 to 180 days.
2. Once the permit is approved, the applicant must then apply for an Authorization to Stay at the Residence and Stay Affairs Department.
3. Due to the control measures taken against the Novel Coronavirus, currently all foreigners are prohibited from entering Macao. However, a foreigner can apply for an exemption if they meet the eligibility criteria. Application can be made to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Bureau.

Note: An application can be made in person or by a legal representative. No applications are presently accepted by mail or online. The legal representative is required to submit:

1. A certified letter of authorization
2. Copy of his/her valid identification document (the original should be exhibited for authentication)

Application Documents for a Work Permit

1. Form “Application of Work Permit for Execution of Self-Profit Activity by Non-Resident”;
2. Photocopy of the applicant’s identification document;
3. Supporting documents of the activities carried out by the applicant, for example, recommendation letters, certificate of work from previous employers, stating job title and job nature, etc. (documents written in other languages must be translated into Chinese, English or Portuguese);
4. Photocopy of documents proving the applicant’s economic capability to live in Macao (e.g. proof of income, bank deposit proof of the last three months, etc.);
5. Photocopy of the last quarter receipt of the mandatory contributions payment to the Social Security Fund and photocopy of the receipt of the non-resident worker(s) employment fee payment related to the establishment operated by the applicant
6. Photocopy of identification document (front and back) of local worker(s) currently hired by the applicant, with address, contact number, monthly salary, date of job commencement, job position written on

Application Documents for an Authorization to Stay

Initial Examination

1. A completed application form and a copy of it
2. Copy of valid passport / travel document / identification document used for entry to and departure from Macao
3. 1 recent colour photo of 1.5-inch, full face, no-hat, white-background
4. Copy of other certificates or documents (specifically named in the "employment authorization" written instruction)

Final Examination (in-person)

If the application is approved, the "self-employed" is required to be fingerprinted and submit the following:

1. Copy of the initially approved "application form"
2. 1 recent colour photo of 1.5-inch, full face, no-hat, white-background
3. A completed "Declaration of Identification"

Upon completion of the procedure, the Subdivision will grant the "Authorization to Stay”. The "self-employed" can bring the valid identification document used to apply for the “Authorization to Stay” and register in person for the Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel) at the designated locations.

Application System and Documents for Entry Exemption by Foreign Nationals (During Covid-19)

1. Online application: 衛生局 (ssm.gov.mo)
2. Basic personal information
3. Travel document information
4. Work permit
5. Evidence of Authorization of Stay
6. Evidence of stay in Mainland China for at least 21 consecutive days

Handling fees and processing time

Due to the increased complexity of the application during the pandemic, our fee for handling the Macao employment visa is USD1,950. An additional USD450 will be charged for each dependent visa.

The normal total processing time for the above applications is usually 45 to 65 days (upon submission of a complete file). However, the on-going pandemic does not allow us to provide an accurate estimation of the required processing time.