Macau
Macao SAR visa guide
- 8 visa types
- checked 24 October 2026
How visas for Macau work
Macao SAR has its own immigration system, run by the Public Security Police Force (PSP) under Law No. 16/2021 and Administrative Regulation No. 38/2021. Nationals of 88 countries are exempt from a visa and entry permit and receive an Authorization to Stay at the border, normally up to 30 days, with longer or shorter limits for some passports in the PSP table. Other nationals use a visa upon arrival, prior authorisation or a Macao visa from a Chinese mission. Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the planned stay and show means of subsistence starting at MOP 5,000 for stays of up to seven days.
Longer stays are not visas but separate authorisations. Students at higher education institutions obtain a Special Authorization to Stay from the PSP. Foreign employees work under an employment authorisation issued to their employer by the Labour Affairs Bureau and carry a Non-resident Worker's Identification Card. Residence Authorization, which leads to a Macao resident identity card, is granted to family members of residents, to talents selected under Law No. 7/2023 and to investors through the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM).
After seven consecutive years of ordinary residence, a non-Chinese resident can apply to the Identification Services Bureau for permanent resident status once their declaration of domicile is approved. Time spent as a non-resident worker does not count. Macao has a national refugee procedure under Law No. 1/2004, in which a Refugee Commission works with UNHCR and the Chief Executive decides.
Which visa do I need?
Holiday, family visit or short business trip: no visa if your nationality is on the PSP exemption list (usually up to 30 days); otherwise a visa upon arrival, prior authorisation or a visa from a Chinese mission. Need a few more days for a justified reason such as illness: extension of the Authorization to Stay, up to 90 accumulated days. Enrolled at a Macao university: Special Authorization to Stay for non-resident students.
Job offer from a Macao employer: the employer obtains an employment authorisation and you get a Non-resident Worker's card. Highly qualified professional, recognised expert or shortage-occupation professional: the talent recruitment programmes, which lead to residence. Investor with a significant project: IPIM temporary residency. Married to a Macao resident: Residence Authorization for family reunion. Seven consecutive years of residence: permanent resident identity card.
Visa types for Macau
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Visa and entry permit exemption (Authorization to Stay, usually up to 30 days)
Nationals of 88 countries are exempt from a visa and entry permit for Macao SAR and are granted an Authorization to Stay at the border, normally up to 30 days.
Maximum stay: Usually up to 30 days per entry; some passports get longer or shorter limits
Business and self-employment
- Investor visa Temporary residency for major investment or major investment plans (IPIM, Administrative Regulation No. 3/2005)
The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) handles temporary residency for holders of major investments or major investment plans that benefit Macao, under Administrative Regulation No.
Validity: Normally 3 years, renewable; 18 months renewable once for major investment plans under assessment
Study and training
- Student visa Special Authorization to Stay for non-resident students
Macao has no student visa as such.
Validity: Until the end date of the programme, within the limits of passport validity
Work
- Work visa Employment of non-resident workers: employment authorisation and Non-resident Worker's Identification Card
Foreigners work in Macao as non-resident workers under Law No.
Validity: In line with the period approved in the employment authorisation - Skilled worker visa Talent recruitment programmes under Law No. 7/2023 (high-end talents, outstanding talents, advanced professionals)
Since 1 July 2023 Macao recruits talent through three programmes under Law No.
Family
- Family reunification visa Residence Authorization on the basis of family reunion
A foreigner who marries a Macao resident can apply to the Public Security Police Force for Residence Authorization on the basis of family reunion, which leads to a Macao resident identity card.
Processing time: Depends on the individual application
Residence
- Permanent residence Macao permanent resident status (Permanent Resident Identity Card)
A non-permanent Macao resident of foreign nationality can become a permanent resident after ordinarily residing in Macao for seven consecutive years.
Asylum and international protection
- Asylum and international protection Recognition of refugee status under Law No. 1/2004
Macao SAR applies the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol through Law No.
Processing time: First interview within 5 days; investigation 30 days, extendable up to one year; proposal within 10 days
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Macao?
Not if you are a national of one of the 88 countries on the PSP exemption list; you are normally granted up to 30 days on arrival. Other nationals need a visa upon arrival, prior authorisation or a Macao visa from a Chinese mission.
Is a Hong Kong or Chinese visa needed for Macao?
No. Macao SAR applies its own entry rules, separate from those of Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland; a Hong Kong or Chinese visa neither replaces nor is required for Macao entry.
How much money must I show at the Macao border?
At least MOP 5,000 for stays of up to seven days, MOP 10,000 for up to 14 days, MOP 15,000 for up to 21 days and MOP 20,000 for longer stays.
Can I work in Macao as a visitor?
No. Work requires an employment authorisation obtained by a Macao employer from the Labour Affairs Bureau, followed by a worker's Authorization to Stay from the PSP.
What is the fine for overstaying in Macao?
MOP 500 to 800 per day of overstay, up to MOP 15,000, payable within 10 working days. Longer or repeated overstays can lead to deportation and an entry ban.
Does working in Macao for seven years give permanent residence?
Not as a non-resident worker. Holders of a Non-resident Worker's card are considered to be staying, not residing, in Macao, so the years do not count.
Embassies and consulates
Last checked 24 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.