MacauResidence

Macao permanent residence

Macao permanent resident status (Permanent Resident Identity Card)

In short

A non-permanent Macao resident of foreign nationality can become a permanent resident after ordinarily residing in Macao for seven consecutive years. The application is made to the Identification Services Bureau (DSI), after the declaration of domicile in Macao under Article 8 of Law No. 8/1999 has been approved. Years spent as a non-resident worker or visitor do not count.

Apply on Identification Services Bureau – Resident Identity Card applications checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Work
Yes, as a Macao resident
Where to apply
At the Identification Services Bureau in Macao

Who qualifies

You must have ordinarily resided in Macao for seven consecutive years immediately before applying. Holders of Residence Authorization, for example through family reunion, the talent programmes or IPIM, show that their authorisation has been renewed for seven consecutive years. Foreign nationals, including Portuguese citizens, may apply for the card only after their declaration of domicile in Macao under Article 8 of Law No. 8/1999 has been approved.

Holders of a Non-resident Worker's Identification Card are only staying in Macao, so their years of work do not count. Letting a Residence Authorization lapse by missing the renewal deadline extinguishes it and wipes out the time accumulated towards permanent status.

Proof required

The DSI asks for proof of seven consecutive years of ordinary residence. If your stay depends on a Residence Authorization, you provide a notification letter from the PSP, or a confirmation declaration from IPIM if your residence was obtained through IPIM, stating that the authorisation was renewed for seven consecutive years. Advanced professionals under Law No. 7/2023 provide valid documents from the Talent Development Committee confirming their residence authorisation.

Required documents

Identity

  • Macao (non-permanent) resident identity card and passport

Other

  • Proof of seven consecutive years of ordinary residence
  • PSP notification letter or IPIM confirmation declaration that the Residence Authorization was renewed for seven consecutive years
  • Approved declaration of domicile under Article 8 of Law No. 8/1999

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Advanced professionals: Talent Development Committee documents

Steps with the PSP, IPIM and DSI

Keep renewing your Residence Authorization on time throughout the seven years. IPIM residents apply in person at IPIM, before their permit expires, for the confirmation declaration covering seven years, with documents issued after the seven-year mark. Then file the declaration of domicile and, once it is approved, apply at a DSI service counter for the permanent resident identity card, after obtaining a number tag or appointment.

  1. Keep a valid Residence Authorization and renew it in the correct window every time.
  2. Live in Macao habitually, at least 183 days a year where that rule applies to you.
  3. After seven years, obtain the PSP notification letter or IPIM confirmation declaration.
  4. File the declaration of domicile in Macao and wait for approval.
  5. Book a DSI appointment and apply for the permanent resident identity card.

Keeping permanent status

When a foreign permanent resident renews the identity card more than three years after the last issue, the DSI asks for proof of ordinary residence in Macao since that issue, such as proof of work, commercial registration, tax payments or school attendance, to check compliance with Article 2(2) of Law No. 8/1999. Long absences can therefore affect the status of foreign permanent residents.

Frequently asked questions

How many years until Macao permanent residence?

Seven consecutive years of ordinary residence immediately before the application.

Do years as a non-resident worker count?

No. Non-resident workers are considered to be staying, not residing, in Macao.

What is the declaration of domicile?

Foreign nationals with seven years of ordinary residence must have a declaration of domicile in Macao approved under Article 8 of Law No. 8/1999 before applying for the permanent card.

What if I miss a renewal of my Residence Authorization?

If it is not renewed in time it is extinguished, and you lose the time counted towards permanent status.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Macau

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Usually up to 30 days per entry; some passports get longer or shorter limits

Business and self-employment

  • Investor visa Validity: Normally 3 years, renewable; 18 months renewable once for major investment plans under assessment

Study and training

  • Student visa Validity: Until the end date of the programme, within the limits of passport validity

Work

Family

Protection

Macau visa guide