Major Investment Temporary Residency

Macao's Major Investment Temporary Residency programme allows non-local investors who make substantial investments in industries beneficial to Macao's economy to obtain temporary residence in the Special Administrative Region. Administered by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), the programme is established under Administrative Regulation No. 3/2005. It targets investors in sectors that promote economic diversification, technological advancement, and labour market development. After seven consecutive years of habitual residence, holders may apply for permanent residency.

Note: Real estate investment applications have been suspended since 2007. The programme is open only to new major investment applicants through IPIM.

• Non-local natural person (foreign national or non-Macao resident) who has made, or holds a plan under assessment for, a major investment in Macao
• Investment must benefit industries contributing to Macao's economic diversification (gaming and related industries are generally not favoured)
• No fixed minimum statutory threshold; IPIM applies an internal reference of approximately MOP 13 million (around USD 1.6 million)
• Must demonstrate the feasibility and economic benefit of the investment project, including contribution to Macao's labour market and technological advancement
• Mainland Chinese citizens must hold a valid third-country residence right
• No specific educational qualifications or minimum income required

• Investment proposal with feasibility documentation
• Profit and loss statements and balance sheets for the most recent two years (if applicable)
• Proof of funds from a Macao-based credit institution (company deposits, passbook, monthly statements, credit documents)
• Business operations documents (signed agreements or contracts, product photos and catalogues, photos of business establishment, fiscal reports, valid business licence)
• Criminal record certificate from the applicant's country of nationality (issued within six months; notarised if from China)
• Macao Identification Bureau criminal record certificate (valid within three months)
• Completed temporary residency application form
• Guarantee documents (bank guarantee or surety from a Macao permanent resident or locally headquartered legal entity)

Applicants with an already-made major investment receive a permit valid for up to 3 years. Those with an investment plan still under assessment receive up to 18 months. Permits are renewable by filing a renewal application with IPIM before expiry, provided the applicant demonstrates continued compliance and maintenance of the investment. After seven consecutive years of habitual residence, holders may apply for permanent residency — this is not automatic and requires demonstrating habitual residence throughout the period.

The applicant may include their spouse, the parents of both the applicant and spouse, and the dependent minor children of both — covering up to three generations. Dependants aged 16 and above must provide criminal record certificates from their place of residence for the preceding two years. All dependants receive temporary residence permits with the same validity period as the main applicant.

Macao has no personal income tax. Professional (salaries) tax applies at progressive rates of 7–12% on employment or self-employment income sourced in Macao. Complementary tax (profits tax) applies at 12% on business profits above MOP 600,000. There is no capital gains tax and no VAT or GST. Businesses operating as Group A taxpayers must maintain detailed accounting records and file complementary tax returns annually.

1. Book an appointment via IPIM's Online Appointment Booking System at ipim.gov.mo or by contacting IPIM directly.
2. Submit the application in person at IPIM's Legal Affairs Division (1/F–3/F, Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform, Rua Sul de Entre Lagos, Macao). IPIM does not charge fees for the assessment.
3. IPIM review: IPIM assesses the application against published criteria and may request additional documents, pausing the 45-day processing clock during any such period.
4. CPSP processing: If approved, IPIM forwards the case to the Public Security Police Force (CPSP) Residence Subdivision for formal issuance of the temporary residence permit.
5. Biometric registration: The applicant visits CPSP (Immigration Building, Travessa Um do Cais de Pac On, Taipa) to complete biometric registration and receive the Macao Non-permanent Resident Identity Card.