Talent Recruitment Residence Permit

Macao's Talent Recruitment Residence Permit enables foreign nationals with exceptional abilities or outstanding professional expertise to obtain residence in the Special Administrative Region without requiring local employment. Established under Law No. 7/2023 (The Legal System for Talent Recruitment), which took effect on 1 July 2023, the programme is administered by the Talent Development Committee (CDQQ) and targets high-achievers who can contribute to Macao's economic diversification under the government's "1+4" strategy — tourism as the anchor industry, plus big health, modern finance, high technology, and culture/sports.

The permit covers two self-sponsored tiers: High-end Talents (those with internationally recognized outstanding achievements) and Outstanding Talents (outstanding professionals in priority industries). A third tier — Advanced Professionals — requires a local employer and is out of scope here. Applications are processed in rounds with defined windows, not on a rolling basis.

High-end Talents

• Must hold an internationally recognized achievement, title, or award — examples include Nobel Prize, Olympic medal, Fields Medal, Pulitzer Prize, or an equivalent accolade
• Or have made a significant contribution acknowledged at an international level
• No local employment required

Outstanding Talents

• Must possess professional experience and technical skills relevant to Macao's priority industries (big health, modern finance, high technology, culture and sports)
• Must demonstrate outstanding performance in their profession or industry
• No local employment required, but activities must match the qualifications and criteria under which the application was approved

Both tiers are open to all nationalities. There is no minimum income or salary requirement for either tier.

• Valid travel document (passport)
• Proof of achievements or qualifications (awards, credentials, professional certifications)
• Criminal record certificate
• Additional supporting documents as specified by CDQQ for each application round (published on the e-application platform)

High-end Talents receive a residence authorization of up to 5 years, renewable for the same or a shorter period. Outstanding Talents receive up to 3 years, renewable. Neither tier requires habitual residence in Macao for renewal purposes, offering flexibility for international travel. Late renewal fees apply: MOP 2,000 in the first 30 days and MOP 5,000 in the last 30 days of the grace period. Renewal must be applied for within the first 60 days of the 120-day window before expiry; failure to renew extinguishes the authorization and resets accumulated time toward permanent residency. Permanent residency may be pursued after 7 consecutive years of habitual residence (at least 183 days per year in Macao).

Spouse and children may be included in the principal applicant's application. Dependants of High-end and Outstanding Talents benefit from the same habitual residence exemptions as the principal applicant for maintenance and renewal of their residence authorization. Dependants receive a Macao Non-permanent Resident Identity Card and enjoy the same rights and social welfare as Macao residents.

Successful applicants and enterprises in which they hold more than 50% of the capital may qualify for: exemption from stamp duty on real estate purchased for business use; exemption from property tax on business real estate; exemption from complementary tax (profits tax); and reduction of professional (salaries) tax. Macao's maximum profits tax rate is 12%. Macao has no personal income tax.

1. Wait for an application round. The Macao SAR government opens application windows periodically, publishing eligible professions, priority sectors, and evaluation criteria for each round.
2. Register and apply online via the Talent Recruitment Programme E-application Platform (trplatform.cdqq.gov.mo) during the designated window.
3. CDQQ review: Specialized groups within CDQQ compile a preliminary selection list. The Talent Recruitment Review Committee (CAQQ) evaluates candidates based on Macao's economic and social development needs and produces a recommended introduction list.
4. CPSP verification: The Public Security Police Force verifies applicant identity and provides its opinion.
5. Chief Executive decision: The Chief Executive makes the final decision on each application.
6. Residence authorization: Successful applicants proceed to the CPSP Residence Subdivision for authorization processing and receive a Macao Non-permanent Resident Identity Card from the Identification Bureau (DSI).