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Migration, residency

Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card

Frequently asked questions

  1. In the examination of an application for Special Authorization to Stay or Residence Authorization, from which other supervising or document issuing entities can the Public Security Police Force ask for opinions besides the Labour Affairs Bureau and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute?
  2. Our company intends to employ a non-resident to work in Macao, but how can we know if the non-resident is under the restriction by Term 2 & 3 Article 4 of Law No. 21/2009? Moreover, how to know the position and the code in the non-resident’s latest “Employment Authorization” dispatch?
  3. What are the circumstances for a non-resident worker not to be granted a new “Worker’s Authorization to Stay” for a period of six months? Any exceptions?
  4. What means “the professional category and the code must be the same as in the latest employment authorization dispatch”? How to verify the professional categories and the codes are the same between this employment authorization and the latest?
  5. I lost the password slip for my Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card. Can I apply for a reissue of it?
  6. I want to lay off my domestic helper. What formalities do I have to go through?
  7. My domestic helper has run away with her passport. Can I cancel her “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card”?
  8. What is the method of Residence and Stay Affairs Department to measure the expiry situation of “Employment Authorization” under the regulation by Item 1 Term 1 Article 12 of Law No. 21/2009?
  9. I am holding a Non-resident worker’s identification card. What kind of situation do I need to register for utilizing the E-channel for entry to and departure from Macao?
  10. Am I eligible to get a Macao Resident Identity Card after working in Macao for 7 years with a Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card?
  11. I heard that some people do not have to fill in an Arrival Card upon entry to Macao. I wonder which type of passengers can benefit from such facilitating policy.
  12. What is the fine per day for overstaying in Macao? Will it incur imprisonment?
  13. ‘Automatic renewal’ is indicated in my employment authorization. Now I want to make an application for my domestic helper. What should I write in the field of employment period on the application form provided by your office?
  14. I have been granted employment authorization that can be automatically renewed by the Labour Affairs Bureau, and I have already applied ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ for my domestic helper. Do I need to go to the Residence and Stay Affairs Department to make a renewal application for my helper in the future?
  15. Now that the Labour Affairs Bureau has introduced automatic renewal of the employment authorization to hire domestic helpers, how are you going to grant ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ to those helpers?
  16. What service items are available in the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’?
  17. Who should open an account for the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’?
  18. What should I do if I want to discontinue the authorized representative from using the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’ and making applications for ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’ on behalf of the employment entity or the employment agency?
  19. My domestic helper’s Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers will be expiring on 17 December 2016 (Saturday). We decide to terminate our employment relationship on that expiry date. However, since that day is a public holiday, can we cancel the Authorization in advance?
  20. After cancelling her ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’ on 25 February 2018, my Vietnamese domestic helper returned to Vietnam. Afterwards, I decide to employ her again. Does she need to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam again?
  21. I plan to employ a non-resident worker. Does the worker need to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record when making the application?
  22. My Vietnamese wife and I are both non-resident workers. She decides to cancel her ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’. Instead, she will apply for ‘Special Authorization to Stay’ for non-resident worker’s reuniting family and continue to stay in Macao with me. Do we need to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam when we apply for the ‘Special Authorization to Stay’?
  23. How can I know if the Vietnamese domestic helper I am going to employ needs to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam?
  24. As Law No. 10/2020 “Amendment to Law No. 21/2009 – Law on Employment of Non-resident Workers” takes effect on 5 October 2020, are non-residents who submit an application before that date also allowed to enter Macao for work only when they possess an Entry Permit for Work Purpose (“Entry Permit” for short)?
  25. Are non-skilled workers from the Mainland required to possess an “Entry Permit” and enter from a region outside the Macao SAR before they can be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker?
  26. Is there any change in the entry procedures for Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam nationals, who are required to possess a pre-arrival entry visa?
  27. Are Vietnamese who are in Macao (including non-resident workers who are quitting their job) required to return to their home country and apply for an “Entry Permit” and a pre-arrival visa in order to work in Macao?
  28. If a non-resident who possesses an “Entry Permit” wishes to enter Macao as a visitor (probably the employer has no employment arrangement for the worker yet), will he or she be granted the corresponding limit of stay (e.g. one years’ limit of stay for Hong Kong residents)?
  29. Will non-residents in possession of an “Entry Permit” definitely be allowed to enter Macao for work?
  30. After being granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker, can a non-resident get in and out of Macao for multiple times? Can a foreign worker use the e-channels?
  31. If the current epidemic prevention policy in Macao remains unchanged, besides the requirement of an “Entry Permit”, what measures should non-residents pay attention to?
  32. If the travel document used for entry to Macao is inconsistent with the one specified on the “Entry Permit”, will the holder of the “Entry Permit” be refused entry?
  33. If the Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker is revoked or invalidated after the holder enters Macao with an “Entry Permit”, does the non-resident worker need to be put on a “6-month employment ban” or “same occupation limitation”?
  34. I am a holder of Special Authorization to Stay and have several addresses in Macao. Which one should I declare?
  35. Persons granted Special Authorization to Stay for over 90 days should specify to the Public Security Police Force their contact address and habitual residence address in Macao. What should be done if the address is changed in the future?
  36. Under what circumstances will the Public Security Police Force reject my application for Special Authorization to Stay outright?
  37. Who can apply for Special Authorization to Stay for the reason of family reunion?
  38. What requirements should a non-resident worker meet in order to create an account with Macao One Account? What documents are required?
  39. When can a non-resident worker, who has already come to Macao and started providing service to the employer, create an account with Macao One Account?
  40. I had a Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card before. The Card is cancelled and I am now in my country of origin. Can I create an account with Macao One Account?
  41. Can a non-resident worker continue to access information in his or her account at Macao One Account after the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card is cancelled
  42. Can a China mobile number be used to create an account with Macao One Account?
  43. How can a non-resident worker access his or her status of limitation (the so-called ‘6-month employment ban’ and ‘same occupation limitation’) via Macao One Account?
  44. I have had my travel document replaced, which is different from the one in Macao One Account. Will this affect the use of Macao One Account? How can I update the document information in Macao One Account?
  45. When I create an account with Macao One Account, the system indicates that facial recognition fails. What can I do?
  46. Is it necessary to register another account with Macao One Account if I get a new Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card for working in Macao again?
  47. Is it necessary to register another account with Macao One Account if a non-resident worker becomes a Macao resident?
  48. Can I access the terms of the contract and personal information such as the names of my parents in the ‘Non-resident Worker Services’?
  49. How can a non-resident worker complete the Authorization to Stay as Worker renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account?
  50. How can a non-resident worker know whether his or her Authorization to Stay as Worker is updated after he or she completes the renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account?
  51. After the non-resident worker has completed the ‘Authorization to Stay as Worker’ renewal confirmation procedure, what are the methods for him or her to check the information and show it to others when necessary?
  52. After the non-resident worker has completed the Authorization to Stay as Worker renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account, where can he or she print or reprint the Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker with the latest validity?
  53. What are the documents the non-resident worker is normally required to produce when a police officer inspects his or her identity?
  54. Can the validity of Authorization to Stay as Worker which is shown on the inquiry page at Macao One Account act as the appropriate proof for the said Authorization
  55. Certain institutions or departments need to check the validity of Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card before allowing me to enter the venue to process the formalities, and upon completion of my renewal formalities, if I do not hold the Slip of Authorization to Stay, how can they check its validity?
  56. Under normal circumstances, when the public or private organizations establish a legal relationship, how should they check the validity of a non-resident worker’s Authorization to Stay as Worker to protect their own rights?
  57. In case of unfamiliarity with mobile phone operation, network outages or doubts regarding the status of stay displayed on the inquiry page, how should the validity be checked?
  58. I am a non-resident worker from Mainland China, why can I not complete the renewal procedure via Macao One Account?

1. In the examination of an application for Special Authorization to Stay or Residence Authorization, from which other supervising or document issuing entities can the Public Security Police Force ask for opinions besides the Labour Affairs Bureau and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute?

For example, for the purpose of granting Special Authorization to Stay to an arbitrator, the Public Security Police Force can request the arbitration supervising entity to provide opinions when necessary. In another example, for the purpose of granting Special Authorization to Stay to a traditional trader, the Public Security Police Force can seek opinions from the Municipal Affairs Bureau if necessary.


2. Our company intends to employ a non-resident to work in Macao, but how can we know if the non-resident is under the restriction by Term 2 & 3 Article 4 of Law No. 21/2009? Moreover, how to know the position and the code in the non-resident’s latest “Employment Authorization” dispatch?

Non-resident workers can login our system of Online Services for Non-resident Workers with the password given to them to access the above-mentioned information. After creating an account with Macao One Account, they can also access the relevant information at the Inquiry about and Update of Non-resident Worker’s Information.


3. What are the circumstances for a non-resident worker not to be granted a new “Worker’s Authorization to Stay” for a period of six months? Any exceptions?

According to Term 2 Article 4 of Law No. 21/2009 amended by Law No. 4/2013, a non-resident whose Worker’s Authorization to Stay is revoked or invalidated will not be granted new Authorization to Stay for 6 months. However, exceptions can be made in the following situations:

  1. when, upon expiry of the stay permit due to the end of the respective term, a new stay permit is solicited by the employer of such worker at the moment on which the expiry occurred; (that means the renewal of “Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay” was held by employer within 60 days before the expiration of the Stay )
  2. when the revocation or expiry of the stay permit results from the expiry of the employment contract;
  3. when the revocation of the stay permit results merely from the revocation of the employment permit for the non-resident workers conceded to the employer;
  4. when the termination occurred with the agreement between the employer and employee; (a declaration shall be submitted by employer, employee or his/ her legal representative, on which containing the signature(s) of employer or both employer and employee and stating the reason of termination that is under the agreement of the two parties. )
  5. when the termination occurred with the decision from the employer or there is no just cause; (in this case, employee or his/ her legal representative is required to show documents released by Authority (e.g. Labor Affairs Bureau) as the evidence.)
  6. when the termination occurred with the decision from the employee, so long as there is a just cause. (in this case, employee or his/ her legal representative is required to show documents released by Authority (e.g. Labor Affairs Bureau) as the evidence. )

4. What means “the professional category and the code must be the same as in the latest employment authorization dispatch”? How to verify the professional categories and the codes are the same between this employment authorization and the latest?

  1. a new “Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay” will be issued to the non-resident who is under the restriction by Item 3 to Item 6 Term 2 Article 4 of Law No.21/2009 only when the professional categories and the codes are the same between the new employment authorization and the latest one in the period of upcoming six months. This situation is so called “the professional category and the code must be the same as in the latest employment authorization dispatch”.
  2. if the six-month restriction mentioned in point 1 occurred while the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of Residence and Stay Affairs Department is handling the application of “Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay”, the staff of the Subdivision will compare the professional categories and the codes between the new employment authorization and the latest one:
    1. the application will be approved when the professional categories and the codes in the two employment authorizations are exactly the same.
    2. the staff of the Subdivision will consult advice from Labour Affairs Bureau when the codes are the same, but the professional categories are different. The application will be approved while the Bureau confirmed the professional categories are the same, on the contrary, will be disapproved.
    3. the application will be disapproved when the codes are different.

5. I lost the password slip for my Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card. Can I apply for a reissue of it?

Yes, you can. You may apply at either the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of our Residence and Stay Affairs Department or Zone K, 1/F of the Centro de Serviços da RAEM at Areia Preta by submitting the following documents:

  1. Copy of valid passport / travel document / P.R.C. Permit for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (bio data page only and the submit the back copy containing “Type D-Stay endorsement “for “Two-way Exit Permit” holders.) or identification document used for entry to and departure from Macao;
  2. “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” and a copy of it;
  3. Application letter issued by the employer requesting for reissue the password slip and a copy of it.

A new password slip will be given to you once all the necessary documents are submitted and accepted.


6. I want to lay off my domestic helper. What formalities do I have to go through?

By terminating the employment relation with a domestic helper, the employer or his/her legal representative should approach in person to the Residence and Stay Affairs Department to cancel the employee’s “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” (“Non-resident Worker’s Card” for short)  and Authorization to Stay. The employer should bring the following documents:

  1. Application letter for cancellation of “Non-resident Worker’s Card” and a copy of it;
  2. The employee’s valid passport, travel document or identification document that can be used for entry to and departure from Macao, and a copy of the bio data page;
  3. The employee’s “Non-resident Worker’s Card” / preliminarily or initially approved application form for ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ / ‘Revenue Receipt’;
  4. A copy of the employer’s valid identification document that can be used for entry to and departure from Macao.

7. My domestic helper has run away with her passport. Can I cancel her “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card”?

Yes, you can. In order to do so, the employer needs to approach the Residence and Stay Affairs Department to apply for cancellation of the employee’s “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” and ‘Authorization to Stay’, stating the situation in the application letter.


8. What is the method of Residence and Stay Affairs Department to measure the expiry situation of “Employment Authorization” under the regulation by Item 1 Term 1 Article 12 of Law No. 21/2009?

  1. The measurement standard of the expiry situation (aka six-month expiry) by the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of Residence and Stay Affairs Department according to Item 1 Term 1 Article 12 of Law No. 21/2009 is as follows:
    1. Situation A
      From the date that the employer or his/ her legal representative presented in the Labour Affairs Bureau and signed to acknowledge the receipt of “Employment Authorization” dispatch (aka importation dispatch) to count six months.
    2. Situation B
      From the date that the employer or his/ her legal representative presented in the Labour Affairs Bureau and signed to acknowledge the receipt of “Employment Authorization” renewal dispatch (aka renewal dispatch) or from the effective date which is the following date of the expiration date of the previous dispatch of this renewal dispatch to count six months (the more latest date is priority).
  2. According to Item 1 Term 1 Article 12 of Law No. 21/2009, entire or partial quotas in the dispatch of “employment authorization” shall be used simultaneously among the above mentioned six months time, which means that the non-residents of the quotas shall hold valid “Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay” simultaneously among the said six months in Point 1. Otherwise, entire or partial quotas of the dispatch shall expire.

9. I am holding a Non-resident worker’s identification card. What kind of situation do I need to register for utilizing the E-channel for entry to and departure from Macao?

If you do not change your travel document, or if you are a holder of the “PRC Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao” in electric card type with a working endorsement, the re-register procedure is not required. Otherwise, you are required to update your details in appointed locations* after granting the new travel document. Moreover, the authority for you to utilize the E-channel will be suspended in 7 days before your “Non-resident Workers Identification Card” expires, but will be reactivated since the following day of your “Non-resident Workers Identification Card” is renewed.

* Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Checkpoint (Arrival Hall), Taipa Ferry Terminal Checkpoint (Arrival Hall), Border Gate Checkpoint (Arrival Hall), Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Checkpoint (Hong Kong – Macau Arrival Hall) and Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force at Pac On.


10. Am I eligible to get a Macao Resident Identity Card after working in Macao for 7 years with a Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card?

According to the law, holders of a “Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card” are considered to be ‘staying’ in Macao instead of ‘residing’ while they are working in Macao as a non-resident worker. Therefore, even though you have worked in Macao for 7 years, you will not be issued a Macao Resident Identity Card.


11. I heard that some people do not have to fill in an Arrival Card upon entry to Macao. I wonder which type of passengers can benefit from such facilitating policy.

On 10 July 2013, the ‘Non-stamping Immigration Clearance Policy’ was implemented (non-residents are exempted from stamping on their travel document upon entry and exit). All passengers do not need to complete an “Arrival Card”. Instead, a printed “Arrival Card” bearing the limit of stay is issued to passengers, who should be mindful of the limit of stay and keep the “Arrival Card” properly. If the “Arrival Card” is lost, the passenger may approach any of our border checkpoints, the Immigration Building of the Public Security Police Force at Pac On,  Police Station, Taipa Police Station or Airport Police Division for reissue of the “Arrival Card”.


12. What is the fine per day for overstaying in Macao? Will it incur imprisonment?

According to Article 1 of Administrative Regulation No. 14/2014 (an amendment to the Regulation of Article 32 of Administrative Regulation No. 5/2003 amended by Administrative Regulation No. 23/2009), persons who overstay in the Macao Special Administrative Region for less than 30 days are fined MOP500 per overdue day. Those who perform the same violation within one year or overstay for over 30 days are considered to be illegal immigrants. They will be deported and interdicted from entry to Macao for a certain period of time (See the Regulation for details). Overstay is not a criminal offence, so it will not incur a penalty of freedom deprivation.


13. ‘Automatic renewal’ is indicated in my employment authorization. Now I want to make an application for my domestic helper. What should I write in the field of employment period on the application form provided by your office?

You can simply fill in 1 year or 2 years as indicated in your employment authorization (one year/two years, automatic renewal).


14. I have been granted employment authorization that can be automatically renewed by the Labour Affairs Bureau, and I have already applied ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ for my domestic helper. Do I need to go to the Residence and Stay Affairs Department to make a renewal application for my helper in the future?

Yes, you need to. You can make the application at the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of the Residence and Stay Affairs Department, Centro de Serviços da RAEM or Centro de Serviços da RAEM das ilhas within 60 days before the expiry of your domestic helper’s ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’.


15. Now that the Labour Affairs Bureau has introduced automatic renewal of the employment authorization to hire domestic helpers, how are you going to grant ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ to those helpers?

  1. For first-time applications
    For new applications, the ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ are generally granted to be valid for 1 or 2 years (as indicated in the employment authorization). In other words, the validity as counted from the day the non-resident worker is granted ‘Temporary Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ (so-called red stamp) until the expiry of the ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ (so-called ‘green stamp’) is 1 or 2 years (except for persons whose passport validity is shorter than the period granted).
  2. For renewal applications (to be submitted to the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of the Immigration Department within 60 days before the expiry of the ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’)
    Upon completion of the renewal procedures, the domestic helper will be granted new ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’, which is valid from the day following the expiry of the old ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ and is valid for 1 or 2 years (according to the number of years granted by the Labour Affairs Bureau, except for persons whose passport validity is shorter than the period granted).
  3. For renewal applications submitted after the expiry of the ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’
    Upon completion of the renewal procedures, the domestic helper will be granted new ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’, which is valid from the day the new ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ is granted and is valid for 1 or 2 years (according to the number of years granted by the Labour Affairs Bureau, except for persons whose passport validity is shorter than the period granted).
  4. For Validity update
    Domestic helpers who are not granted 1-year or 2-year ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ because their travel document has a shorter validity may apply for Validity update after they renew or extend the validity of their travel document. Upon completion of the procedures, the validity of their ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ will be extended to the due period.
    For example: Mr. A made an application on 5 May 2015. According to the employment authorization which can be automatically renewed, the ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ granted to Mr. A should be valid until 4 May 2016. However, since Mr. A’s passport will expire on 10 December 2015, his ‘Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers’ will be valid until 10 November 2015 only. The validity of the Authorization will be extended to 5 May 2016 after he completes the Validity update procedure.

16. What service items are available in the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’?

Right now we have the service of online issue and renewal application for non-professional ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’.


17. Who should open an account for the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’?

Employment agencies and employment entities not making applications through an employment agency may open an account for their representatives to use the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’.
Applicants can simply submit a “Representative Registration Form” to the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of our Department. Eligible applicants will be given an individual login ID and password, with which they can login the online system and start using our service. If an employment entity assigns 5 staff to use our ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’, each of the 5 staff has to apply for an exclusive account. Please note that employment entities which have authorized an employment agency to make applications do not have to open their own accounts.


18. What should I do if I want to discontinue the authorized representative from using the ‘Online Application System for Non-resident Workers’ and making applications for ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’ on behalf of the employment entity or the employment agency?

In order to prevent the submitted application from being considered to be valid, you should inform the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of our Department immediately to cancel the registration.


19. My domestic helper’s Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers will be expiring on 17 December 2016 (Saturday). We decide to terminate our employment relationship on that expiry date. However, since that day is a public holiday, can we cancel the Authorization in advance?

You can only cancel it 1 working day (16 December 2016, Friday) before the expiry date of Authorization (17 December 2016, Saturday). Please bring along the application for cancellation of Authorization to Stay for Non-resident Workers and a declaration stating that the non-resident worker will continue working until the expiry date of the Authorization to the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of our Department and get a quota tag to complete the procedures. You may also make an appointment through our Online Appointment System and get a number tag at the scheduled time to make the application. If you go through the cancellation procedure on or before 15 December 2016, you may cause the relevant non-resident worker to be restricted under Term 2 Article 4 of Law No.21/2009 (so called “the professional category and the code must be the same as in the latest employment authorization dispatch”.


20. After cancelling her ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’ on 25 February 2018, my Vietnamese domestic helper returned to Vietnam. Afterwards, I decide to employ her again. Does she need to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam again?

Vietnamese domestic helpers are not required to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record if they re-apply for the same Authorization within 6 months from the cancellation of the ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’. Referring to your question above, if the domestic helper makes the application on or after 26 August 2018, it will be over 6 months from the time she cancels the ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’ until the time she gets employed again. In other words, she will not meet the requirement of certificate waiver. Therefore, she has to submit the original of National Certificate of Criminal Record No. 2 issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam along with the application form for ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’. (For details of the Certificate time effect and authentication requirement, please see “Acceptance Standard for Necessary Documents”.)


21. I plan to employ a non-resident worker. Does the worker need to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record when making the application?

According to the current regulation, Vietnamese citizens are required to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam when they apply for Authorization to Stay as Worker for the first time or reapply for it after a certain period of time. As for persons of other nationalities, they may be requested by the Public Security Police Force to provide a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by their country when they apply for the Authorization.


22. My Vietnamese wife and I are both non-resident workers. She decides to cancel her ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’. Instead, she will apply for ‘Special Authorization to Stay’ for non-resident worker’s reuniting family and continue to stay in Macao with me. Do we need to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam when we apply for the ‘Special Authorization to Stay’?

No. This is because the policy is only applicable to Vietnamese citizens who apply for ‘Non-resident Worker’s Authorization to Stay’. However, according to Article 88 of the current “Code of Administrative Procedure”, the Public Security Police Force can request persons who apply for ‘Special Authorization to Stay’ for non-resident worker’s reuniting family to provide a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by their country of nationality.


23. How can I know if the Vietnamese domestic helper I am going to employ needs to submit a Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam?

Vietnamese citizens who had been granted Authorization to Stay as Worker may login the system of Online Services for Non-resident Workers with the password given to them to check the date of cancellation of the latest Authorization to Stay as Worker. No Certificate of Criminal Record is required if the domestic helper belongs to the condition under the new measures of reapplying for the same Authorization within six months from the date of cancellation of the Authorization to Stay as Worker. After creating an account with Macao One Account, non-resident workers can also access the relevant information at the Inquiry about and Update of Non-resident Worker’s Information.


24. As Law No. 10/2020 “Amendment to Law No. 21/2009 – Law on Employment of Non-resident Workers” takes effect on 5 October 2020, are non-residents who submit an application before that date also allowed to enter Macao for work only when they possess an Entry Permit for Work Purpose (“Entry Permit” for short)?

After the amended Law on Employment of Non-resident Workers goes into effect, non-residents whose application is approved will be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker only if they possess an “Entry Permit” upon arrival at Macao. Non-residents whose application is approved and who are in Macao before the effective date of the amended Law (5 October 2020) may approach our Residents and Stay Affairs Department directly for the Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker as before.


25. Are non-skilled workers from the Mainland required to possess an “Entry Permit” and enter from a region outside the Macao SAR before they can be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker?

Yes, they are. Workers from the Mainland are required to possess a Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao and a Type D – Stay endorsement issued by the immigration control department on the Mainland, as well as an “Entry Permit” issued by the Public Security Police Force as proof that they are entering Macao for work purpose.They will be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker at the Macao checkpoints.


26. Is there any change in the entry procedures for Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam nationals, who are required to possess a pre-arrival entry visa?

Basically there is no change. In their new application for Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker, nationals of the above six countries are required to possess a visa and an “Entry Permit” in order to be admitted to Macao.


27. Are Vietnamese who are in Macao (including non-resident workers who are quitting their job) required to return to their home country and apply for an “Entry Permit” and a pre-arrival visa in order to work in Macao?

Non-skilled non-resident workers and non-resident domestic helpers will be granted Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker only if they possess an “Entry Permit” and enter from a region outside the Macao SAR. In addition, non-residents are required to comply with the current immigration legal system upon entry to Macao. Nationals of countries for which a pre-arrival visa is required (e.g. Vietnam) are required to possess a visa in order to be admitted to Macao.


28. If a non-resident who possesses an “Entry Permit” wishes to enter Macao as a visitor (probably the employer has no employment arrangement for the worker yet), will he or she be granted the corresponding limit of stay (e.g. one years’ limit of stay for Hong Kong residents)?

Under normal circumstances, once a non-resident is employed by a Macao employer and issued an “Entry Permit”, he or she will be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker upon entry to Macao.


29. Will non-residents in possession of an “Entry Permit” definitely be allowed to enter Macao for work?

After the amended Law on Employment of Non-resident Workers goes into effect, non-residents are still required to comply with the current immigration legal system upon entry to Macao. Therefore, it is possible that a non-resident holding an “Entry Permit” may be refused entry to Macao if he or she is under certain condition(s) prescribed by the law.


30. After being granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker, can a non-resident get in and out of Macao for multiple times? Can a foreign worker use the e-channels?

Persons in possession of Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker may enjoy multiple entries to Macao before the Authorization expires. Foreign workers are entitled to register for the e-channels only after they are issued a Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card.


31. If the current epidemic prevention policy in Macao remains unchanged, besides the requirement of an “Entry Permit”, what measures should non-residents pay attention to?

The newly-added requirement of an “Entry Permit” does not affect the implementation of the Macao SAR’s epidemic prevention policy. Therefore, non-residents who intend to come to Macao for work are required to pay attention to the announcements regarding our prevention policy. According to our current policy, there are different prevention policies on the entry for nationals / residents of different countries / regions.


32. If the travel document used for entry to Macao is inconsistent with the one specified on the “Entry Permit”, will the holder of the “Entry Permit” be refused entry?

If a non-resident who possesses an “Entry Permit” has his or her travel document renewed before coming to Macao, he or she should notify the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of our Residence and Stay Affairs Department immediately for update of the relevant information. Otherwise, the non-resident will only be treated as an ordinary visitor when he or she enters Macao with the “Entry Permit”.


33. If the Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker is revoked or invalidated after the holder enters Macao with an “Entry Permit”, does the non-resident worker need to be put on a “6-month employment ban” or “same occupation limitation”?

No matter the non-resident is a Chinese or a foreigner, he or she will be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Non-resident Worker after entering Macao with the “Entry Permit”. The labour relation between the employer and employee is immediately established. When the relevant Authorization to Stay is revoked or invalidated, Article 4 of the amended Law on Employment of Non-resident Workers is applicable.


34. I am a holder of Special Authorization to Stay and have several addresses in Macao. Which one should I declare?

The requirement to declare the contact address and habitual residence address in Macao serves the purpose of facilitating contact, hence enhancing the processing of an application and protecting the rights of the person concerned and public interests. Therefore, if you live in Macao, a valid address for contact will do. For details, please refer to Website Information.


35. Persons granted Special Authorization to Stay for over 90 days should specify to the Public Security Police Force their contact address and habitual residence address in Macao. What should be done if the address is changed in the future?

There are three ways for non-resident workers to update their address:

Submission online:
Non-resident workers can login our system of Online Services for Non-resident Workers with the password given to them to declare or update their contact address and habitual residence address.

Submission via Macao One Account:
After creating an account with Macao One Account, non-resident workers can declare or update their contact address and habitual residence address at the Inquiry about and Update of Non-resident Worker’s Information.

Submission in person:
Non-resident workers can submit the completed Declaration of Contact Address and Habitual Residence Address to our service locations.


36. Under what circumstances will the Public Security Police Force reject my application for Special Authorization to Stay outright?

Under what circumstances will the Public Security Police Force reject my application for Special Authorization to Stay outright?

Unless otherwise stipulated, the Chief of the Residence and Stay Affairs Department of the Public Security Police Force should give reasons in his written instructions to reject an application for Special Authorization to Stay outright in any of the following situations:

(1)   The remaining validity of the interested person’s passport, travel document, return document or other documents accepted for the purpose of immigration control does not meet the requirement;

(2)   The interested person is interdicted from making applications for Special Authorization to Stay at the time;

The application is not written in any of the official languages, but applications written in English with no difficulty caused to the Public Security Police Force in the interpretation are excepted.


37. Who can apply for Special Authorization to Stay for the reason of family reunion?

The reuniting kindred of the following persons can apply for Special Authorization to Stay on the basis of family reunion:

(1)   Holders of a Macao Resident Identity Card;

(2)   Holders of a Special Stay Permit;

(3)   Skilled workers employed by a local employer owing to their educational background, professional qualification or working experience.


38. What requirements should a non-resident worker meet in order to create an account with Macao One Account? What documents are required?

Starting from 29 May 2023, non-resident workers holding a valid Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card can use the Macao One Account mobile application, follow the instructions and complete the simple procedures to create an account with Macao One Account. The whole process is done online.


39. When can a non-resident worker, who has already come to Macao and started providing service to the employer, create an account with Macao One Account?

After entering Macao, the non-resident will be granted Temporary Authorization to Stay as Worker according to the normal procedure. He or she may use facial recognition to create an account with Macao One Account only after being granted Authorization to Stay as Worker and collecting the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card.


40. I had a Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card before. The Card is cancelled and I am now in my country of origin. Can I create an account with Macao One Account?

To create an account with Macao One Account for the first time, the applicant should have a valid non-resident worker status. In other words, the person can create an account only if he or she is still in possession of a valid Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card.


41. Can a non-resident worker continue to access information in his or her account at Macao One Account after the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card is cancelled

As long as the travel document the non-resident worker registered at our Force is valid, the worker who has created an account can still use the services of Macao One Account. However, certain functions are subject to the service nature of the department and are only available to users who are still non-resident workers. For example, the service item of ‘Non-resident Worker Services’ provided by the Public Security Police Force allows non-resident workers to inquire about their past employment record and the limitations on reapplying for Authorization to Stay as Worker through the enquiry function.


42. Can a China mobile number be used to create an account with Macao One Account?

Yes, China and overseas mobile numbers can be used to register an account.


43. How can a non-resident worker access his or her status of limitation (the so-called ‘6-month employment ban’ and ‘same occupation limitation’) via Macao One Account?

After the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card is cancelled, the non-resident worker can still login his or her account at Macao One Account. The worker can choose the service of ‘Non-resident Worker Services’ to access the information about his or her status of limitation.


44. I have had my travel document replaced, which is different from the one in Macao One Account. Will this affect the use of Macao One Account? How can I update the document information in Macao One Account?

Accounts at Macao One Account are registered with the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card number. Therefore, replacement of the travel document will not affect the use of Macao One Account. If a non-resident worker has replaced his or her travel document, he or she is required to notify the Non-resident Workers Subdivision, Residence and Stay Affairs Department of the Public Security Police Force immediately to update the relevant information.


45. When I create an account with Macao One Account, the system indicates that facial recognition fails. What can I do?

It is possible that there is a facial difference between your past photo image and your current appearance. You are advised to go to the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of the Residence and Stay Affairs Department at the Immigration Building at Pac On in person to take a new photo and update the information in the system


46. Is it necessary to register another account with Macao One Account if I get a new Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card for working in Macao again?

No, it is not necessary. Non-resident Worker’s Identification Cards are now numbered on a lifetime basis. If a non-resident worker has his/her Card cancelled and makes a new application, he or she will be issued a new card with the same number. Besides, the cancellation of the non-resident worker status will not lead to the invalidation of the account at Macao One Account.


47. Is it necessary to register another account with Macao One Account if a non-resident worker becomes a Macao resident?

As the status of the person has changed, it is necessary to create a Macao resident account with Macao One Account.


48. Can I access the terms of the contract and personal information such as the names of my parents in the ‘Non-resident Worker Services’?

No, you cannot. Only document and contact information, information about the employment authorization and the Authorization to Stay are accessible via the ‘Non-resident Worker Services’ .


49. How can a non-resident worker complete the Authorization to Stay as Worker renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account?

After the application for renewal of Authorization to Stay as Worker submitted by the employer is approved, the non-resident worker (not from Mainland China), who has already opened an account at Macao One Account, may go to ‘Non-resident Worker Services’ in Macao One Account and select ‘Renewal of Authorization to Stay as Worker’. By following the instructions on the mobile phone, the non-resident worker can complete the renewal confirmation procedure. Then the system will automatically update the validity of the non-resident worker’s Authorization to Stay as Worker. A notification message will be sent to the Macao One Account. (Click here to see the demonstration video.)


50. How can a non-resident worker know whether his or her Authorization to Stay as Worker is updated after he or she completes the renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account?

After the non-resident worker completes the renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account, the system will automatically update the validity of his or her Authorization to Stay as Worker. The screen will display a statement of procedure completion and the latest validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker.


51. After the non-resident worker has completed the ‘Authorization to Stay as Worker’ renewal confirmation procedure, what are the methods for him or her to check the information and show it to others when necessary?

The non-resident worker can check the latest validity of his or her Authorization to Stay as Worker in real time via the following methods:

  1. Go to ‘Non-resident Workers Services’ in Macao One Account, select ‘Non-resident Worker’s Personal Information’, the screen will display an inquiry page which contains the information of the non-resident worker such as the image of the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card, the latest status of the Authorization to Stay as Worker (showing whether it is still valid or invalid) and the validity, the above information can then be checked in real time and showed to others;
  2. Use the mobile phone to scan the QR code on the Non-resident Identification Card, following the instructions and fill in the Date of Birth and verification code to enter the system, the screen will display a page with the Non-resident Worker’s Personal Information such as the latest status of the Authorization to Stay as Worker (showing whether it is still valid or invalid) and the validity, the above information can then be checked in real time and showed to others;
  3. Bring along the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card and proceed to the self-service kiosks of the Public Security Police Force (PSP) (click to view the locations and service hours  ), select the relevant service item on the screen of the kiosks and tap the card to read the personal information, the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker can be checked in real time and the Slip of Authorization to Stay can also be printed as a self-reminder and showed to others.
  4. Bring along the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card and proceed to the self-service kiosks of the Identification Services Bureau (DSI) (click to view the locations and service hours ) or the self-service kiosks of the PSP (click to view the locations and service hours ), select the relevant service item on the screen of the kiosks and tap the card to read the personal information, the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker can be checked in real time and the inquiry proof can also be printed as a self-reminder or showed to others when necessary.

52. After the non-resident worker has completed the Authorization to Stay as Worker renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account, where can he or she print or reprint the Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker with the latest validity?

A non-resident worker who has completed the relevant renewal confirmation procedure via the Macao One Account, may proceed to the self-service kiosks of the PSP if necessary (click to view the locations and service hours ), to print the Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker with the latest validity, or the various designated service locations of the PSP to collect the slip (click to view the locations and service hours ) .


53. What are the documents the non-resident worker is normally required to produce when a police officer inspects his or her identity?

The Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card is a legal identification document in Macao. When recognizing the identity of a non-resident worker, in accordance with the existing guidelines, the police officer will request him or her to produce the card and tap the card on the police mobile phone of our Force or scan the QR code on the card to read the information of the Authorization to Stay. If the police officer does not have the police mobile phone with him, the non-resident worker is generally requested to show his or her status of stay through one or more of the following methods:

  1. Scan the QR code on the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card and show the inquiry page with the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker in real time. The police officer will verify whether the information on the card corresponds to that of the inquiry page.
  2. Select the ‘Non-resident Worker’s Personal Information’ via Macao One Account and show the inquiry page with the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker in real time. The police officer will verify whether the information on the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card corresponds to that of the inquiry page.
  3. 1)     Show the Slip of Authorization to Stay with the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker. As the slip information is not a real-time record, the police officer may take further appropriate verification measures when necessary.

Note: If the person being inspected is not able to show his or her status of stay (e.g. without a mobile phone, no network connection, without the slip, etc.) through any of the above-mentioned verification methods, or if there are any doubts concerning the information, the police officer will take other appropriate measures for follow-up.


54. Can the validity of Authorization to Stay as Worker which is shown on the inquiry page at Macao One Account act as the appropriate proof for the said Authorization

In general, by presenting the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card as well as the inquiry page used for real-time access to the validity of Authorization to Stay as Worker at Macao One Account, it can be the proof for the identity of non-resident workers and the status of their stay.

In case the institutions, departments or individuals have doubts about the information shown on the inquiry page, they can further request the non-resident workers to scan the QR code on their Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card for the real-time access to the inquiry page showing the validity of their Authorization to Stay as Worker. (This page can also act as the proof for the status of their authorization to stay); a comparison can be also made with the information shown on the said inquiry page at Macao One Account.  Both information should be consistent.

Furthermore, in order to enhance security, they may also request non-resident workers to proceed to self-service kiosks or designated service points (many locations are operated on a 24-hour basis, click and check the locations and their service hours ), and print the latest Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker or the inquiry proof under a witness, so as to make further comparison with the related information.


55. Certain institutions or departments need to check the validity of Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card before allowing me to enter the venue to process the formalities, and upon completion of my renewal formalities, if I do not hold the Slip of Authorization to Stay, how can they check its validity?

At present, a number of authorized government departments can place the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card on the card reader to retrieve the information, in order to check and capture the real-time data of the Authorization to Stay as Worker and its validity.  Therefore, when you go to these government departments, you are basically not required to produce the Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker.  But when you enter other institutions or departments that are not yet authorized, non-resident workers may show the real-time validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker via the following ways:

  1. Click and select ‘Non-resident Worker Services’ at Macao One Account, and get real-time access to the inquiry page with the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker, and show this page to the institution or department;
  2. Scan the QR code on the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card and get real-time access to the inquiry page with the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker, and show this page to the institution or department;

Note: if the institution or department have doubts about the authenticity of the inquiry page, they may request the non-resident worker to produce the latest Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker which is obtained on the same day, so as to compare it with the information on the above-mentioned inquiry page.  Moreover, the printed screencap of the inquiry page can act as a proof for the period of stay in Macao of the said non-resident worker.  It it is necessary for the institution or department to put on file or to implement certain procedures, the non-resident worker will make a screencap of the inquiry page on the spot and submit it for printing.  In case the institution or department requests the non-resident worker to provide the latest Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker which is obtained on the same day for archiving its photocopy or implementing certain procedures, he/she should co-operate in this respect.


56. Under normal circumstances, when the public or private organizations establish a legal relationship, how should they check the validity of a non-resident worker’s Authorization to Stay as Worker to protect their own rights?

The PSP reminds the organizations or individuals concerned to ensure that a non-resident worker has a valid Authorization to Stay as Worker when they establish important legal relationships of accommodation provision and lease of property, etc. The validity can be checked mainly by the following three methods:

  1. Under normal circumstances, a party entering into a legal relationship can require a non-resident worker to scan the QR code on his or her Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card and enter his or her date of birth and the verification code to access the inquiry page for real-time display of the validity of his or her Authorization to Stay as Worker;
  2. To further protect his or her rights and interests, the party can require the non-resident worker to select ‘Non-resident Worker’s Personal Information’ in Macao One Account to access the inquiry page for real-time display of the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker, so as to compare the information with that on the inquiry page mentioned in the point above;
  3. In case of any doubts regarding the authenticity of the abovementioned two inquiry pages, the party can further seek verification by proceeding to the PSP’s 24-hour self-service kiosks or designated service locations (click for the locations and service hours ) with the non-resident worker to print/collect the Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker, so as to compare if the Authorization to Stay information is matched for further protection of the party’s own rights and interests.

Note: When necessary, the party entering into the legal relationship can require the non-resident worker to provide on the spot the screenshots of the abovementioned two inquiry pages (i.e. the inquiry page accessed via scanning of the QR code and the inquiry page accessed via Macao One Account) and the latest Slip obtained on the day to print/photocopy them for record, so as to prove the fulfilment of the obligation of ensuring that the non-resident worker is at the status of legal stay and serve as a reference in case of any future disputes for strengthened protection of the party’s own rights and interests.


57. In case of unfamiliarity with mobile phone operation, network outages or doubts regarding the status of stay displayed on the inquiry page, how should the validity be checked?

In case of unfamiliarity with the use of mobile phones or network outages leading to failures to scan the QR code on the Non-resident Worker’s Identification Card or check in real time the validity of the Authorization to Stay as Worker displayed on the inquiry page via Macao One Account or doubts regarding the information such as the validity displayed using the said two methods, and further comparison is wished, a person concerned can require a non-resident worker to print/collect in person the Slip or inquiry proof of Authorization to Stay as Worker through the following channels:

  1. Proceed to the PSP’s self-service kiosks set up at the various locations throughout Macao (click for the locations and service hours ) to print the Slip or inquiry proof of Authorization to Stay as Worker of the day;
  2. Proceed to the PSP’s various service locations (click for the locations and service hours ) to collect the Slip of Authorization to Stay as Worker of the day;
  3. Proceed to the Identification Services Bureau’s (DSI) self-service kiosks set up at the various locations throughout Macao (click for the locations and service hours) to print the inquiry proof of Authorization to Stay as Worker of the day.

Note: To protect his or her own rights and interests, the person concerned can accompany the non-resident worker to the abovementioned PSP’s self-service kiosks, designated service locations or DSI’s self-service kiosks to witness the non-resident worker printing/collecting the Slip or inquiry proof, so as to confirm on the spot the non-resident worker’s status of stay.


58. I am a non-resident worker from Mainland China, why can I not complete the renewal procedure via Macao One Account?

During the application stage of renewal of Authorization to Stay as Worker, a non-resident worker holding an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) (or representative) is required to provide to the Non-resident Workers Subdivision of the Residence and Stay Affairs Department of the PSP the visa information of the EEP before the subsequent procedure for renewal of Authorization to Stay as Worker can be performed. However, since currently Macao One Account is not equipped with the function to read the information concerned, a non-resident worker holding an EEP cannot complete the Authorization to Stay as Worker renewal confirmation procedure via Macao One Account for the time being.


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All information on this site is based on the official language of the Macao Special Administrative Region. The English version is the translation from the Chinese originals and is provided for reference only. If you find that some of the contents do not have an English version, please refer to the Traditional Chinese or Portuguese versions.