Corporate Relocation Guide for Macau

Overview

Population

687,000 people

Area

33 sq miles (85 sq km)

Standard time zone

UTC +8 hours

Local voltage

220V, 50Hz

Country code

+853

Ethnic groups

Chinese (88.4%), Portuguese (1.7%), Others (9.9%)

Currency

Macanese Pataca (MOP)

Language

Macau has two official languages: Chinese and Portuguese. Cantonese is the dominant language while Mandarin is increasing over the years, English is mainly for business and tourism and Portuguese is limited in usage. Government signs are generally posted in English, traditional Chinese and Portuguese.

Health

Macau has a limited selection of hospitals; however, its facilities are high-quality and employ well-trained doctors and nurses. There is one main public hospital, three major private hospitals and several smaller private clinics or health centers. Most of these health centers offer services in both Chinese and English (and sometimes other languages). It offers free healthcare at public facilities for residents who hold Macau ID cards or may come at a fee for some services for foreigners. Evacuations for medical treatment in Hong Kong are common, and obtaining medical insurance coverage for treatment in both cities and evacuation coverage is recommended.

Security

Macau is generally safe with low crime rates. However, pick-pocketing and other petty crimes could occur in crowded areas. While Macau is perceived as relatively safe, travelers are advised to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings. Crimes can be reported to one of the many police stations or reporting centers located throughout the city.

Homosexuality is legal, while same-sex marriage is not legal.

Government Compliance

Non-resident workers must obtain an official ID Card, or known as the Blue Card to allow the foreigners to live and work in Macau legally.

Transportation

Macau’s public transport systems are well-developed and offer services within and between Macau and neighboring territories (Hong Kong and Mainland China). A Macau Pass can be purchased easily for discounted and contactless payment for public transportation. Traffic congestion is expected when driving in Macau. Parking is also difficult to find in the city. Due to the availability and efficiency of the public transport system, buses, taxis and the Macau Light Rapid Transit Taipa Line, private transport is generally not recommended for daily commute for expats living in Macau.

Banking

The official currency of Macau is the Macanese Pataca (abbreviated as MOP); however, Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are also accepted throughout the city. Opening an account requires valid identity supporting documents such as the passport, non-resident’s worker’s card (blue card), letter to certify local employment, proof of local residential address and Tax Identification Number (TIN). The assignee should arrive at the bank in person with the proper documents and specify which type of account they wish to open. Requesting mobile and internet banking is necessary as these are not automatically provided.

Housing

There are 3 main areas of Macau where expats traditionally find housing: Macau City, Taipa, and Coloane. Properties in Macau are expensive and preparing 4 months’ rent upfront is recommended. There are limited options for temporary, serviced apartments.

Lease Term / Condition

Details

Typical lease period

24 – 36 months

Security deposit

Generally equivalent to 2 months’ rent

Agent fees

Equivalent to 1 month’s rent, paid by the tenant

Diplomatic clauses /termination

Rarely accepted / 1 months’ notice

Types of leases

Corporate or personal

Rental payment cycle

Monthly

Utilities

Typically not included

Furnishings

Typically unfurnished

Education Overview

The majority of schools in Macau offer both Cantonese and English education and either Cantonese or English is the main medium at the primary and secondary levels while English is almost used exclusively at the tertiary level and in international schools.

Schools in Macau are mostly private, including a few international schools and a limited number of public schools. The international campuses offer globally recognized curricular, have impressive facilities and good track records of their graduates in securing places in top universities, locally or overseas. In Macau, during the local child’s age of admission to attend schools, the local public schools, private schools and international schools are available for selection based on preferences before a school placement is allocated to the child. As a result, international students will be competing with local students for a placement in the international schools making their enrolment process challenging to secure a place.