- Knowledge
In recent years, favorable factors in Macau have been increasing, especially in the hotel and tourism industries, which have driven the rise of Macau's economy. The international community's confidence in investing in Macau has also been continuously strengthened.
There are basically no special restrictions on establishing a company in Macau. Macau is an independent customs territory with few types of taxes. The vast majority of imported goods, such as machinery and raw materials, are exempt from tariffs. It follows a simple and low tax policy and is the place with the lowest tax rate in the region.
As a free trade port, Macau has a superior geographical location, no foreign exchange controls, and free entry and exit of funds. Therefore, more and more business owners are choosing to register their companies in Macau!
1、 Types and advantages and disadvantages of Macau companies
Comparison and selection suggestions for different types of companies
1. Limited Liability Company (Lda)
Advantages: controllable risk, low registration threshold, flexible management.
Disadvantage: The maximum number of shareholders is 30, making it impossible to raise funds publicly.
Suitable for: small and medium-sized trading, consulting, and technology enterprises.
2. Limited Liability Company (SA)
Advantages: Able to issue stocks, unlimited number of shareholders, suitable for financing.
Disadvantage: The registered capital requirement is high, and regular shareholder meetings need to be held.
Suitable for: large manufacturing, finance, and companies planning to go public.
3. Unlimited companies
Advantages: Simple registration, no capital restrictions.
Disadvantage: Shareholders need to bear the debt risk with their personal assets.
Suitable for small catering and retail businesses that involve family and friends as partners.
4. Joint venture company
Advantage: Attract external funds (limited liability shareholders) while retaining management rights (unlimited liability shareholders).
Disadvantage: Complex structure, high risk of unlimited liability shareholders.
Suitable for: Introducing external investors to family businesses.
5. Individual business owners
Advantages: Faster registration and lowest cost.
Disadvantage: Without independent legal personality, personal property is tied to business.
Suitable for: individual studios, online stores, and freelancers.
2、 Macau Company Registration Conditions
01. Company Name
The company name requirements are lenient, and there should be no similar or identical names in the company name search. It can be in Chinese, Portuguese, or English. Cannot be repeated. According to the relevant provisions of the Commercial Code, if you want to add English, you need to speak Portuguese in both Chinese and English
02Requirements of Shareholders and Directors
shareholder:
At least one shareholder (who can be a natural person or a company), without nationality restrictions, allowing 100% foreign ownership.
The maximum number of shareholders in a limited liability company is 30.
director:
At least one director (who can be concurrently held by a shareholder), with no residency restrictions.
If the director is a non resident of Macau, a notarized identification document must be provided.
03. Registered capital
Limited Liability Company (Lda): Minimum registered capital of MOP 25000, fully paid in.
Limited Liability Company (SA): The minimum registered capital is MOP 1 million, which can be paid in installments (at least 25% for the first installment).
The registered capital shall be subscribed in Macau Patacas or equivalent foreign currencies (such as Hong Kong dollars, US dollars).
04. Registered address
A local physical address in Macau must be provided (not a post office box) for receiving government letters.
Virtual offices can be rented through proxy agencies or affiliated with secretary company addresses.
05. Company Name
The name should be named in Chinese, Portuguese or bilingual Chinese and Portuguese, and the suffix should indicate the company type (such as "Limited Company").
It is not allowed to duplicate the name of a registered company (which needs to be checked by the Macau Commercial and Movable Property Registry).
3、 Essential documents for Macau company registration
1. Proof of shareholder/director identity
Natural person: Copy of ID card or passport (non Macau residents require notarization and double authentication).
Shareholders of the company: Registration certificate, articles of association, and board resolution of the parent company (to be notarized and translated into Chinese or Portuguese).
2. Articles of Association (Contrato Social)
The company name, registered capital, shareholder information, business scope, etc. must be listed and notarized by the shareholders.
3. Proof of Registered Address
Macau address lease contract or address usage certificate provided by the agency.
4. Other documents
Declaration of company establishment, proof of shareholder capital contribution (such as bank transfer records).
4、 Macau Company Registration Process
Step 1: Search for company name
Submit the company name application to the Macau Commercial and Movable Property Registration Bureau and it will take approximately 1-3 working days for approval.
Step 2: Notarize the company's articles of association
Sign and notarize the company's articles of association at the Macau Notary Public Office (shareholders must be present in person or authorized to act on their behalf).
Step 3: Submit registration application
Submit the notarized documents to the Commercial and Movable Property Registration Bureau and pay the registration fee (approximately 3000-5000 MOP).
Approval time: approximately 15-20 working days.
Step 4: Tax Registration
Apply for taxpayer number (M/1 form) from the Finance Bureau and complete the business tax (IR) registration.
Step 5: Open a bank account
Directors and shareholders are required to visit the Macau Bank in person to handle the matter, and provide a complete set of company documents and business certificates.
5、 Important precautions
1. Verification of paid in capital
The registered capital of a limited liability company must be fully paid in, and a capital contribution certificate issued by a bank must be provided.
2. Language requirements
All documents in foreign languages (such as English) must be translated into Chinese or Portuguese and notarized.
3. Industry license
If it involves regulated industries such as gambling, finance, education, etc., additional government licenses (such as lucky gambling license, payment institution license) need to be applied for.
4. Annual maintenance
Annual review: The company information needs to be updated to the Commercial and Movable Property Registration Bureau every year.
Tax declaration: Submit the supplementary income tax (similar to profits tax) declaration form annually, with a deadline from April to June of the following year.
