Macau Company Incorporation
Start Your Business with Ease
Macau is an important Asian commercial hub and one of China’s two special administrative regions. Located on the northern coast of the South China Sea and the western side of the Pearl River Estuary, it borders Zhuhai in Guangdong to the north, with Hong Kong nearby to the east. Macau has a highly open economy and is regarded as one of the world’s most liberal locations for trade and investment. Macau companies do not require verification of registered capital. Under Complementary Income Tax, the first 600,000 of profit is exempt and the excess is taxed at 12%; taxation is based on source, and capital income is not taxed.
Macau is also a free port with comprehensive infrastructure, no foreign exchange controls, and free movement of funds. These advantages, together with low industrial and commercial operating costs, have strengthened international confidence in investing in Macau. The Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement has also attracted investors to establish companies there, making Macau an attractive base for expanding into the Greater Bay Area.
Types of Company in Macau
1. General Partnership
A Macau general partnership has at least two partners, each of whom is responsible for the partnership’s debts and bears joint and several liability.
2. Limited Partnership
Macau limited partnerships may take the form of an ordinary limited partnership or a partnership limited by shares.
An ordinary limited partnership consists of general partners and limited partners. Limited partners are liable only to the extent of their actual capital contributions and are not otherwise responsible for the partnership’s debts. They cannot contribute services as capital. General partners bear unlimited liability for the partnership’s debts.
3. Limited Liability Company
The limited liability company is the most common company form in Macau. It requires at least two members. Members’ liability is limited to their capital contributions, while the company is liable for its debts to the extent of its assets.
4. Single-Member Limited Liability Company
A single-member limited liability company can be established by one person contributing all the capital, which consists of a single quota. Its governing arrangements can be adapted to comply with the rules for limited liability companies.
5. Joint-Stock Company
A joint-stock company requires at least three shareholders. Each shareholder is liable only for the shares subscribed and has no additional responsibility for the company’s debts. The company is liable for its debts to the extent of its own assets.
Benefits of Registering a Company in Macau
1. Simple Tax System
Macau has a simple tax system and a relatively low corporate profits tax rate.
2. Strategic Location
Located at the heart of the Greater Bay Area, Macau is an important link between mainland China and international markets.
3. Flexible Registration Options
Choose a single-member limited liability company or a limited liability company with multiple members.
4. No Annual Company Return
Macau companies do not need to submit an annual company registration return; an amendment application is only required when company particulars change.
5. Multilingual Business Environment
Company names can use Chinese, English, and Portuguese.
Macau Company Registration Process and Key Considerations
Macau Company Registration Process
- Check the company name and confirm the business scope
- Declare the registered capital: MOP 25000, the statutory minimum registered capital
- First-year company secretarial and virtual office services, including a compliant Macau registered address
- Accurate Portuguese translation of the company name at no additional charge.
- Prepare company documents for signing
- Arrange for shareholders to sign in Macau or by post
- Obtain the official commercial registration certificate issued by the Commercial and Movable Property Registry.
- Complete the registration
Important Considerations
- Share capital above 130,000 requires additional anti-money-laundering documents to be signed
- A Hong Kong company acting as a shareholder requires international notarisation
- Opening a bank account requires an in-person visit to Macau
Documents Required
- Copies of shareholders’ and directors’ identity cards or passports
- Copies of valid proof of address
- Completed application form
Our Macau Company Registration Service Includes
1. Virtual Office Service
A registered address for government correspondence during the first year.
2. Company Name Search
Assistance with Macau company name checks and registration.
3. Documentation Service
Preparation of registration documents and an accurate Portuguese translation of the company name at no extra charge, including the commercial certificate and production of company seals.
4. Business Commencement and Tax Application Filings
Why Do So Many Entrepreneurs Choose M&N Business Services?
- A licensed Hong Kong service provider: M&N Business Services Limited is a licensed secretarial services company recognised by the Hong Kong Government, providing reliable services you can depend on.
- Comprehensive one-stop solutions: From company incorporation and secretarial services to accounting, tax filing and virtual offices, we provide everything in one place, saving you the trouble of dealing with multiple providers.
- An experienced team: Over the years, we have helped countless SMEs and start-ups register their companies successfully and have developed the expertise to handle complex situations.
- Clear, transparent pricing: Every service plan has clearly stated prices with no hidden charges, so you can engage our services with confidence.
Related Macau Company Registration Services
Company Incorporation Services
Company Secretarial Services
Tax Filing Services
Virtual Offices
Frequently Asked Questions
At least one shareholder and one director are required. A shareholder may also act as a director.
If the proposed Macau company has only one member, its Chinese name must indicate that it is a single-member company. For example, a proposed name meaning ABC Limited Company must instead mean ABC Single-Member Limited Company. The English name is not restricted by the number of shareholders and may remain ABC LIMITED.
Yes. Macau company documents and proof of business are required. M&N Business can assist with opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong.
There are four company forms in Macau: limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, general partnerships, and limited partnerships.
Statutory minimum registered capital of MOP25,000
At least 1 director and shareholder, who may be the same person
Provide identity documents for directors and shareholders
Provide valid proof of address dated within 3 months for directors and shareholders
Yes. No local Macau shareholder is required, but a Macau resident or company must be appointed as the legal representative. M&N Business can provide this service.
Generally, a proposed Macau company name may be in Chinese only, Portuguese only, Chinese and Portuguese, or Chinese, English, and Portuguese.
There are generally no restrictions, apart from a few industries requiring special approval, such as finance and gaming. Certain other industries require administrative licences, including employment agencies and training centres.
Under the Commercial Code, a joint-stock company must have a secretary. A limited liability company needs one only if it has more than ten members or issues bonds. In other cases, the company may decide whether to appoint a secretary according to its needs.