Convenient policies launched for expats in Macao to enter Hengqin

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region announced that more convenient visa policies have come into effect today for expats living in Macao to travel, visit, or carry out business and trade exchanges in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

The new policies are expected to give more support for the cross-boundary talent flow between Hengqin and Macao, while contributing to the further development of Macao-funded enterprises in Hengqin. 

A bird's eye view of Hengqin Island [File photo by Zhang Ting]

Foreign permanent residents in Macao can apply for a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa or 5-year multiple-entry visa for business, visits, family visits, and personal affairs. The duration of stay of the two visa types will be a maximum of 30 days and 180 days respectively. For foreign non-permanent residents, the visa's validity will be the same as their residence cards. 

Professional foreign management and technical employees can apply for a 1-year multiple-entry visa, while a three-month multiple-entry visa, with a maximum of 30 days stay, is also available for expats visiting Macao for a short time or who are planning to attend exhibitions in Hengqin. 

Required materials for applications, such as passports, Macao residence permits, and invitation letters, vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. All visa applicants must have a valid certification for COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved by the Chinese mainland, Macao, or the World Health Organization. Young children and applicants who are unable to get vaccinated due to diseases or other reasons are required to present relevant medical evidence to the appropriate authorities when applying for a visa.