6. Frequently Ask Question

A. Born in Macau and holding Macau Birth Certificate

Question 1: Applicant was born in Macau with Chinese Nationality and holding Macau Birth Certificate. Is Applicant a Permanent Resident? Can he/she apply for the BIR? What documents need? [ANSWER] Ans: Applicants who was born in Macau and either his/her parents was a Macau Residence before of his/her birth, or applicant can provide a proof of ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years, he/she can submit an application for “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macau SAR. When applying, please submit a complete application form, three recent photographs, a valid identity document, original and photocopy of Macau birth certificate, photocopies of applicant’s parents’ identification documents, proof of residential status in Macau before the birth of the applicant, or applicant proof of ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years. After verification and approval, our Bureau will contribute a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode. Applicant can apply the BIR application with the aforesaid certificate. Regarding the BIR procedure, please visit: www.dsi.gov.mo

Question 2: Applicant was born in Macau in 1970 and is holding a Macau Birth Certificate. At the year 1978, applicant went to settle in Hong Kong and he/she’s still keeping the “Entry Permit”. While applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”, what are the required documents? [ANSWER] Ans: Applicant must submit a complete application form with three recent photographs, photocopy of a valid identification document, original and photocopy of the Macau Birth Certificate, photocopy of the past Macau identification document (if holding), and original and photocopy of the Hong Kong “Entry Permit”.

Question 3: Applicant was born in Macau with Chinese Nationality, whose either parents is holding a valid Macau identity card. Applicant is holding the Macau Birth Certificate and an expired “BI”. What is the procedure to obtain the Macau identity card? [ANSWER] Ans: If the issued date of the valid Macau ID card of the either parent is before the birth of the applicant, then applicant can personally come to DSI to submit the Macau ID card application along with the following documents: original and photocopy of applicant valid identification document, original and photocopy of applicant Macau Birth Certificate, “BI”, and original and photocopy of Applicant’s parents’ valid Macau ID card. If the applicant does not meet the aforesaid circumstances, firstly applicant has to apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”. After verification and approval, applicant can submit an application for the Macau Permanent ID card. Regarding the Macau ID card procedure, please visit: www.dsi.gov.mo.

Question 4: Applicant was born in Macau, with Chinese Nationality, in 1972. Applicant’s mother was holding the previous Macau ID card issued by the Macau Police Department before the birth of the applicant. And the applicant is holding the expired “BI”. What is the procedure to obtain the Macau identity card? [ANSWER] Ans: Applicant has to submit an application for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR. When applying, please also submit: three recent photographs, photocopy of a valid identification document, original and photocopy of the Macau Birth Certificate, photocopy of any former Macau identification documents, proof that at the time of his/her birth, either one of his parents was a legal resident of Macao (such as past Macau ID card), and original and photocopy of parents Marriage Certificate (if holding). After verification and approval, applicant can submit an application for the Macau Permanent ID card. Regarding the Macau ID card procedure, please visit:www.dsi.gov.mo.

B. Holding the past Macau Identification Documents (such as ID card issued by the Macau Police Department, “BIE”, or “BIN”)

Question 1: Applicant is a Chinese and has been living in Macau for a long time. During 70’s, applicant obtained the Macau ID card, but due to applicant getting old, he/she did not exchange, or re-new, the new Macau ID card on time. Could the applicant be able to obtain the new Macau Permanent ID card with the previous ID card? [ANSWER] Ans: No. Applicant has to submit an application for “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR” along with the following documents: three recent photographs, a valid identification documents, and the photocopy of the previous Macau identification document. After verification and approval, applicant can submit an application for the Macau Permanent ID card. Regarding the Macau ID card procedure, please visit:www.dsi.gov.mo.

Question 2: Applicant went to school in Macau during 60’s. Afterward, applicant obtained Macau ID card. In 1980, applicant went to settle in Hong Kong. Now, applicant would like to submit an application for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”, what is the required document to proof applicant had ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years? Applicant is holding a Graduation Certificate, issued by University of Macau, could this certificate be proof of ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to Graduation Certificate normally does not show any education period, therefore, it could not be able to proof of ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years. Applicant might submit an educational certificate from the previous School/University/Institute (certificate should be included applicant’s schooling period, parents name, and the previous reported address). If the previous School/University/Institute is closed, applicant could try to go to DSEJ to submit an application to obtain any schooling data or school report card. In addition, if applicant is holding any previous Macau identification document and the previous Hong Kong “Entry Permit”, please also submit along with the application.

Question 3: Applicant once held a Macau ID Card, but insufficient for seven years. Besides proof of education, what other documents can be proof of continuous reside in Macau? [ANSWER] Ans: Besides proof of education, applicant may also submit proof of involving of any Association activities (such as proof of occupation or leading position), treatment record, employee registration record, Salary Tax receipt, or proof of any government support.

Question 4: Applicants followed his/her mother to Macau in 1979 with “One Way Exit Permit”. Applicant had held a Macau ID card, however it was lost and he/she forgot the ID number. Could the applicant be able to submit an application for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR” and has DSI to help the applicant to find out the previous ID number? [ANSWER] Ans: Yes. But, it takes time for DSI to collect the applicant information from the Macao Police Department, therefore, applicant please be patient.

Question 5: Applicant came to Macau in 1980 with the “One Way Exit Permit”. Applicant held a Macau ID card issued in 1992. Yet, due to applicant went to settle in Hong Kong afterward, therefore, he/she returned the ID card to the previous SIM for cancellation. Could the applicant be able to apply back for the Macau Permanent ID card? If so, what is the procedure? [ANSWER] Applicant could contact the Director of DSI through mail, explaining in detail the reason of why applicant gave up the Macau ID cards, along with a photocopy of a valid identification document. After verification and approval, applicant can submit an application for the Macau Permanent ID card.

Question 6: Applicant, who is Chinese Nationality, has lived Macau and held a Macau ID Card. Afterward, applicant moved to France. And now applicant has a desire to obtain back for the Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card, so applicant would like to submit an application for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”. However, applicant has no time to go back to Macau. Applicant wonders are there other ways to submit the application? [ANSWER] Applicant could submit the application through mail. Regarding the information and required documents, please visit www.dsi.gov.mo . Mailing address: Macau P.O. Box 1089. After getting the Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode, applicant must come to the DSI in person to submit the application for the Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card.

Question 7: Applicant came to Macau in 1985 with the “One Way Exit Permit” and went to a foreign country for work and settle in 1990. Could the applicant be able to reside back to Macau through applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to applicant did not continuously resided in Macao for 7 years, so the applicant did not meet the Permanent Resident status. As a result, applicant is not eligible for applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”. However, if applicant would like to reside in Macau at present, he/she can accord with the stipulation of Administrative Regulation no. 3/2005 of Macao SAR to apply for the temporary residency (Certificado de Residencia) as an investor, management or technical personnel through Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (add: World Trade Centre Building, 1st & 4th Floors,918, Avenida da Amizade, Macao, tel: 28710300, website: http://www.ipim.gov.mo/). Moreover, in accordance with the stipulation of Administrative Regulation no. 4/2003 of Macao SAR, if he/she has relatives of Macao residents, he/she can also apply for the temporary residency as family reunion through the Immigration Services Bureau (Servico de Migracao) of the Police Department of Macao SAR (add: Travessa de Amizade Serviço de Migração, tel: 28725488, website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/sm/.

Question 8: Applicant is Macao SAR Permanent Resident and married with a Hong Kong Resident. Could applicant’s mate able to apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the Macau SAR”? [ANSWER] Ans: The Macau ID Card Applicant could not be able to apply at DSI with the reason of family re-union. Regarding this case, family re-union application must be obtained through the Immigration Department of Macau Police. Please contact the Immigration Services Bureau (Servico de Migracao) of the Police Department of Macao SAR for further information about temporary residency (Certificado de Residencia) (add: Travessa de Amizade Serviço de Migração, tel: 28725488, website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/sm/.

C. Children of Macau Permanent Resident who were born outside of Macau with Chinese or stateless Nationality Applicable with:

Those who accord with the stipulation of 3) and 6) of Term 1 of Article 1 of Law no.8/1999 of the Macao SAR:

• Those who were born in Macau, while their parents were permanent residents of the Macao SAR, with Chinese or stateless Nationality, before of their birth;
• Chinese nationals or stateless people who have ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years before or after the establishment of the Macao SAR.

Upon the aforesaid two categories, after they become Macau Permanent Resident, their children, who are born outside of Macau (except Mainland China) with Chinese or stateless Nationality, are Macau Permanent Resident. They can submit an application of “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR.

Question 1: Applicant was born in Macau with Chinese Nationality and is holding Macau Permanent ID Card. Yet, applicant’s children were born in Hong Kong. How does applicant help his/her children to apply the Macau ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: If applicant’s children were born in Hong Kong with Chinese Nationality after applicant became a Macau Permanent Resident, can submit an application for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR. Please submit the following documents along with the completed application: three recent photographs, a valid identification document, original and photocopy of Birth Certificate, photocopy of parents’ identification document, and original and photocopy of Marriage Certificate.

Question 2: Applicant came to Macau in 70’s with the “One Way Exit Permit” and is holding a Macau Permanent ID Card. In 1990, applicant got married in Hong Kong and gave birth. How does applicant help his/her children to apply the Macau ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: If applicant’s children were born in Hong Kong with Chinese Nationality after applicant became a Macau Permanent Resident, can submit an application for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR. Please submit the following documents along with the completed application: three recent photographs, a valid identification document, original and photocopy of Birth Certificate, photocopy of parents’ identification document, and original and photocopy of Marriage Certificate.

Question 3: Applicant was born in Hong Kong. In 2005, due to applicant’s mother is Macau Permanent Resident, according to the stipulation of 3) of Term 1 of Article 1 of Law no.8/1999 of the Macao SAR, applicant got the status of Macau Permanent Resident and is holding a Macau Permanent ID Card. In 2007, applicant’s daughter was born in Hong Kong. Could applicant’s daughter become a Macau Permanent Resident through applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode”? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to applicant did not ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years at the time of his/her daughter birth, so according to the stipulation of 3) of Term 1 of Article 1 of Law no.8/1999 of the Macao SAR, applicant’s daughter is not eligible for applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode”. However, applicant could submit an application through the Immigration Department of Macao Police with the reason of family re-union. For more information please call: 28725488.

Question 4: Applicant and his/her mate traveled USA with the Macau SAR Passport. While traveling, they gave birth in the USA. As a result, their children obtained a USA Passport. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to the child is carrying a USA Passport, so we have to first confirm whether the child has a Chinese Nationality status. According to the Term 5 of Article 1 of “Chinese National’s Law”, either one or both parents are Chinese Nationals, and their child was born in a foreign country, then the child has Chinese Nationality. However, according to the Term 5 of Article 2 of “Chinese National Law”, either one or both parents are Chinese Nationals, and their child was born in a foreign country after the parents settled in the foreign country, therefore, the child does not carry Chinese Nationality. Although the child is carrying Americans Nationality due to his/her birth in USA, the child still also carries Chinese Nationality. According to the Term 1 of Article 1 of “_________” 7/1999, the child can apply for the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR. While applying, please submit a completed application form, three recent photographs, photocopy of a valid travel document, original and photocopy of Birth Certificate, copy of parents identification documents, original and photocopy of parent Marriage Certificate, a declaration of the residential status in the foreign country while the child was born, and the photocopy of the previous travel documents.

Question 5: Applicant and mate are Permanent Resident with Chinese Nationality and now both are carrying the Macau SAR Passport. During 90’s, they immigrated to USA and now holding a Green Card. In 2005, their child was born and carries USA Passport. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to applicant’s child is holding a USA Passport, so we have to first confirm whether the child carries a Chinese Nationality status in order to have next step. According to the Term 5 of Article 2 of “Chinese National’s Law”, either one or both parents are Chinese Nationals, and their child was born in a foreign country after the parents settled in the foreign country, therefore, the child does not carry Chinese Nationality. Since the child was born in USA after the applicant settled in USA, therefore, the child is carrying Americans Nationality and does not carry Chinese Nationality. As a result, the child could not be able to apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR, according to the Term 1 of Article 1 of Administrative Regulation No. 7/1999. Please contact the Immigration Services Bureau (Servico de Migracao) of the Police Department of Macao SAR for further information about family reunion (add: Travessa de Amizade Serviço de Migração, tel: 28725488, website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/sm/).

Question 6: Applicant is a Chinese National. Applicant held the “One Way Exit Permit” to Macau in 1981 and now is holding a Macau Permanent ID Card. In 1990, applicant went to Australia for education. During schooling, applicant meets an Australian and gave birth to a child. The child is carrying an Australian Passport. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to the child is carrying an Australian Passport, so we have to first confirm whether the child has a Chinese Nationality status. According to the Term 5 of Article 1 of “Chinese National’s Law”, either one or both parents are Chinese Nationals, and their child was born in a foreign country, then the child has Chinese Nationality. Although applicant’s child was born in foreign country, applicant was not settling in the foreign country during the time of the birth of the child, so the child still carries Chinese Nationality. Applicant could accord the Term 1 of Article 1 of Administrative Regulation No. 7/1999 to apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR. After verification and approval, applicant can bring the child to DSI to apply for the Macau Permanent ID Card.

Question 7: Applicant and mate are Chinese Nationals and carried the “One Way Exit Permit” to Macau in 1981. Now, they both are holding the Macau Permanent ID Card. In 1990, they visited relatives in Australia. While visiting, they gave birth over in Australia. Afterward, they all got approved to settle in Australia and soon after joined the Australian Nationality. And now the child is holding the Australian Passport. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to the child is carrying an Australian Passport, so we have to first confirm whether the child has a Chinese Nationality status. According to the Term 5 of Article 1 of “Chinese National’s Law”, either one or both parents are Chinese Nationals, and their child was born in a foreign country, then the child has Chinese Nationality. Although the child was born in a foreign country, the child’s parents were not settled in the foreign country when the child was born, so the child was carried Chinese Nationality. However, according to the Term 9 of “Chinese National’s Law”, when a Chinese National who settle in a foreign country and voluntary join or obtain the foreign country nationality, therefore, their Chinese Nationality will be automatically cancelled. Due to the child voluntary joined the Australian Nationality after his/her birth, so the child automatically lost his/her Chinese Nationality. As a result, the child is not eligible for applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode”, according to the stipulation of 3) of Term 1 of Article 1 of Law no.8/1999 of the Macao SAR. However, applicant could submit an application through the Immigration Department of Macao Police with the reason of family reunion. Please contact the Immigration Services Bureau (Servico de Migracao) of the Police Department of Macao SAR for further information about family reunion (add: Travessa de Amizade Serviço de Migração, tel: 28725488, website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/sm/).

Question 8: Applicant carried a “One Way Exit Permit” to Macau in 1981 and now applicant is holding a Macau Permanent ID Card. In 1990, applicant got married in the Mainland China and born a daughter. During 1996, applicant’s mate and daughter moved to United Kingdom, carried with the Chinese Passport. In 2005, they both got approval to join the British Nationality. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to the child is carrying a British Passport, so we have to first confirm whether the child has a Chinese Nationality status. According to the Term 9 of “Chinese National’s Law”, when a Chinese National who settle in a foreign country and voluntary join or obtain the foreign country nationality, therefore, their Chinese Nationality will be automatically cancelled. Applicant’s child first held the Chinese Nationality, however, the child automatically lost his/her Chinese Nationality after he/she moved to UK and voluntarily joined the British Nationality (information on Chinese Nationality can be reviewed on Term 9 of “Chinese National’s Law”). As a result, the child is not eligible for applying the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode”, according to the stipulation of 3) of Term 1 of Article 1 of Law no.8/1999 of the Macao SAR. However, applicant could submit an application through the Immigration Department of Macao Police with the reason of family re-union. Please contact the Immigration Services Bureau (Servico de Migracao) of the Police Department of Macao SAR for further information about family reunion (add: Travessa de Amizade Serviço de Migração, tel: 28725488, website: http://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/sm/).

Question 9: Applicant is Chinese and Portuguese descent. Before the establishment of Macau SAR, applicant followed her husband settled in Portugal and born a child in Portugal. Afterwards, applicant got divorced and came back to Macau with her child. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Applicant’s child was born in Portugal and applicants and her mate were already settled in Portugal at the time of the child birth, therefore, the child obtained the Portuguese Nationality. According to the Term 5 of “Chinese National’s Law”, applicant’s child does not meet the requirement to hold the Chinese Nationality. Although applicant child is Chinese and Portuguese descent, she is not Stateless Nationality, so the child does not in the category of the stipulation of 6) of Term 1 of Article 1 of Law no.8/1999 of the Macao SAR. As a result, the child could not be able to apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode”.

Question 10: Applicant and mate are Macau Permanent Resident with Chinese Nationality. Later, they both went to United Kingdom for living with Portuguese Passport. Applicant’s child was born in UK, but the child did not obtain British Nationality due to his/her birth. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Although applicant’s child was born in UK and applicant and mate were already settle in there, the child did not obtain British Nationality due to his/her birth. According to the Term 5 of “Chinese National’s Law”, the child carries Chinese Nationality, so the child is able apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode” to confirm the status of a permanent resident of the Macao SAR.

Question 11: Applicant is Macau Permanent Resident. Year ago, applicant marry a Chinese Nationals in the Mainland China and born a child. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Applicant’s child is resident to the Mainland China. According to the term 1 of Article 2 of Administrative Regulation No. 7/1999, applicant could apply an application for the “Special Quota” from the Police Department of People Republic of China to come to Macau.

Question 12: Applicant is Chinese Nationals. This year, became Macau Permanent Resident due to applicant ordinarily resided in Macao for a continuous period of not less than 7 years. Applicant’s mate and a 5-year-old child are living in the Mainland China. What is the procedure for the applicant’s child to obtain a Macau SAR ID Card? [ANSWER] Ans: Due to applicant’s child was born before applicant became Macau Permanent Resident, so applicant’s child is eligible to apply the “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode”. Applicant could apply an application for the family re-union from the Police Department of People Republic of China to come to Macau.