+853 6566 8809 📍 Rua do Coronel Ferreira N°8, Hong Fok Building, Ground Floor Shop B, Macau (Opposite Ponte 16 Hotel) 🕐 Mon–Sat 11:00–19:00
| EN
A one Employment Macau Logo
A one EmploymentMacau Employment Agency
Home › Employment Tips Blog

Employment Tips Blog

Sister Ming shares practical experience on hiring foreign workers in Macau

M

Sister Ming · HR Consultant

Having worked in employment agencies for several years, I've seen all sorts of strange experiences with hiring foreign workers in Macau. There are unusual employers, quirky workers, but also warm-hearted employers and genuinely caring workers! After all I've been through, I want to record these stories to help everyone better understand Macau's foreign labour situation.

Quick summary: Hiring a foreign worker in Macau follows a 3-step flow — apply for the Employment Permit → apply for the Entry Permit → obtain the Blue Card and start work. The Employment Permit application is free; the employer must provide accommodation (housing or an allowance of at least MOP 500/month per worker, under Administrative Regulation No. 88/2010). Contracts run up to 2 years and can be renewed 30–45 days before expiry. The whole system is governed by Law No. 21/2009 (Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law).

Two Key Terms

What is a foreign worker (non-resident worker)? A non-resident worker is someone hired to work in Macau but who is not a Macau resident. They must be approved under Law No. 21/2009 and may only work after the Blue Card is issued.

What is the Blue Card? The Blue Card is the Non-resident Worker Identity Card — the legal proof that a foreign worker is allowed to work in Macau. Without it, the worker may not start work.

The 3-Step Hiring Process

  1. Apply for the Employment Permit — the employer applies to the Macau Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) for a "Foreign Worker Permit". This application is free.
  2. Apply for the Entry Permit — after approval, apply for the worker's entry permit. Some nationalities (e.g. Vietnam) also need a Macau visa arranged abroad in advance.
  3. Obtain the Blue Card and start work — the worker enters Macau, completes any required medical exam, receives the Blue Card, and may then begin work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to hire a foreign worker?
A: Usually a few weeks to one or two months, depending on document readiness and approval progress.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a foreign worker?
A: The Employment Permit is free. Main costs are the worker's salary, the agency service fee, and accommodation (housing or ≥ MOP 500/month allowance). For a quote, WhatsApp +853 6566 8809.

Q: Which nationalities can foreign workers come from?
A: Mainly the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, plus Myanmar and Nepal — chosen by your company's staffing needs.

Q: Do Vietnamese workers need a visa in advance?
A: Yes. They must obtain a Macau visa via a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad before entering to work. We assist.

Q: How do I get started?
A: WhatsApp +853 6566 8809 or visit our Contact page and tell us your company's needs for a free consultation.

Last updated: 17 August 2026 · Author: Sister Ming, HR Consultant

All Articles

Philippine Recruitment Process

Philippine Recruitment Process — Employment Agency Q&A

Macau's Executive Council has completed discussion on amendments to the Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law. Here's how the entry permit recruitment process works...

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law

Labour Relations Law: Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law

On 5 June 2019, Macau's Executive Council completed discussion on amendments to the Employment of Non-Resident Workers Law. Some employers ask why agencies aren't regulated...

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Overseas vs Local Foreign Workers

Overseas vs Local Ready Foreign Workers

People often ask me what "overseas foreign workers" means. Overseas workers refer to those who are in their home country when signing the contract...

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Overseas vs Local Foreign Workers Part 2

Overseas vs Local Ready Foreign Workers (Part 2)

Previously we discussed why ready-available local foreign workers tend to get pregnant on the job, face job instability, and switch employers frequently in Macau...

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Overseas vs Local Foreign Workers Final Part

Overseas vs Local Ready Foreign Workers (Final Part)

As for job-hopping... I mostly see this with Indonesian and Philippine workers. Indonesia has no consulate in Macau, so they mostly enter on tourist visas rather than through proper foreign worker channels...

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
What to Do If Your Blue Card Is Lost

What to Do If Your Blue Card Is Lost

Lost your Blue Card (Non-resident Worker Identity Card)? Steps to report the loss, apply for reissue, and follow up on stay-permit status so your worker never loses legal status...

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Foreign Worker Wages

Foreign Worker Wages in Macau 2026: Employer Guide

How much are foreign worker wages in Macau? 2026 legal minimum wage MOP 7,280/month, key points for foreign employee pay, employer duties and FAQ.

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Myanmar Workers

Myanmar Workers in Macau: Hiring Notes

Can you hire Myanmar workers in Macau? Application process, notes for Myanmar foreign workers, differences from other nationalities and FAQ.

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
Nepal Workers

Nepal Workers in Macau: Hiring Notes

Can you hire Nepal workers in Macau? Application process, notes for Nepal foreign workers, differences from other nationalities and FAQ.

✍️ Sister Ming
Read More →
WeChat