Major Investment · threshold
Macao Major Investment: The MOP 15 Million Threshold Explained
The official route behind the "investment immigration" phrase is temporary residence through Major Investment / Major Investment Plan, assessed by IPIM (Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute). Assessment factor 6 expressly requires investment of no less than MOP 15 million. This page explains how the amount is counted, the other assessment factors, fees and timing, and the property-based residence route closed since 2007.
MOP 15 million: expressly listed as assessment factor 6
IPIM's published assessment criteria contain six factors; factor 6 expressly states "investment of no less than MOP 15 million". This is a written threshold in official documentation — not a rumour or a market estimate.
How the MOP 15 million is counted
- Composition: operating fixed assets, operating expenses and costs
- Capital not owned by the applicant is not counted
- Inventory held for sale is not counted
Major investment plans are typically operated through a company incorporated in Macao; for a public overview of the incorporation procedure, see Ted International (macautitan.com).
The other five factors: weighed together, not "money alone"
The official note says these factors will be "mainly, but not exclusively, considered". In other words, MOP 15 million is one necessary threshold; approval depends on the factors weighed together and rests with the official assessment.
- Industry sector
- Raising sector technology level and competitiveness
- Contribution to the local labour market
- Enhancing Macao's brand image
- Benefiting Macao's sustainable development
Free application, 45 working days
No application fee is charged. The review takes 45 working days, which may be suspended under Article 15(2) of Administrative Regulation 3/2005 (for example, while documents are requested).
The history of "buy property, get residency": closed since 4 April 2007
The property-based investment residence route stopped accepting new applications on 4 April 2007 (AR 7/2007). Only renewals, family-member benefits and pre-existing applications continue. Any claim that buying property still grants Macao residence does not match the current system.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How much do I have to invest?
Assessment factor 6 published by IPIM expressly states “investment of no less than MOP 15 million”, considered alongside industry sector, raising sector technology and competitiveness, contribution to the local labour market, brand image and sustainable development.
Does investing MOP 15 million guarantee approval?
No. The official note says these factors are “mainly, but not exclusively, considered”. MOP 15 million is one necessary threshold; approval depends on the factors weighed together and rests with the official assessment.
How is the MOP 15 million counted?
The investment comprises operating fixed assets, operating expenses and costs. Capital not owned by the applicant is not counted, and inventory held for sale is not counted.
Is there an application fee, and how long does it take?
There is no application fee. The official service page states 45 working days, which may be suspended under Article 15(2) of Administrative Regulation 3/2005.
Can buying property grant residence?
Property-based investment residence has been closed to new applications since 4 April 2007 (Administrative Regulation 7/2007); only renewals, family-member benefits and pre-existing applications continue. Check Major Investment / Major Investment Plan for the current route.
Official sources
Verify against the original official pages
Figures compiled from official pages. Last reviewed: 13 September 2026. Where official pages change, the official source prevails.