Talent · fees & review
Macao Talent Admission: Free Application, 90-Day Review and Scoring
Talent Recruitment is run by the Talent Development Committee. Applications are free and the statutory review takes 90 days. This page covers the official fee statement, scoring arrangements, quantitative indicators, family-member scope and disqualifying situations; live application periods and quotas are published on the electronic platform.
Application fee: free
The Talent Development Committee's official FAQ states that no fee is payable. Submitting through the electronic application platform is free of charge; any paid "agency fee" is not an official charge.
Review time: a 90-day statutory period
Under Article 26 of Administrative Regulation 19/2023, the Chief Executive decides within 90 days of an application being accepted; the period is suspended while requested documents are outstanding.
Three programmes and scoring
- High-end Talent: exceptional ability or technical capability, with internationally recognised achievement or major contribution
- Outstanding Talent: points-based (the system materials list 200 points), supporting economic diversification and priority industries
- Advanced Professional Talent: points-based (the system materials list 150 points), with local employment or a commitment to employ
Six quantitative indicators
Scoring covers six quantitative indicators: age, academic qualifications, work experience, personal achievements, language proficiency and family circumstances. Actual scores and current thresholds follow the official platform and regulations.
Family-member scope: parents are not included
- Spouse
- Person in a de facto marriage
- Children under 18 not yet emancipated from parental authority
- Ascendants (parents) are not included — parents must check other applicable routes separately
Situations in which application is not allowed
- Being barred from applying for residence authorisation or from entering Macao
- Already permitted to reside under other laws, or in the middle of a residence renewal
- Having debts in Macao being enforced through tax execution proceedings
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Talent Recruitment application cost?
The official FAQ states that no fee is payable: the whole application procedure is free of charge.
How long does the review take?
Under Article 26 of Administrative Regulation 19/2023 the review period is 90 days, suspended while requested documents are outstanding.
What are the points thresholds?
Under the official system materials, Outstanding Talent uses a points system (200 points) and Advanced Professional Talent a points system (150 points) plus local employment or a commitment to employ. The quantitative indicators cover age, academic qualifications, work experience, personal achievements, language proficiency and family circumstances.
Can my family come with me if I am approved?
The family-member scope is the spouse, a person in a de facto marriage, and children under 18 who are not yet emancipated from parental authority.
Can my parents come through my residence application?
No. The official family-member scope does not include ascendants (parents); they must check other applicable routes separately.
In which situations can I not apply?
Official grounds include being barred from applying for residence authorisation or from entering Macao; already being permitted to reside under other laws or being in the middle of a residence renewal; and having debts in Macao being enforced through tax execution proceedings.
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.