The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau provides consular services for the two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China. 

Both SARs have experienced significant economic and social change due to the continued strong economic growth of China.  They have benefited from the influx of wealth and capital from the Mainland.  Both SARs continue to maintain reputations as respecting the rule of law with strong property rights and enforcement of contractual obligations. 

Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong and Macau each control their own borders and immigration policies.  They each issue their own secure passports, and enjoy extensive visa free travel to other countries (about 150 for Hong Kong SAR passport holders and 100 for Macau SAR passport holders).  In order to receive a full Hong Kong or Macau SAR passport, an individual must reside in the SAR for at least seven years.   The SARs routinely issue documents of identity to residents who are unable to obtain other travel documents, yet have not lived in the SAR long enough to meet this seven year requirement; for the purposes of visa issuance and identification, these documents are treated as passports.

Passports, Documents of Identity (DIs), and identity cards issued by both the Hong Kong and Macau SARs are considered secure and reliable documents.  The governments of both SARs continue to follow advances in document security and comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s guidelines.  The current e-passports from Hong Kong and Macau include more than 14 security features.  Hong Kong and Macau each issue secure ID cards including a computer chip containing biometric data.  SAR residents commonly use these cards in lieu of passports for entering and exiting both SARs.  The Macau Public Security and Immigration authorities also actively combat the use of fraudulent documents. Counterfeit civil documents from either Hong Kong or Macau are rare.

Hong Kong and Macau no longer stamp passports upon entry to and exit from the SARs, and instead provide a printed slip.  

Documents issued by the Hong Kong and Macau SARs are generally reliable.  Obtaining official documents is a simple process in both SARs.  Departments are efficient and quick to respond to document needs from residents.  Both SARs are willing and able to amend incorrect documents as necessary.  It is difficult to obtain counterfeit documents in both SARs.

General Issuing Authority Information

Governo da Regiao Administrativa Especial de Macau

Birth Certificates

Available

Fees:  MOP 65 (stamp duty MOP 5.00 for each additional sheet)

Document Name:  (Two types - both refer to same information and are considered official)

• Certidão de Narrativa de Registo de Nascimento  (certified copy as requested)
• Assento De Nascimento (original copy)

Issuing Authority: Conservatória do Registo Civil (Civil Affairs Registry)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed round seal of中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區 (Chinese) Macau

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:   O Ajudante

Registration Criteria:  To register a birth for a newborn baby, a verbal declaration should be made by the parents or guardians to the Civil Affairs Registry or its sub-stations within 30 days of birth.  If the parents are unmarried or did not complete their marriage registration, both parents must go together to the Civil Affairs Registry or sub-station to register the baby; if there is a marriage certificate, the appearance of one is sufficient.  No babies are required to be present at the registry.  Parent(s) must provide the baby’s name and submit the following original documents for registration:

• Parents’ identification documents;
• If one or both parents do not hold a Macao Resident identity card, they must submit their arrival forms or residency documents such as: Non-resident Worker's Identification Card, Hong Kong identity card or passport;
• Marriage certificate of parents if married (except parents who registered their marriage with the Macao Civil Affairs Registry); and
• Baby’s birth notification letter issued by Kiang Wu Hospital or birth notification number issued by the Hospital Conde S. Januário.

After the declarant has signed the birth record, a "出生簡報Birth Briefing Note" (white card) will be issued to the declarant to apply for a birth certificate in the future.

If a baby mother does not want to disclose the identity of her baby’s father at the registration office for birth registration, a declaration must be made and no registration of the father's name will be made at the registration office for the baby.

If all documents are complete, the registration of a birth can be completed within 1 hour.  The registration is free of charge.

For those over 14 who are born in Macao but whose birth has not yet been registered, they can apply for late birth registration.  However, a registration appointment must be made in advance with the registry.  Registration for children under 14 years old can also be made in accordance with the procedures for birth registration of newborn babies.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (minors can request through their father, mother, grandfather, grandmother or guardian).  Applicants must go to the registry or sub-station; or the Centro de Servicos da RAEM (Government Complex Services Building) and present their identity documents to apply for a certificate.  They can also have their spouse, children, parents, siblings or guardians to apply for it on their behalf; proof of the family relationship and the original identification document of the relatives are required.  If the applicants fill in the power of attorney and attach their original or a copy of the identity document to have other persons or the lawyers in Macau to make the request on their behalf, the other persons must also present their original identification documents and the lawyers must present their original copy of the lawyer’s proof of identity.  The lawyers can also complete the power of attorney and entrust others to apply for the certificate.  The entrusted person must also present the original copy of his/her identification documents.

If data has been entered on the computer and verified, issuance of Certificate of Birth Registration Narrative is made within one hour after receipt of the request (except for at the Centro de Servicos da RAEM/Government Complex Services Building).

Applicants can apply for the certificate by mail if they do not reside in Macao.  The applicant must sign an application letter and send to Rua do Campo, No. 162, Edf. Public Administration, 13th floor, Macao, together with a photocopy of his/her identification document and a money order (payable to “Conservatória do Registo Civil de Macau”).  Fees vary depending on the number of sheets of the certificate, so the applicants should check the fee with the registry before making their applications.  Note that in addition to the cost of the certificate, an additional postage fee of MOP 30 is required.  Each bank draft fee is MOP 40 for Hong Kong dollar bank bills and MOP 200 for U.S. dollar bank bills.

The time required for mailing a certificate is more than one month.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Death Certificates

Available for deaths occurring after April 1, 1963.

Fees:  MOP 65 (stamp duty MOP 5.00 for each additional sheet)

Document Name:  (Two types - both refer to same information and are considered official)

• Certidão de Narrativa de Registo de Obito (certified copy upon requested)                    
• Assento De Obito (original copy)

Issuing Authority: Conservatória do Registo Civil (Civil Affairs Registry) or Conservatoria do Registo de Casamentos e Obitos de Macau (Macau Marriage and Death Registry Office)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  An embossed round seal of中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區 (Chinese) Macau

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  O Ajudante

Registration Criteria: The following persons over 18 years of age may, within 2 days, visit the Civil Affairs Registry or its sub-stations to make a verbal report on the deceased's death:

• The owner of the deceased's place of death;
• The closest relative of the deceased who  witnessed the death;
• Other relatives of the deceased who witnessed the death;
• The administrator or person in charge of a public or a private establishment (e.g. hospitals,
• residential care homes) where the death occurred;
• The host of any religious ceremony who has witnessed the death; and
• The person or entity in charge of the funeral.

Procedure for Obtaining: The informants must visit the Civil Affairs Registry Office or its sub-stations to produce a valid copy of their identity documents and submit:

• The original certificate of death issued by the hospital or doctor recognized by the health authority;
• If the deceased holds original identification documents, these must be submitted;
• If the deceased was married or divorced, a valid marriage certificate or an original or certified copy of the divorce certificate must be submitted (unless already registered at the Macau Civil Affairs Registry) in order to be able to enter the name of the deceased’s last spouse in the death record.

The registration of a death normally takes 1 hour.

Procedure for obtaining Certificate of Death Registration Narrative: Applicants over 18 years of age should go the registry or its sub-stations or the Centro de Servicos da RAEM (Government Complex Services Building) and present their original identification documents as well as copies of the deceased identification documents or certificate of death to apply for the certificate.  If an applicant is unable to prove the family relationship with the deceased (spouse, children, parents, siblings or guardians), the applicant must complete a declaration at the time of the request.  Lawyers in Macau must present their original copy of the lawyer’s proof of identity and copies of the deceased identification documents or certificate of death to apply for the certificate.  Lawyers can also fill in the power of attorney and entrust other persons to apply for the certificate.  The entrusted person must also present the original copy of his/her identification documents.

If data has been entered on the computer and verified, issuance of Certificate of Death Registration Narrative is made within one hour after receipt of the request (except for at the Centro de Servicos da RAEM/Government Complex Services Building).

Applicants can apply for the certificate by mail if they do not reside in Macao.  The applicant must sign an application letter and send to Rua do Campo, No. 162, Edf. Public Administration, 13th floor, Macao, together with photocopies of his/her identification documents and family relationship document as well as a money order (payable to “Conservatória do Registo Civil de Macau”).  Fees vary depending on the number of sheets of the certificate, so the applicants should check the fee with the registry before making their applications.  Please note that in addition to the cost of the certificate, an additional postage fee of MOP 30 is required.  Each bank draft fee is MOP 40 for Hong Kong dollar bank bills and MOP 200 for U.S. dollar bank bills. The time required for mailing a certificate is more than one month.

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available.

Comments:  None

Police Certificates

Available

Fees:

• Normal application (5 working days) costs MOP50.
• Urgent application (2 working days) costs MOP150.

Document Name:  CERTIFICADO DE REGISTO CRIMINAL /刑事紀録證明書

Issuing Authority:  Direcção dos Serviços de Identificação

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: An embossed round seal of中華人民共和國澳門特別行政區 (Chinese) Macau

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Division (A CHEFE DE DIVISAO)

Registration Criteria:

• Macao SAR Resident or person who has formerly resided in Macao SAR; or person who are applying for residence in Macao residency, and
• Aged 16 or over.

Procedure for Obtaining:  Police certificates and/or any records of conviction will be sent directly to the applicants.  Please refer to dsi.gov for additional information.  Enquiry hotlines: (853) 2837-0777 or (853) 2837-0888.  All applicants should be 16 years of age or older.

• Macau SAR Resident Identity Card (BIR) Holder: If the applicant is a BIR holder, the card must be presented with the application.
• Non-BIR Holder: If the applicant is not a BIR holder, he or she must submit documents proving his or her ties to Macau, such as an identification permit of non-resident worker or a testimonial letter from a school or employer in Macau.
• BIR and Non-BIR Holders may personally submit their own applications or they may have their direct relatives (i.e. parents, or spouse or children aged 18 or older) or an authorized person submit an application on their behalf.
• Application made by direct relative must include:
• Photocopy of the applicant's BIR.  For non-BIR holders, a photocopy of applicant's valid travel document or valid document for entering Macau and documentary proof of the connection between applicant and Macau.
• A full set of applicant's ten 10 fingerprints (for first time application).
• Original identity document of the representative making the application.
• Documentation proving the relationship between the applicant and the representative.
• Documentation proving that the applicant cannot apply in person.
• Application made by an authorized person must include:
• Proxy or letter of authorization from applicant.  Samples can be obtained at DSI or from dsi.gov, under Forms Download- Declaration (Certificate of Criminal Record.
• Photocopy of the applicant's Macau Resident Identity Card (BIR).  For non-BIR holders: a photocopy of applicant's valid travel document or valid document for entering Macau and documentary proof of the connection between applicant and Macau.
• A full set of applicant's ten 10 fingerprints (for first time application).
• Original identity document of the authorized person making the application.
• How to apply by mail:
  1. Access the Postal Application Service system of Identification Services Bureau (DSI) to obtain an application number and print out an application slip.
  2. Mail “Part 2” of the application slip and the required documents (see below) to DSI. (Mailing address: Macau Postal Box No. 1089/ Avenida da Praia No. 804, Edificio China Plaza, 20 andar, Macau).
  3. After receiving the required documents, DSI will update the application progress in the “Postal Application Service” system.  Applicants should check their application status in the system from time to time.
  4. When the application status changes to “Please pay for the application”, applicants can pay the fee to complete their application.
  
  
• Required documents:
  
  1. Application form or application letter, which should state clearly applicant’s name, parents’ name, date and place of birth, usage of the certificate (i.e. “for immigration”), contact information, and type of application (normal or urgent).  In the letter, the applicant should sign and impress a right index fingerprint next to their signature.  For a first-time application, a set of ten fingerprint impressions should be submitted to DSI (the form for fingerprint impression can be downloaded in DSI’s website);
  2. Proof of residence in Macao or proof of application for residing in Macao, such as identification documents issued in Macao, proof issued by a school in Macao, a notification letter in regard to Residence Authorization application issued by the Immigration Department of the Public Security Police Force, a document issued by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute to request the applicant to submit the Certificate of Criminal Record, etc.;
  3. Photocopy of a valid travel document of the applicant; and
  4. If the applicant does not hold a Macao SAR Resident Identity Card and needs to state his/her parents’ name on the certificate, he/she should submit a photocopy of the relevant supporting documents, such as a birth certificate.  Such documents are not required if the applicant has submitted it to DSI before.
  
  
• Fee: Application fee + Postage (This Bureau will inform the applicant of the total amount in the “Postal Application Service” system of DSI)
  
  1. Application fee
      Normal application (5 working days): MOP50
      Urgent application (2 working days): MOP150
  2. Postage amount to vary depending on the destinations and weight of the documents.
  
  
• Means of payment:
  
  1. Pay online:
      Pay by credit card in the “Postal Application Service” system.
  2. Pay by an authorized person in Macao to pay the fee at DSI in person on his/her behalf by clear statement in their application letter.
  
  
• Date of Collection: (counted from the day after DSI received all necessary documents)
  Normal application: 5 working days.
  Urgent application: 2 working days.            

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available.

Comments: For details, please see dsi.gov

Court/Prison Records

Court/Prison Records: Available, applicant applies in person

Fees:  depends on number of pages

Document Name:  No standard wording, depends on the category of cases

Issuing Authority:   Tribunal Judical De Base

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  Tribunal Judical De Base

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria:  Submit request to court

Procedure for Obtaining: Certificate of Imprisonment  - Applicants need to submit Application Form for Certificate of Imprisonment (can be collected at the service application location or downloaded from the Correctional Services Bureau’s website; copy of valid identification document(s); and/or copy of Marriage Certificate (depending on individual cases) to the Correctional Services Bureau in person.  When copies are submitted for application, originals must be presented for verification.

Please see gov.mo

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available.

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents.

Exceptions:  None

Comments:  None

Unavailable

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.):  Regular

• Fees:  For details, please see dsi.gov .Normal application: MOP 300.00

Urgent application: an additional fee of MOP 150.00 will be charged

Document Names:

1. PASSPORT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (PASSAPORTE DA REGIÃO ADMINISTRATIVA ESPECIAL DE MACAU REPÚBLICA POPULAR DA CHINA)
2. TRAVEL PERMIT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TÍTULO DE VIAGEM DA REGIÃO ADMINISTRATIVA ESPECIAL DE MACAU REPÚBLICA POPULAR DA CHINA)

Issuing Government Authority: Identification Services Bureau, Macao Special Administrative Region (Direcção dos Serviços de Identificação da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:

1. PASSPORT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - The passport cover is dark green with the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China emblazoned in the centre of the front cover.  The bearer's identity card number is printed on the 2nd line of the MRZ (machine readable zone) having 8 digits.  The holder's photograph and fingerprint are added to the observation page.  The validity of the passport of the MACAO SAR will normally be 10 years.  It has no page for accompanying children, as children under 18 will be issued passports that are valid for 5 years.  Each passport consists of 48 numbered pages with a dimension of 125mm x 88mm.
2. TRAVEL PERMIT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - The document cover is dark purple.  The bearer's identity card is printed on the 2nd line of the MRZ (machine readable zone) having 8 digits.  The holder's photograph and fingerprint are added to the observation page.  The validity of the travel permit of the MACAO SAR is normally 5 years.  It has no page for accompanying children, as children under 18 will be issued a travel permit that is valid for 5 years.  Each booklet consists of 32 numbered pages with a dimension of 125mm x 88mm.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.

Registration Criteria:

1. PASSPORT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - The passport of the Macao SAR of the People's Republic of China is issued to Chinese citizens who are permanent residents of the Macau SAR.  This document lists the bearer as a Chinese citizen who is a permanent resident of the Macau Special Administrative Region, who has the right of abode in, and the right to return to the Region.
2. TRAVEL PERMIT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - The travel document of the Macao SAR of the People's Republic of China is issued to non-permanent residents of the Macau SAR who are of Chinese nationality and who are not entitled to other travel documents.  It can also be issued to other persons with "exceptional reasons".  This document lists the bearer as a lawful resident of the Macau Special Administrative Region who has the right to return to the Region.

Procedure for Obtaining: For details, please see dsi.gov

1. PASSPORT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - If in Macau, the applicant should apply in person at the Identification Department.  Original Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card, one recent, color, bareheaded and full-faced photograph in plain white background in 1.5 inches and the former Macao SAR Passport (in case of renewal) are generally required to submit with an application form.
Qualified applicants can also apply in overseas, if necessary.
For details, please see dsi.gov
2. TRAVEL PERMIT OF THE MACAO SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (MACAO SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - If in Macau, the applicant should apply in person at the Identification Department.  Original Macao SAR Resident Identity Card, one recent, color, bareheaded and full-faced photograph in plain white background in 1.5 inches and the former Macao SAR Travel Permit (in case of renewal) are generally required to submit with an application form.
Qualified applicants can also apply in overseas, if necessary.

Other Documents Available:  PASSPORTE PARA ESTRANGIEROS: issued to persons legally residing in Macau and valid for re-entry to Macau within the authorized period stated on the document.  It has a gray cover. The issuance of this document ended on December 20, 1999 and was valid until December 20, 2001.

Not applicable

Post Title:  U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau
Address:  26 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong

Phone Number:  (852) 2523-9011

Mailing Address:

PSC 461 Box 5
FPO AP 96521-0006

Fax: (852) 2845-4845

Email:  hk.usconsulate

SAR (Special Administrative Region) of Hong Kong - Macau. All visa categories for all of Macau.