Buy a ready-made company in Macau

With access to foreign jurisdictions becoming more difficult, buying an enrolled firm in Macau is becoming a popular strategy. This solution allows you to immediately get a firm with a history, ready-made indentures and sometimes even a fiscal account. Such a ready-made company in Macau can be used for international trade, investment, provision of IT services or entering the Chinese market via CEPA mechanisms. This approach is in demand among those who want to minimize start-up bills and avoid complex registration from scratch.

The material has been prepared as an overview guide on key aspects of acquisition. It will consider how to buy a ready-made company in Macau, what indentures are required, what conditions apply to foreigners, and what hidden risks there are. Particular attention is paid to licit formalities, taxation, banking setup and owner's responsibilities. This review will be useful for those who want to buy a business in Macau with minimal mistakes - from a novice entrepreneur to an experienced investor, from an e-commerce project to a fintech platform developer.

The region as a Business Jurisdiction

The polity is an autonomous region on the southern coast of China, under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China but with a separate licit and fiscal system. It is not subject to the excise, banking and visa setups of mainland China, but retains sovereignty over business, corporate governance and foreign exchange controls. The polity is governed under a dual model, which is enshrined in the region's Basic Law. The licit system here is contingent on the Portuguese tradition with a continental type of regulation, as opposed to the common law of Hong Kong. This simplifies documentation, reduces licit uncertainty and makes transactions transparent.

Geographically, the polity is conveniently located. It is connected by land to the province of Guangdong and is only an hour's drive from the megalopolis of Shenzhen. The region is part of the Greater Bay Area, a project uniting 11 cities, including Hong Kong and Guangzhou, with a fused GDP of over $1.7 trillion. In the Heritage Foundation's ranking of economic freedom, the polity consistently ranks near the top of the table, and the World Bank has previously rated the jurisdiction as favorable for trade. All this creates a space in which procuring a shelf firm in the polity is a rational move for those focused on the Asian market.

Priority niches for investments

When choosing where to invest in buying a business in Macau, it is vital to consider the specifics of the region's economy. The polity is a small but strategically vital market with a unique combination: its own excise system, special administrative status and direct access to China. Here, it is profitable to acquire not a universal business, but a niche one - adapted to the logic of border trade, tourism and a regional hub.

Advantages of the region for buying a ready-made business

To understand why buying a company in Macau can be a good investment, it is vital to look at the key features of this jurisdiction.

1. The region does not participate in the Automatic Exchange of Banking Information (CRS), asserting the security of beneficiary data.
2. The region has a preferential excise model: no excise is levied on profits up to 600,000 MOP, after which a 12% rate is applied.
3. There is no VAT, dividend excise or capital excise, which is beneficial for corporate setups and international holdings.
4. The banking system is integrated into international settlements and supports foreign exchange transactions in yuan, dollars, euros and other currencies.
5. 100% foreign ownership of the firm is permitted, and registration allows the use of a nominee service.
6. purchase an enrolled company in Macau without being present in person, by submitting it remotely via a representative.
7. The region has simplified accounting reporting , and auditing is only mandatory when turnover limits are exceeded.
8. It is easy to obtain a license for foreign economic activity and trade with mainland China via CEPA agreements.
9. to buy a company in Macau in 3-7 days if you use a ready-made setup with licenses and a bank account.
10. The region is not included in the sanctions lists and is not recognized as an offshore zone in the EU and OECD, which simplifies working with foreign partners.

Given the above conditions, purchasing a firm in Macau can serve as a base for international trade, starting an IT service, or entering the Southeast Asian market.

Licit framework and forms of companies

Before buying a ready-made company in Macau, it is necessary to understand the current regulations and bodies that control corporate processes. There are no random elements in the licit setup of the region - every document, every action and every setup are built into a clear administrative logic.

Main organizational and licit forms of companies

Before buying a ready-made firm in Macau, it is vital to understand what form it can take. The jurisdiction allows several types of corporate setups, differing in the degree of liability, capital requirements and ownership options.

Advantages

Before buying a ready-made company in Macau, it is vital to understand what exactly this setup is and how it differs from a newly created licit entity. Many entrepreneurs choose this option to save time, minimize bureaucracy and simplify access to markets.

A shelf company in Macau is an organization that is registered in advance but does not actually operate. Such setups are created by providers for future use. It already has a name, articles of association, constituent indentures and a unique registration number. It is present in the corporate registry, but has no history of operations - banking transactions, concluded contracts or turnover.

The difference from registering from scratch is that all the paperwork is done in advance. When filing independently, you need to form a package of indentures, go via sequences with a notary, and wait for the review to be completed. This takes weeks. In the case of a shelf form, all this is already completed. All that remains is to carry out the transaction to purchase a business in Macau - sign the protocol of transfer of shares and notify the registering authority.

The period of existence is of particular importance. Some setups are created long before the moment of implementation. For example, a firm could have been registered two or three years ago. During this time, it did not operate, but was listed in the system. Such an enrolled company in Macau will be perceived as " mature " , especially in the eyes of banks. The lifespan of the setup affects the reputation: the older the organization, the easier it is to pass the initial check with suppliers, contractors and licensing authorities.

Among the offers there are also operating companies in Macau, via which operations have already taken place: banking transactions, settlements, contracts. They are subject to higher audit requirements, but they often have a license and a bank account. A separate category is made up of operating enterprises with a history, conducting economic activity. Such setups require a special approach during verification. In some cases, it is possible to buy a company with a bank account in Macau, which is especially vital given the limited access to banks by foreigners.

To assess the benefits, it is vital to compare the purchase with self-registration. Below is a table with the main differences.

Table: Comparison of a ready-made company in Macau and a new registration

Buying a shelf company in Macau is convenient in cases where a quick start is needed. This is especially relevant for transactions with Chinese counterparties, launching e-commerce or entering the stock exchange. At the same time, buying a functioning business in Macau requires a thorough check. It is necessary to make sure that there are no debts, excise burden, or problems with counterparties. Only after this can you formalize the transaction and start using the setup as part of your corporate strategy.

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Acquisition sequence

The process via which a company purchase in Macau takes place consists of three logical stages: verification, transfer, registration. Each of them has a strict setup, supported by licit practice. Mistakes are unacceptable. Formally, this is a simple transaction, in fact, it is a transfer of rights, which entails licit, fiscal and regulatory consequences.

Phase 1. Preliminary check (due diligence)

Before completing the paperwork, a detailed licit check should be carried out. This is a basic step in any transaction to purchase a business in Macau. Its purpose is to eliminate risks associated with debts, litigation, excise sanctions or administrative restrictions. The first thing that requires analysis is the registration history. It is necessary to check the date of foundation, the period of inactivity, changes in the charter. Next - information on fiscal activity. Even if the firm was declared as inactive, it is vital to verify the presence of excise reports and the absence of debts to the fiscal authority.

Particular attention is paid to the owners. If the current participants of the firm have restrictions, such as prohibitions on doing business, sanctions, or participation in litigation, this is recorded. Verification of beneficiaries is carried out via requests to the local registry, analysis of corporate decisions and, if necessary, international compliance databases. It is vital for the buyer to make sure that the setup has not been used for the transit of assets, withdrawal of funds, money laundering or fictitious transactions. Only after confirming the "cleanliness" of the licit history can you proceed to the transaction.

Phase 2. Signing the purchase and sale agreement

The transfer of rights is formalized via an alienation agreement. In the polity, such an operation is possible both via a private form and via certification by an authorized person. The most reliable way is to sign with a notary or an accredited registration agent. The agreement includes the composition of the participants, the price, the moment of transfer of rights and the onuses of the parties. If the purchase of an enrolled firm in Macau is carried out by a non-resident, a power of attorney can be used. In this case, it must be issued with an apostille and recognized by a local notary.

The key element is the transfer of shares or stocks, depending on the form. In the case of Lda., it is enough to sign the share transfer protocol. With the SA model, shares are alienated and changes are recorded in the register of shareholders. Sometimes approval by the director or the meeting of participants is required. This depends on the terms of the charter. The agreement itself must be drawn up in the official languages of the region - Chinese or Portuguese. If necessary - with a translation into English or Russian, but the original remains licitly significant.

Phase 3. Registering changes

To finalize a deal to purchase a business in Macau, it is necessary to record the transfer of rights in the register. This is done by CRPM. The application is submitted by the new owner or his authorized representative. It specifies the buyer's data, contract details, and grounds for transfer. The package includes the contract itself, copies of certificates, and the new charter, if it has changed. After submission, the application is reviewed. If there are no comments, the changes are approved, and a new list of participants appears in the register.

At the same time, amendments are made to the charter if the objectives, name, and powers of the governing bodies need to be adjusted. Such an amendment may be mandatory if the old version does not reflect the new business model. The appointment of a new director is also formalized. In the polity, a change of the governing body is carried out via a corporate resolution, which is attached to the application. The new director is required to file a declaration of acceptance of duties. Only then can he act on behalf of the firm.

Once all changes have been registered, the setup is officially transferred to the new owner. From this point on, the operating firm in Macau begins to act on behalf of the new beneficiary. Access to the bank account, excise system and the right to sign indentures is transferred upon notification. This completes the licit registration. Then operational activities begin.

Taxation

The tax system in Macau is simplified and aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial activity. The region is not part of the PRC fiscal setup, does not apply a single VAT, does not withhold excise on dividends, and does not participate in the automatic exchange of fiscal data.

Corporate excise

The excise system is contingent on the corporate income levy. It applies to all companies registered in Macau, regardless of the form of ownership or the resident status of the founders. The main feature is a progressive scale. Income not exceeding 600,000 MOP (about 75,000 US dollars) is exempt from taxation. This is recorded in the annual declaration submitted to the excise service.

Anything above the threshold is taxed at 12%. This excise applies to net profits, not turnover. Rent, staff, logistics and service charges can be deducted. Many people decide to purchase an enrolled firm in Macau to take advantage of the preferential excise rate without having to set up complex international schemes.

No VAT or dividend excise

There is no VAT in the polity. This eliminates the need to register as a taxpayer, submit monthly reports and organize complex excise accounting. When importing, exporting, providing services - turnover excise is not charged. This approach is beneficial to those who want to buy an existing business in Macau related to trade, IT, logistics or consulting.

There is also no excise on profit distribution. If the owner receives dividends from a functioning company in Macau, no deductions are applied. This simplifies the withdrawal of capital, making the setup suitable for accumulation, storage and cross-border transfer of profits. This approach is vital when organizing holdings and investment flows. Especially when it comes to owning assets outside of Asia. Using an enrolled company in Macau allows you to avoid double taxation in a number of jurisdictions.

Banking in Macau

Setting up a bank account is a key step, without which buying a company in Macau loses practical meaning. Even if you have rights to a licit entity, without access to settlements it is impossible to conduct foreign trade, service or holding activities. The polity is not part of the international automatic exchange system, but the requirements for checking clients here are high. Banks are subject to the supervisory rules established by the AMCM and are required to identify owners, track transactions and conduct analysis of the source of capital. This is why many seek to buy a company with a bank account in Macau in order to avoid the laborious sequence of primary compliance.

Account opening sequence

A commercial account in the polity is opened only after identification of all owners and directors. At the same time, the setup must be checked for compliance with the AML and CTF policies. indentures for opening an account in Macau are standard, but banks have the right to request additional confirmations. The following package is required:

• company registration certificate;
• the current version of the charter;
• passport of the beneficiary and director;
• proof of residential address;
• a business plan describing the proposed activities;
• a contract or letter from a future counterparty (in some cases).

The review period is from 15 to 40 working days. Everything depends on the type of activity, nationality of the owner, industry and the selected bank.

Banks working with foreigners

Despite the tightening of checks, there are still banks in the polity that are ready to service foreign setups. Most often, the acquired business in Macau opens an account in one of three organizations .

1. BNU (Banco Nacional Ultramarino) is the oldest bank in the region. It works with European setups and provides services in English. Opening an account is possible without a physical visit, if you have a properly completed package of indentures.
2. Bank of China Macau Branch is a universal bank adapted for cross-border settlements with China. Most often chosen by companies working with Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. A non-resident will need extended due diligence.
3. ICBC Macau is a subsidiary of the largest Chinese bank. It has the strictest identification rules. Suitable for holdings, trading groups and those focused on the Chinese market. Requires prior approval of the client file.

The choice is influenced by the profile of the business, the citizenship of the founder and the nature of payments. To buy a company in Macau with a further focus on the PRC markets , banks with RMB infrastructure are preferable.

Even with a full package of indentures, the bank may refuse to open an account without explanation. Such a decision cannot be appealed. This is explained by the internal risk management policy . Refusal without explanation is a common problem for owners of shelf setups without active operations. The situation is aggravated by citizenship from jurisdictions with a high level of fiscal control, sanctions or an unstable compliance reputation.

Accounting and auditing

Once you have managed to buy a ready-made company in Macau, the support period begins. Even in the absence of operations, the organization must maintain its licit status. This requires accounting, reporting and, if necessary, undergoing an audit.

Every registered company in Macau is required to keep fiscal records. regardless of turnover. This includes information on income, expenses, assets, liabilities, settlements with counterparties. The documentation must be broken down by period and available for inspection. Storage means both paper and digital form. The term is at least five years. The owner is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information.

report within the established deadline . Annual reporting is a mandatory sequence. Even if there were no transactions, it is necessary to submit a zero declaration. The document records profit indicators, expense composition, account balances, and accounts payable. Submission occurs via an excise platform or in person. In the case of purchasing a functioning business in Macau, you should immediately request copies of previous reports and check if they are available in the archive. The absence of such indentures from the seller is a sign of a potential violation.

In case of systematic disregard of the rules, the tax authority (DSF) may apply sanctions. Responsibility for failure to submit is fiscal and administrative. The minimum fine is a fixed amount for each overdue report . In case of repeated violations, blocking of access to government services, banking products and even removal from the corporate register are applied. Such consequences are critical, especially if a transaction is made to purchase a business in Macau for real activity, not formal ownership.

As a general rule, a mandatory audit is conducted when one of two criteria is met: large turnover or significant volume of assets . If a company makes payments to foreign partners, participates in export chains or obtains licenses, an audit may be requested even with an average level of revenue. The audit is conducted by an accredited auditor from the polity, included in the AMCM register. The presence of an auditor's report is necessary for a number of transactions - applying for grants, participating in government procurement, registration with Chinese excise authorities via CEPA.

The sequence includes analysis of primary indentures, reconciliation of bank statements, verification of the correctness of profit calculation and analysis of liabilities. If discrepancies are identified, the auditor forms comments. In case of gross violations, the report is considered negative . This may affect the reputation during an audit by partners or credit institutions.

Conclusion

The polity is a highly specialized but promising jurisdiction, especially for those who work with Asia and value the stability of the licit regime. Low taxes, flexible control, access to the Chinese market - all this makes the region convenient for international work. At the same time, buying a ready-made company in Macau is not just a formality, but a tool that requires precision, knowledge of sequences and licit accuracy. Mistakes at the stage of selection, registration or interaction with the bank can cost the business. Therefore, the approach must be conscious and comprehensive.

To purchase an enrolled company in Macau with a guarantee of legality, we recommend contacting specialists. Legal due diligence, transaction execution, communication with banks, reporting - each stage requires practical experience. Our team accompanies clients from choosing a structure to gaining access to an account . We help to avoid mistakes, work directly with trusted registrars and control the result.