Buy a ready-made company in Macau

Today, many businessmen are interested in how to buy an existing business in Macau in order to obtain ready-made infrastructure, licenses, working contracts and a proven business model. This approach allows you not to spend months (and sometimes years) on registration, obtaining permits and forming operational processes. Instead, the investor immediately enters the market, while maintaining the existing client base, team of employees and business connections.

In this article, I will take a detailed look at the key legal and financial aspects of buying a ready-made company in Macau. We will look at why this jurisdiction is becoming a magnet for international capital, what types of businesses are most in demand, how to check the legal purity of an enterprise, and what to pay attention to when signing a deal. If you are thinking about entering this market, start with a deep dive into the legal and economic details. In the following sections, I will tell you what you should pay attention to so that buying a ready-made company in Macau becomes a profitable and safe investment.

Justifying International Investors' Interest in Macau

Many foreign entrepreneurs seek to buy a ready-made company in Macau because this jurisdiction offers special opportunities for entering the Asian market. Macau has the unique status of a special administrative region of China, which allows it to operate under its own rules, while maintaining flexibility and predictability of regulation. This distinguishes it from neighboring countries, where significant barriers are often created for foreign investors.

When comparing the strategy of starting a business from scratch and the option of investing in an existing Macau company, it becomes clear that the second approach is much faster. The investor immediately receives not only a legal shell, but also a team, equipment, contracts and reputation. These elements give a head start in a competitive market, especially when it comes to highly regulated sectors.

The advantages of buying a business in Macau are also visible from the tax side. Unlike many Asian countries, Macau offers preferential tax rates and minimal administrative pressure, especially if the company is engaged in export business or works with international clients. This makes buying a business in Macau attractive even for investors who have no direct interest in the Chinese market, but want to use the region as a springboard for other Asian destinations.

Legally, purchase and sale transactions are quite protected here, but require careful preparation. Macau legislation regulates in detail the issues of change of owners, licenses and permits, which reduces the likelihood of unexpected legal imperils. However, this also creates high requirements for the quality of legal support, since even a minor error can result in a refusal to register changes.

Finally, it is important to consider the local business mentality. Macau is a region where trust and reputation are of the utmost importance. By working with trusted companies and consultants, a foreign investor not only receives formal assets, but also access to valuable connections that will help strengthen their position in the market.

What areas are most in demand when buying an existing business in Macau

A foreign investor who decides to buy an operating Macau company must understand that not all sectors of the economy are equally promising. Macau is known as the largest gambling center in Asia, and gambling still occupies a leading position in the region's GDP structure. However, the gambling industry is strictly regulated and requires special licenses, which means that buying such a business without professional support is almost impossible.

Tourism and hospitality is the second most important sector. If you plan to buy a ready-made company in Macau operating in this area, it is important to consider high seasonal demand, competition with international chains and mandatory service standards. Such companies often already have licenses to accommodate foreign tourists, organize excursion activities or catering. These licenses are a key asset in the transaction.

The purchase of active businesses in Macau in the restaurant and entertainment segments is especially popular. The small and medium enterprise segment in Macau remains stable mainly due to the continuous influx of tourists from mainland China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and a number of foreign countries.

A potential investor considering the possibility of acquiring a functioning commercial property in a given area should pay special attention not only to the financial results of the activity, but also to the terms and conditions set out in the real estate lease agreements. The geographical location of the property often has a decisive influence on the level of profitability of the business in the segment under consideration.

Trade is another area where it is profitable to buy a ready-made business in Macau with a license. Many companies offer franchises of famous international brands or work with exclusive supplies of goods. By purchasing such a business, the investor gains access to established supply channels and logistics, which is critically important in a region where the rent of warehouses and retail space is regulated by contracts concluded for many years.

Thus, the Macau market of ready-made companies is diverse, but requires a professional approach. A successful investor studies the legal framework of the chosen sector in advance, checks licenses and analyzes how the company meets the strategic goals of his business.

Legal basis for purchasing a ready-made business in Macau

In order to smoothly complete a transaction to acquire a registered company in Macau, a potential investor must have a sufficient understanding of the current regulatory framework. The said jurisdiction applies the continental legal model. The activities of business entities are regulated by the provisions of the commercial code, the rules concerning the issuance of licenses, as well as acts establishing tax obligations. Consequently, the procedure for the transfer of corporate rights has a strictly established legal form and requires careful preparation at each stage.

Before planning the acquisition of a business entity, it is important to consider the following: Non-residents are entitled to participate in the capital of local organizations. However, in a number of industries, including the gambling industry and real estate transactions, special restrictions apply. These may include established limits, the need to obtain special permits, or requirements regarding the origin of funds.

The nature of the activity is of key importance. Access of foreign persons to certain types of business in Macau may be limited or completely excluded. Some areas (for example, social services, government contracts) may be unavailable or require the participation of a local partner. Therefore, when choosing a business to buy in Macau, it is important to assess the legal framework of the chosen sector in advance.

Legal aspects also include requirements for registering changes in the commercial register. Once a transaction is concluded, the new owner must formally register the change of ownership, as well as renew licenses, permits, and contracts. Without this, the purchase of a functioning business in Macau is considered incomplete from a legal point of view, which may result in the denial of recognition of ownership.

The main aspects that are regulated by the laws of Macau are:

• the procedure for transferring shares and stocks,
• registration of notarial acts,
• requirements for reissuing licenses,
• taxes and fees when changing the owner,
• notification of government and licensing authorities.

The aspects of acquiring a business in Macau go beyond a simple transaction between two parties. It is necessary to understand the regulatory restrictions, take into account the specifics of the particular sector, and act in strict accordance with the established procedures. Otherwise, the transaction may be invalidated and the investor will lose the invested funds.

How to choose a ready-made company in Macau

When an investor decides to buy a ready-made company in Macau, the key stage is the competent choice of the transaction object. Mistakes at this stage can be expensive: from the loss of invested funds to legal disputes that drag on for years. This is why a step-by-step, systematic approach based on proven criteria is important.

The first thing to pay attention to is the scope of activity. For some, the best option will be the restaurant business, for others - a travel agency or retail trade. When making a decision, you should rely not only on subjective preferences, but also on objective economic indicators. A study of the ready-made business segment in Macau shows a high dependence of consumer demand on the dynamics of the tourist flow, seasonal fluctuations and current trends in the leisure industry.

The next step is to select a commercial structure with proven financial transparency. It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive audit of the reporting data, analyze the movement of funds in bank accounts, as well as the structure of income received and expenses incurred. Without such an audit, the investor imperils acquiring a company with an artificially inflated value or hidden debts.

The next important step is to assess the brand's reputation. A company may look attractive on paper, but if there are negative reviews about it on the Internet or in the business community, this can become a serious obstacle to further development. A ready-made business for sale in Macau should have a positive history of interaction with clients, partners and government agencies.

Particular attention should be paid to obligations and debts. Here is a short list of key points to check:

• the presence of tax arrears,
• current credit obligations,
• litigation or arbitration proceedings,
• overdue payments to counterparties,
• lease or rental obligations.

It is important to understand that assessing a Macau business is a complex task. It includes financial audit, legal imperil analysis and verification of all current contracts. During the transaction, it is recommended to work with local consultants who are familiar with the nuances of the legislation and will help to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Finally, it is important to remember that there are many companies for sale in Macau on the market, and not all of them are suitable for foreign investors. Some are sold due to deteriorating financial situation, others - due to licensing issues. Therefore, the final decision should always be made only after a detailed check and confirmation of legal purity.

Any questions?

Contact our specialists

Send your application

Checking the legal purity of a company in Macau before buying

If an investor wants to understand how to avoid imperils when buying a Macau business, he should pay maximum attention to the stage of checking the legal purity of the company. Even if the business looks attractive on the outside, hidden problems may appear after the transaction - and then the responsibility falls entirely on the new owner. Therefore, competent due diligence is not a formality, but a key element of strategic planning.

What elements are covered by the due diligence of a company registered in Macau? At the initial stage, a comprehensive legal examination of the constituent documents is carried out. The following are subject to attention: statutory provisions, registration records, agreements between participants, as well as minutes of meetings of the governing bodies. All of these materials must be in proper condition. Particular attention should be paid to confirming the seller's authority to alienate corporate rights. It is necessary to make sure that there are no court injunctions, restrictions or other encumbrances imposed on the equity participations or shares.

The next step is to analyze the fulfillment of tax obligations. Even if the company has been operating properly for several years, it may have accumulated fines or debts to the budget. Checking the legal purity of a company in Macau includes inquiries to tax authorities, checking reports and reconciling payments to ensure there are no imperils.

Particular attention should be paid to licenses and permits. Many types of business in Macau (especially gambling, tourism, food service) require mandatory licenses, without which activity is prohibited. When conducting due diligence of a business in Macau, it is necessary to check not only the availability of these documents, but also their validity period, as well as the conditions for renewal.

Working with lawyers and auditors is a mandatory element of the deal. They know what pitfalls may be hidden in the documents and help identify imperils in advance. Legal due diligence of a company in Macau allows the investor to understand what exactly he is buying and be sure that there are no long-term problems hidden behind an attractive offer.

Ultimately, due diligence is more than just a formal paper check. It is a way to protect your investment, protect yourself from legal claims, and ensure that the business you are acquiring actually meets its stated characteristics.

The procedure for completing a transaction for the purchase of an existing business in Macau

The execution of a deal to buy a ready-made company in Macau requires a step-by-step approach: no stage can be skipped. Each step is important, because mistakes or omissions can lead to registration refusal, financial losses or legal disputes. Below I will break down the process step by step so that the investor understands how to proceed correctly.

The execution of a deal to purchase a ready-made company in Macau is a complex but manageable process. The main thing is to plan all the steps in advance, involving professionals to support the transaction and check each stage. This is the only way to be sure that the purchase will take place without legal imperils and surprises.

Financial and tax parameters of acquisition

When considering purchasing an existing legal entity registered in the jurisdiction of Macau, a potential investor must take into account not only the legal circumstances but also the accompanying economic details. Ignoring certain aspects may result in a significant increase in the actual transaction costs compared to the initially estimated amount. This is why financial preparation and due diligence before purchase are critical.

Purchasing an existing company in Macau involves paying several types of taxes and fees. For example, stamp duty is charged when transferring ownership and amounts to 0.5%–1% of the transaction amount. If the object of the transfer is company shares, capital gains tax may amount to 12%, especially if the seller made a profit on the sale. These rates may vary depending on the type of activity, so consultation with tax specialists is necessary for an accurate calculation.

Once the transaction is completed, the buyer must consider the ongoing fiscal obligations that will be imposed on the acquired company registered in the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR Macau). Below is a systematic overview of the applicable taxes and tax regimes.

Income Tax (Complementary Tax)

Differentiated rate scale

In accordance with the provisions of the Complementary Tax Law, a progressive system is applied:

Temporary tax relief (based on the 2025 budget)*

In accordance with the provisions of the 2025 Budget Law, a temporary higher tax-exempt income limit was established for the 2024 tax year. The exemption threshold was increased to MOP 600,000 (approximately US$74,000). Profits above the specified limit are subject to a flat tax rate of 12 percent.

*These changes are temporary and shall come into effect on the basis of an annual resolution of the Legislative Assembly of Macau. Unless otherwise provided by law, the provisions shall be subject to annual review.

Categories of taxpayers

The tax classification of companies in Macau is divided into two groups:

This category includes legal entities that meet one of the established conditions: the amount of the declared authorized capital exceeds 1,000,000 Macau patacas (MOP), or the average annual taxable profit for the last three reporting periods exceeds this threshold, or the organization performs the functions of the head management company within an international corporate structure (MNE).

Entities classified as category A are required to maintain a full set of accounting reports. The obligation to calculate tax arises on the basis of the actual profit received, taking into account the adjustments provided for by the provisions of tax regulation.

This category includes legal entities and sole proprietors who do not meet the criteria provided for Group A. The tax base is calculated on a conditional basis, taking into account the average indicators approved by the Macau Financial Authority (MFB) in relation to the relevant industry.

There is no taxation of dividends. Income distributed in the form of dividends, both within and outside the jurisdiction, is not subject to taxation.

Value Added Tax is not applied. The administrative territory of Macau does not have a VAT system, which is a significant advantage compared to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

These conditions make taxes on buying a business in Macau one of the most competitive in the region. However, it is important to remember that the tax burden can be increased by obligations that often remain hidden during a superficial check.

Here is a list of mandatory expenses that need to be checked when conducting a financial due diligence of a company in Macau :

• monthly rent payments (often between $3,000 and $20,000 depending on location),
• equipment leasing agreements,
• wage fund (the average salary of an employee in Macau is about 1,500-2,000 US dollars per month),
• social contributions (5% of wages paid by the employer),
• Mandatory pension payments and insurance.

These costs often come as an unpleasant surprise to foreign investors, especially if they rely solely on the final financial statements without examining the details of the contracts. That is why buying a business in Macau requires a comprehensive review of all agreements to accurately assess future liabilities.

Another important point is the tax residency of the buyer. If the investor is registered in a country with which Macau has a double taxation treaty (for example, with Portugal or China), he may be able to claim a reduced tax burden. If there is no such treaty, repatriation of profits may be accompanied by additional deductions or payments. Mistakes at this stage lead to serious financial losses, so consultation with tax experts is mandatory.

Ultimately, a smart investor understands that finances are not just numbers in reports. They are a complex network of interconnected obligations, imperils, and opportunities that require careful analysis. This is the only way to be sure that the deal will bring real benefits and become the start of a successful business, rather than a source of long-term problems.

Risks of Buying an Existing Business in Macau

When it comes to buying a business in Macau, investors often focus on the visible advantages - licenses, a ready-made client base, turnover. But behind the external appeal there may be legal and financial traps that turn the deal into a source of problems. That is why it is necessary to carefully consider the imperils even before signing the contract.

Legal imperils start with hidden debts. A company may have debts to suppliers, banks or the state that are not reflected in public reporting. If the buyer does not conduct a detailed check, these liabilities will be transferred to him along with the assets. This is why the acquisition of an existing business in Macau must be accompanied by a mandatory audit of all debt obligations.

Financial traps manifest themselves in the form of inflated business valuations or distorted income and expense reports. An outwardly profitable company may hide losses through internal borrowing, report manipulation or hidden subsidies. To purchase a registered company in Macau and be confident in its financial health, an investor must analyze not only official reports, but also primary documents, bank statements, and customer contracts.

To avoid falling into a trap, it is important to consider in advance:

• the presence of active judicial and arbitration disputes;
• terms of collective labor agreements;
• financial stability of key customers and suppliers;
• restrictions imposed by licensing authorities;
• legal consequences of change of ownership.

Purchasing a ready-made business in Macau without taking these factors into account means exposing yourself to the imperil of losses and litigation. That is why a competent investor engages professional consultants who know local legislation and are able to identify hidden threats.

Ultimately, buying a business is always a combination of opportunities and imperils. The buyer's task is to learn to see not only the benefits, but also the pitfalls in order to make balanced and informed decisions.

To understand how to buy a business in Macau profitably and without imperils, you need to prepare in advance. Quick decisions and intuition do not work here - a successful purchase requires a systematic approach, legal accuracy and understanding of local specifics. In this section, I have collected key tips that will help the investor act wisely.

The first thing to consider is to set your goals carefully. Don’t buy a business just for the sake of status or formal registration. Preparing a Macau business purchase and sale transaction should be based on a clear understanding of why you need this company, how it will fit into your strategic plans, and what benefits you want to receive.

Conclusion

Buying a business in another country is always a challenge. And buying a ready-made company in Macau requires special attention from the investor, because here Asian business traditions, the Portuguese legal system and strict licensing requirements intersect. For the transaction to be successful, it is not enough to simply choose a company - it is important to check its legal purity, carefully prepare the documents and take into account all financial and tax aspects.

If you are ready to purchase, it is important to remember: without professional support, your imperils increase many times over. Consultations on buying a company in Macau will help you go through all stages of the transaction - from choosing an object to completing registration - with minimal loss of time and money.