A Portuguese-speaking door to China for Brazilian companies
A quick overview of Macau for Brazilian companies planning to expand into this market — and how ORBE coordinates that move through its network of local partners.
We help Brazilian companies set up and operate in Macau, with one point of contact from strategy to the first day of operations.
If your company is evaluating an operation in Macau, we help you understand the market, choose the right structure and map out the requirements to operate locally — company formation, tax registration, local address and the documents each step requires.
We coordinate the process with a trusted network of local partners — accountants, lawyers and specialized providers — so your team doesn't have to manage each supplier on its own, in another language and under another legal system.
With 19 years supporting companies in Brazil, ORBE helps your company start in Macau lean, validate the market and scale its structure as the operation grows.
A quick overview of Macau
Status
Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, also under the "one country, two systems" principle, with a civil law legal tradition inherited from Portugal.
Currency
The Macanese pataca (MOP) is the official currency, closely pegged to the Hong Kong dollar — which also circulates widely in local commerce.
Climate
Humid subtropical, similar to Hong Kong, with hot and rainy summers (typhoon season) and short, mild winters.
Context, culture and fun facts before you arrive
About Macau
Macau is a small territory (about 30 km²) administered by Portugal until 1999, when it was handed over to China under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, although Cantonese is the most widely spoken day to day; it is one of the most densely populated territories in the world.
It is known worldwide for its gaming and tourism industry, and is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.
Geography and territory
The territory consists of a peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane, connected by bridges and by a large reclaimed area known as Cotai.
Successive land reclamation projects have significantly expanded Macau's land area over recent decades.
Culture and people of Macau
Macanese culture blends Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese traditions, visible in its architecture, cuisine and language — Macanese cuisine is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
The Historic Centre of Macau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Chinese temples and Portuguese colonial buildings side by side.
Fun facts
It is the world's largest gaming market by revenue, having surpassed Las Vegas more than a decade ago.
It has one of the highest population densities on the planet, concentrated in a very small territory.
Public holidays
Macau observes fixed and movable holidays (tied to the lunar calendar and local religious tradition), valid throughout the territory.
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Fixed |
| Lunar New Year | January or February (3 days, varies) | Movable |
| Ching Ming Festival | April (varies) | Movable |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Fixed |
| Dragon Boat Festival | June (varies) | Movable |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | September or October (varies) | Movable |
| National Day of China | October 1 | Fixed |
| Macau SAR Establishment Day | December 20 | Fixed |
| Christmas | December 25 | Fixed |
Keep this calendar in mind when planning administrative deadlines and business meetings with local partners.
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