Social Security Number In Macau: Explained

Navigating the labyrinth of bureaucracy can feel like a daunting quest, especially when it comes to securing a Social Security Number in Macau. But fear not, intrepid expat! We’ve got you covered!

This article is your trusty guide, armed with all the wisdom and know-how you need to conquer this task with ease and flair. Let’s look into the world of Macau’s social security system and unearth the secrets to claiming your very own number.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Social Security Number In Macau

Macau doesn’t use the social security number system but instead they have Macau resident identity cards for the people living there. This includes all of the person’s details and an 8 digit ID number.

Two kinds of cards exist, one for permanent residents of Macau and one for the non permanent residents.

The resident identity card holds various purposes such as:

The government is able to track all your expenses.
In order to receive healthcare, educational and social facilities, you’ll have to show your identity card.
As verification in the case of seeking employment.
The card also includes your address which is important for certain administrative purposes.
To claim old age or retirement packages.

Are The Social Security Number And Social Insurance Number The Same In Macau?

The Macau resident identity card is distinct from both the SSN and SIN.

The United States uses the social security number (SSN) system whereas Canada uses the social insurance number (SIN) system.

Another name for the Macau resident identity is Bilhete de identidade de residente.

Who Is Applicable To Apply For Macau Resident Identity Card?

First Time Applicants

If this is your first time filing for an application for your Macau resident ID card to be made, you’ll have to meet certain demands set by the government:

The individual is under 18 and one of his/her parents are residents of Macau.
Those who possess proof of residency in Macau. The residence and stay affairs department deals with handing out residency documentations.
If an individual holds Portuguese identity documents, they are also eligible to apply.
Individuals with a valid entitlement certificate for the right to reside in Macau.

Renewal Application

In the case of applying for the renewal of your Macau resident identity card, the person must satisfy the following requirements:

Individuals who hold non permanent resident identity cards and also possess Portuguese identity documents.
Non permanent card holders of Macau who have proof of residency in Macau.
In the case of your Macau ID card being expired.
If the ID card has been lost or damaged.
If an individual wishes to change his/her personal details and they are approved by the government, he/she will be eligible to apply for the renewal of the card.
Macau residents who shift from non permanent to permanent residents.
For foreign nationals holding permanent resident identity cards, an application for renewal of a card is valid if the time between the application and the date of issuance of the card is under 3 years.

How To Get Your Macau Resident Identity Card Made

The procedure involved in getting your Macau resident ID card made is fairly simple. You have to fulfil some demands set by the government and provide them with proper documentation:

A valid birth certificate.
Photocopies of parents identification documents.
In case of ownership of a Hong Kong identity card, a copy of it.
A passport size photograph.

Submit the application to Macau special administrative region identification department or visit a local office which deals with handing out resident ID cards.

In some cases, the individual might be called for an interview to verify his/her identity and satisfy any questions that the officials have. In the case of documentation being in any other language, an official translator must accompany the individual.

Your fingers will be scanned for the purpose of developing biometric data. You’ll also be obliged to pay a certain fee.

If all documents are verified and you have met all the demands, your Macau resident identity card will be issued to you.

Verification Of Kinship

Documentation related to verification of family, an individual above the age of 18 can go through the following steps:

Log on to the “common access to public services of the Macau SAR” account via its mobile application and type in the identity card number of the person concerned.
The individual can also gain access to a self serving kiosk booth and type in the details themselves.
The person can also head to a DSI office where they’ll require the individual to present them with their parents Macau resident identity card for verification purposes.

For Macau residents below the age of 18, their parents can file an application on behalf of their child to any one of the designated places mentioned above.

Declaration Of Death

In the event of a Macau resident passing away, their Macau resident identity card will be collected by the civil affair registry. In this specific case, there is no need to declare the death of the individual to the DSI.

If a Macau resident identity card holder has departed overseas, his/her relatives will be obligated to declare the death of that individual to the DSI, either in person or by mail.

Paying The Fees

There is a standard fee structure which you have to follow in order to attain your Macau ID card.

First time applicants	MOP 90
Renewal applicants	MOP 90
Express service	Additional charge of MOP 150
Special express service	Additional charge of MOP 250
Replacement of former card	MOP 60

Additional charges will be imposed on the individual if they are unable to submit their documentations on time.

The fee is also exempted for individuals who are not financially capable of paying it. You have to fall into one of the following three categories if exemption is to be granted:

In the case of being unemployed, sign an application for the exemption of your fee and the individual must also sign a declaration to declare unemployment.
If you don’t have sufficient financial funds to apply for a card, you should submit a photocopy of a valid beneficiary card issued by the Social Welfare Bureau.
For individuals who are disabled, upon signing the application for the exemption of their fees, they must also submit a photocopy of a valid disability assessment registration card issued by the Social Welfare Bureau.

How Long Will It Take For Your Application To Be Processed

Normal service	15 working days
Express service	10 working days
Special express service	3 working days

What Does The Macau Permanent Resident Identity Card Look Like

The top left corner of the card includes the name of the card holder. Below that a chip is installed for the verification of the card and the height of the individual is written just below it.

Date of birth, date of issuance of the card and its expiry are also present. On the bottom right, the 8 digit identity number of the individual is given alongside which a photo of the person is attached.

The back of the card contains information regarding what type of resident identity card it is and OCR (optical character recognition) lines are found at the bottom of the backside of the card.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve traversed the bureaucratic maze and are now well-versed in the art of acquiring a Social Security Number in Macau! Remember, being well-informed is your best armor in this journey.

Navigate & Conquer!

But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in to follow: