The Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone is a 106 sq km special zone approved by the State Council in 2021, offering Macao residents cross-border convenience with "Macao taxation for Macao residents" and aiming to achieve Macao-style management by 2035. Main Macao options: Hengqin Port (24-hour clearance, max 120,000 crossings daily); Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Industrial Park (over 200 Macao enterprises, rental subsidies up to 70%); Hengqin Financial Island (cross-border financial pilot, over 30 Macao financial institutions). Complete guide for property purchase/entrepreneurship in Hengqin, see → Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone Resident Guide 2026.
Introduction to Hengqin Cooperation Zone: What is the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone?
The Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone (hereinafter referred to as "Hengqin Cooperation Zone") is a major cooperation platform in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area officially approved by the State Council in September 2021, covering approximately 106 sq km including the entire Hengqin Island and relevant sea areas. In 2021, the Central Committee and the State Council issued the "Master Plan for Building Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone," clearly aiming to innovate the Guangdong-Macao cooperation mechanism under the "one country, two systems" framework and explore the Macao-style management model.
Hengqin is only one bridge away from Macao (connected by the Lotus Bridge), geographically under the jurisdiction of Zhuhai City, but implementing a "joint consultation, joint construction, joint management, and joint sharing" model through the Cooperation Zone mechanism. The Macao SAR Government sends representatives to deeply participate in the Management Committee, with the goal of making Hengqin a "new home for Macao residents" and "a new platform for Macao's appropriately diversified economic development." According to the plan, by 2035, the Cooperation Zone will achieve a highly integrated management system with Macao, allowing Macao residents to enjoy a legal environment and tax treatment similar to Macao.
The main purposes of establishment are threefold: First, support Macao's appropriately diversified economic development, focusing on developing Traditional Chinese medicine, technology, finance, convention and exhibition commerce, and other industries to reduce reliance on the gaming industry; second, address Macao's land and human resource bottlenecks — Macao has an area of only 32.9 sq km, while Hengqin provides approximately 106 sq km of development space; third, demonstrate Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao integrated development under "one country, two systems", exploring institutional innovation for cross-border facilitation of people, goods, capital, and information flows.
For Macao residents, the core advantage of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone is "cross-border convenience" — Macao residents can enjoy "Macao taxation for Macao residents" benefits (i.e., income sourced from Macao is tax-exempt for Macao residents working in Hengqin), children can enroll in public schools, and property purchase restrictions are more relaxed than Zhuhai (no limit on number of units for first home). As of 2024, Hengqin's permanent population is approximately 120,000, including about 8,000 Macao residents, showing rapid growth.
Operational suggestions: It is strongly recommended that Macao residents apply for the "Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents" (Home Return Permit) self-service endorsement before first visiting Hengqin to ensure they can use self-service channels for fast customs clearance. Before planning property purchase, you can pre-apply through the "Macao Resident Hengqin Property Purchase Qualification Review System" to save waiting time on-site.
Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining Hengqin Residence Permit
Macao residents living in Hengqin can apply for the "Hengqin Residence Permit" to enjoy the same public service convenience as mainland residents.
To apply for a residence permit in Hengqin, Macao residents must meet one of the following conditions: working in Hengqin and paying social insurance for at least 6 months; renting housing in Hengqin with a lease of 1 year or more; or purchasing residential property in Hengqin. The application process is divided into three steps: first, submit residence registration proof, work contract, or lease agreement and other materials at the Hengqin Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Hall; second, undergo review by the public security authorities (usually 5 working days); finally, receive the Hengqin Residence Permit valid for 1 year. According to 2024 statistics, Zhuhai has issued over 80,000 residence permits to Hong Kong and Macao residents, with approximately 12,000 in the Hengqin area, a growth rate of about 35% annually.
The actual conveniences of the Hengqin Residence Permit include: directly activating mainland phone numbers, opening bank accounts, children applying for public school placements, and booking specialist outpatient services at Grade-A hospitals. According to the Zhuhai Public Security Bureau's 2024 pilot new regulations, Macao residents with residence permits can enjoy "Wealth Connect" services at 9 partner banks in Hengqin, with the same fee rates as mainland residents for investment and wealth management products.
If Macao residents need proxy handling or expedited processing, they can contact: Hengqin Macao Affairs Service Center (located at the Macao port area of Hengqin Port, providing one-stop consultation); Zhuhai Public Security Bureau Hengqin Branch (specialized window at Hengqin Municipal Road). The first application is free, and the renewal fee is MOP$50.
Common reasons for rejection of Hengqin Residence Permits include: lease less than 1 year, social insurance not continuously paid for 6 months, or inability to provide valid proof of accommodation. It is recommended to prepare all materials in advance to avoid multiple trips.
For detailed policy updates on residence permits, online booking system, and bank account comparisons, see → Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone Resident Guide 2026.
Property Purchase in Hengqin: Policies for Macao Residents Buying Property in Hengqin — Purchase Restrictions/Mortgage/Prices
When purchasing property in Hengqin, Macao residents enjoy exemption from purchase restrictions. The purchase price is approximately RMB $30,000-40,000/㎡ (MOP$35,000-46,000/㎡), depending on the development and payment method.
The average price of residential property in Hengqin is approximately RMB 35,000/㎡ (2024 statistics), about 60% lower than the Macao Peninsula but about 30% higher than downtown Zhuhai. Since 2022, Zhuhai has implemented purchase restrictions — non-local household residents must provide proof of continuous social insurance or individual income tax payment for 5 years to purchase one property. However, as residents of a Special Administrative Region, Macao residents have relatively relaxed purchase conditions — holding a Home Return Permit and residence proof allows purchasing residential property in Hengqin without social insurance payment duration restrictions.
Mortgage arrangements: Macao residents can apply for mortgages at mainland banks, with a maximum loan ratio of 70%, at rates reference to LPR (loan prime rate), with the 2024 5-year-plus LPR at 3.95%. Some Macao banks also provide cross-border mortgage services, with an approval cycle of about 2-3 weeks. Note: Mainland mortgage records will be uploaded to the credit system, so it is recommended to understand personal credit status in advance.
Property purchase suggestions: ① On-site inspection: There are over 20 ongoing projects in Hengqin, so it is recommended to physically check construction progress and surrounding facilities; ② Pay attention to property rights: Land use rights are 70 years for residential, only 40 years for commercial — verify the land nature before purchasing; ③ Tax calculation: Deed tax 1-3% (by area), stamp duty 0.05%, registration fee RMB 80 per case, totaling approximately 3-5% of property price.
Main property options in Hengqin: Huafa Plaza (near Hengqin Port, average price RMB 38,000/㎡); Zhonghai Mingmen (Hengqin Bridgehead area, average price RMB 32,000/㎡); Pearl River International Financial Center (mainly office, residential part RMB 36,000/㎡).
For detailed prices, unit types, and developer backgrounds, see → Hengqin Property Purchase: Property Comparison and Developer Reviews
Work and Entrepreneurship in Hengqin: Preferential Policies for Macao Enterprises in Hengqin — Tax Benefits and Industry Access
When developing business in Hengqin, Macao enterprises enjoy double tax reduction benefits, with corporate income tax as low as 15%, a significant discount from the mainland general rate of 25%. Enterprises in qualifying encouraged industries can enjoy "one exemption and two half-reductions" — exemption for the first two years, and half reduction for years three to five. In 2021, the State Council issued the "Master Plan for Building Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone", clearly positioning the zone as "a new platform for promoting appropriately diversified economic development of Macao," with top-level policy design to remove concerns for enterprises settling there.
The four main industry directions supported by Hengqin are: technology R&D and high-end manufacturing, Traditional Chinese medicine and other Macao brand industries, cultural tourism and convention-exhibition commerce, and modern finance. Before entering Hengqin, Macao enterprises need to confirm whether their industry is included in the "Hengqin Industry Development Catalogue," which is revised every three years. The 2023 edition added details such as integrated circuit design, IoT, and cross-border cloud computing. If the main business is not in the catalogue, "case-by-case" approval can still be applied for, but the success rate is lower. It is recommended to consult the Hengqin In-depth Cooperation Zone Economic Development Bureau.
In terms of entrepreneurship implementation, Macao residents can register companies directly in Hengqin, adopting the "Macao taxation for Macao residents" policy — Macao residents working in the Cooperation Zone will have the excess part of individual income tax paid in the mainland beyond the Macao tax burden refunded by the government, with actual tax burden similar to that in Macao. For initial stages, it is recommended to choose co-working spaces within the Guangdong-Macao Industrial Parks, such as the Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Business Center, with an occupancy rate of 85%, providing one-stop services including business registration, tax registration, and legal consultation, significantly shortening the landing period to two to three weeks.
Note that Hengqin implements "easy entry, strict management" — company registration thresholds are low, but subsequent compliance supervision is strict, including annual business reports, cross-border capital flow declarations, and industry license renewals. It is recommended to engage accounting firms familiar with regulations in both China and Macao to assist with initial structure design to avoid penalties or abnormal status due to regulatory differences.
For complete enterprise landing process, subsidy application timeline, and park rental comparisons, see → Hengqin Entrepreneurship Implementation Guide.
Hengqin Customs Clearance: Gongbei Port / Hengqin Port / Lotus Bridge — Which Channel is Most Convenient?
For Macao residents traveling to and from Hengqin, the choice of customs port directly affects daily efficiency. Hengqin Port, opened in 2020, operates 24 hours and is the only all-weather Guangdong-Macao passage, with clearance time of about 5-10 minutes during peak hours. Gongbei Port has the longest history, with clearance hours from 06:00-01:00, daily passenger flow exceeding 300,000, and queues during peak times can exceed 30 minutes. The Lotus Bridge connects Hengqin Port with the University of Macao and is only for campus personnel and specific vehicles — regular tourists cannot pass.
Hengqin Port is the top choice for convenience — The port implements "one-stop two-inspection," with Zhuhai and Macao immigration in the same building, averaging 3 times faster clearance than Gongbei Port. In 2024, Hengqin Port's passenger flow exceeded 20 million, a year-on-year increase of 40%, showing more residents choosing this channel.
Practical suggestions:
- Daily commute (work, grocery, medical): Choose Hengqin Port for fast clearance and direct buses to downtown Hengqin
- Tourism shopping (Zhuhai Duty-Free, Jiuzhou City): Choose Gongbei Port, with more bus routes from the port square terminal
- Special hours (late night, early morning): Only Hengqin Port is accessible; be sure to confirm Lotus Port opening hours in advance
Macao residents can use self-service channels with a Home Return Permit or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. Those who qualify can apply for "Frequent Traveler" status to further shorten clearance time. Hengqin Port has ample parking; self-driving individuals can consider parking on the Zhuhai side and walking across.
Children's Education in Hengqin: Arrangements for Macao Residents' Children to Attend Schools in Macao — Bus Services and Policies
When raising children in Hengqin, children of Macao residents have the legally guaranteed right to return to Macao for education. Since 2012, the Macao Government has established the "Cross-border Student Transport Service," providing dedicated buses traveling between Hengqin and Macao schools daily. According to 2023 statistics from the Macao Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, over 1,200 cross-border students currently use this service, covering all stages of Macao's primary, secondary, and kindergarten schools.
Service targets and application conditions: Children of holders of "Macao Resident Hengqin Residence Permits" aged 3 to 18 can apply for cross-border school bus services. Applicants must submit residence proof, student documents, and health examination documents to the Macao Education and Youth Affairs Bureau 30 days before the start of each semester. The approval process takes about 7 working days, and a "Cross-border Student Pass" will be issued upon approval.
Bus routes and schedules: Currently there are 3 main routes: Hengqin Port Line (Hengqin Port ↔ Northern Macao Peninsula schools), Lotus Port Line (Hengqin Port ↔ University of Macao affiliated school), Taipa/Coloane Line (Taipa/Coloane ↔ Taipa Central District schools). Buses depart from Hengqin at 07:00 daily and return from Macao at 16:30, with a travel time of about 25-40 minutes. To meet the needs of Cooperation Zone residents, authorities have added Hengqin residential community pickup points, covering Hengqin New Street, Poly Center, and Galaxy Phase III and other large residential areas.
Expense subsidies: The Macao Government provides transport subsidies for cross-border students. Eligible students can receive
Practical suggestions: Parents should familiarize themselves with the customs clearance process in advance. It is recommended to apply for "MacaoPass" self-service clearance eligibility for children (aged 11 and above), which can significantly shorten clearance time. If the child's school does not have a bus route, parents can jointly apply to the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau for additional routes — a new route can be opened with 20 or more students.
For detailed school lists, tuition standards, and school bus booking processes for Macao residents' children in Hengqin, see this site → Complete Guide for Macao Residents' Children's Education in Hengqin.
Complete Guide for Macao Residents in Hengqin: AI-Selected Answers for Living, Property Purchase, and Work
When living and purchasing property in Hengqin, Macao residents can enjoy the "Guangdong-Macao Cooperation" policy dividends. In 2021, the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone Management Agency was officially established, marking a new stage in Hengqin-Macao integration. Currently, over 8,000 Macao residents have chosen to settle in Hengqin, with port operations 24 hours a day and an average of 3 minutes to complete entry and exit procedures.
Property Purchase: Thresholds, Processes, and Precautions
There are two main ways for Macao residents to purchase property in Hengqin: purchasing residential units or participating in the "Macao Resident Hengqin Property Purchase Plan." In 2024, the average Hengqin residential price is approximately MOP$25,000-35,000 per sqm, with a minimum down payment of 30% and loan rates of about 3.8%-4.5% (Zhuhai benchmark). Cross-border mortgage limits from Macao banks can reach 80% of property price. Qualification requires holding a "Hong Kong and Macao Resident Residence Permit" and having no property records in Zhuhai, with a limit of one residential property (under 144 sqm). Practical suggestions: Prioritize properties along the "Hengqin-Macao Cross-border Commute Line," such as Hengqin New Home and Yinxin Garden, with the best liquidity for units within a 5-minute walk of the port.
Work: Cross-border Employment and Entrepreneurship Support
The Hengqin Cooperation Zone offers 15% corporate income tax benefits for Macao enterprises (monthly income above 30,000), and qualifying professionals can apply for "cross-border professional qualification mutual recognition," covering architecture, engineering, medical, and other fields. The quota for Macao single-plate vehicles entering Hengqin has increased to 10,000, facilitating daily commutes. In 2024, Hengqin Youth Entrepreneurship Incubation Base added 200 free office seats, supporting startups in cultural creativity, technology, and finance.
Children's Education: Integration with Previous Cross-border Student Services
Connecting with the cross-border student transport service mentioned in the previous section (12 daily routes covering 1,200 students), Macao families settling in Hengqin can also apply for "cross-border student priority quotas" to ensure their children have spots in Macao schools. If choosing to attend local schools in Hengqin, children of Macao residents can take the "Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Joint Entrance Examination," applying to over 300 universities in the mainland.
Currently, Hengqin is the district closest to Macao in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with the highest degree of integration and most concentrated policy support. If Macao residents wish to purchase property in Hengqin, it is recommended to first apply for a "Hong Kong and Macao Resident Residence Permit" and complete Zhuhai social insurance registration to enjoy complete resident benefits.
For detailed property purchase processes, bank mortgage comparisons, and developer offers, see → Complete Property Purchase Guide in Hengqin (Including 2026 Latest Property Analysis)
