The policies, a key component of the government’s action priorities, continue Macau’s tradition of wealth-sharing and targeted support, but with some increases in direct subsidies.
Welfare and Elderly Support Increased
In a clear move to address demographic challenges, the government announced that support levels for the elderly and disabled will be maintained, with key allowances seeing adjustments. The Elderly Subsidy remains at 10,000 patacas per year, with the monthly Elderly Pension remaining at 3,900 patacas (paid 13 times a year).
For permanent residents over 65, the annual income tax exemption remains set at 198,000 patacas as an employment incentive. Similarly, the annual Disability Subsidy remains at 20,000 patacas for those with special needs and 10,000 patacas for others.
Their monthly pension also remains at 3,900 patacas (paid 13 times a year). Crucially, the Caregiver Allowance for those supporting people with disabilities has been increased to 2,400 patacas per month, alongside a reduction in the application threshold to broaden access.
Family and Housing Incentives
To tackle the low birth rate, the government is maintaining its new incentives. The Childhood Assistance Subsidy continues at 18,000 patacas per year for babies and resident children under three years old (payable for up to three years). The one-off Birth Subsidy remains at 6,500 patacas. The Marriage Subsidy, however, has been increased to 4,000 patacas, with both eligible spouses able to claim the amount.
For the general public, the annual Cash-Sharing Scheme will continue, granting 10,000 patacas to permanent residents and 6,000 patacas to non-permanent residents. The Health Care Sharing Program allowance will also continue at 700 patacas.
In the housing sector, first-time permanent resident buyers will now be exempt from stamp duty on the first 6 million patacas of the property’s value, marking a substantial increase in the exemption ceiling. The government will also continue the reduction of the Urban Property Tax for rented properties, setting the tax rate at 8% to incentivize property owners to boost the rental market supply.
Economic and Youth Initiatives
The plan also includes targeted increases to social safety net allowances and continued support for workers, alongside measures to integrate Macau’s youth into regional development. The Unemployment Allowance has been raised to 210 patacas per day. The Sickness Allowance has also been increased to 180 patacas per day (without hospitalization) and 240 patacas per day (with hospitalization). Furthermore, the Funeral Allowance has been raised to 5,200 patacas.
To encourage regional employment, a monthly subsidy of 5,000 patacas will be offered for up to 18 months to young, qualified people aged 35 or less who take up jobs in the Greater Bay Area of mainland China. Tax relief for individuals will be continued, including a deduction of 30% on professional tax (capped at 144,000 patacas) and a refund of 60% of professional tax paid in 2024, capped at 14,000 patacas.
