Macau Statutory Update: Maternity Leave & Employer Maternity Pay Subsidy Scheme

Effective 28 July 2026, Macau has introduced changes to statutory maternity leave and the government reimbursement scheme.

What’s Changing?

Maternity Leave

• Leave Duration: Statutory paid maternity leave for employees has been increased to 90 days (up from 70 days).

• Leave Flexibility: Female employees must take 60 days immediately after delivery. The remaining 30 days can be taken flexibly either before or after delivery.

• Eligibility: All female workers (both local Macao residents and Non-Resident Workers / Blue Card holders) who have completed at least 1 year of continuous service with the same employer at the time of delivery are entitled to statutory paid leave.

Reimbursement Amount (for Employer)

• Transition Period (2026): Eligible employers can claim up to 34 days of basic wage reimbursement (combining the existing 14-day temporary subsidy with the new 20-day increase) for births through December 31, 2026.

• Permanent Scheme (From 01/01/2027 onwards): The government subsidy will standardise to 20 days of basic wage reimbursement permanently.

• Local Residents Only: Reimbursement applies only to Macau resident workers (local residents). Employers must pay the full 90 days for non-resident workers (Blue Cards) without government assistance.

• Upfront Payment: Employers must pay the employee their full statutory maternity pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement to the government (DSAL).

• Excluded Employers: Publicly funded entities, gaming/junket operators, educational institutions (schools/universities), and large companies with more than 100 employees are not eligible for the government reimbursement scheme.

Useful Links

• Labour Department: https://bo.dsaj.gov.mo/bo/i/2026/30/lei09_cn.asp

• Macau SAR Government News: https://www.gov.mo/zh-hant/news/1255540/