There are two main types of commercial entities in Macau namely “Individual Entrepreneur (E.I.) or Commercial Entrepreneur” and “Company or Commercial Entrepreneurs”. Investor who is interested in setting up his/her business in Macau may need to decide which of the two commercial entities in order to comply with the standards and regulations from the Macau Financial Bureau (DSF) and Businesses and Vehicles Registry Department (CRCBM).

         “Individual Entrepreneur (E.I.) or Commercial Entrepreneur” (also known as “natural person”) is wholly contributed by one person. The individual exercises a commercial enterprise under his/her own name. For example, a small convenience store - The owner can either run the business by him/herself or through a third party who manages the owner’s business on a daily basis. The procedure of setting up an “Individual Commercial Entrepreneur” is simple, however; the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of his/her business.

         “Company or Commercial Entrepreneurs” (also known as “corporate body”), are classified as below:

• General partnerships (also known as “Unlimited liability company”);
• Limited partnerships are divided into limited partnerships and partnership limited by shares (also known as "Mixed liability company");
• Private companies (also known as “Limited liability company by quotas”) are divided into private companies and single shareholder private companies; and
• Limited liability company by shares.

         Owners of the general partnerships (unlimited company) and the general partners of limited partnerships are liable for all debts and obligations of the business. On the other hand, silent partner of the limited partnerships, shareholders of private companies and shareholders of company by shares are only responsible for his/her capital participation, i.e. the company is responsible for the corporate debt within the limit of all the company assets.

Registration of “Individual Entrepreneur (E.I.) or Commercial Entrepreneur”

         According to Macau Industrial Tax regulation, any individual (person) who wants to engage in any types of commercial activities is required to submit the application form to the DSF by him/herself or through a representative 30 days before the commencement of his/her business. With the proof (payment of industrial tax) given by the DSF, he/she can start to commence the business.

         In addition, individual entrepreneur can make the registration of “Individual Commercial Entrepreneur” before or after the commencement of business.

Registration of “Company or Commercial Entrepreneurs”

         The CRCBM and the DSF requires to submit a numbers of documents including application form, articles of association, and other content mentioned in the <Macau Commercial Code> Article 179.

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