Security Guard Services in Macau

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Macau

Private security activity in Macau is regulated by Law No. 4/2007 (Private Security Business Law) and Administrative Regulation No. 20/2007. Operating a private security business requires applying to the Chief Executive and receiving authorization, with applications handled by the Public Security Police Force, and everyone engaged in private security work must hold a security guard work card issued by the Public Security Police Force and wear it in a visible position.

Competent authority: Private Security Companies Section, Intelligence Department, Public Security Police Force. Law: Law No. 4/2007 (Private Security Business Law) and Administrative Regulation No. 20/2007 (implementing rules) gov.mo

Requirements for Security Guards

• Age 18 or older
• At least six years of schooling completed
• Physically and mentally fit for the duties
• A criminal record certificate showing no final conviction for an intentional crime
• Not a public servant or public administration employee
• Not engaged in the manufacture or trade of weapons, ammunition, explosives or other prohibited items
• Has completed and passed the basic private security course (Article 19(1) of Administrative Regulation No. 20/2007)
• Applicants who are non-resident workers must use form mod.DGR M126

Application Steps

1. Complete and pass the basic private security course
2. Obtain a criminal record certificate
3. When taking up or changing a security position, apply in writing to the Public Security Police Force for a work card
4. The Public Security Police Force issues a work card to eligible applicants; the card must be worn in a visible position on duty
5. On ceasing security work, cancel the work card in person and return it

Private Security Business License

Anyone intending to operate a private security business must apply to the Chief Executive and receive authorization (Article 6 of Law No. 4/2007), with applications handled by the Public Security Police Force. Requirements include: being lawfully established and entered in the commercial register (or, for individuals, completing business registration); paid-up capital of at least the minimum amount set in Article 23 of Administrative Regulation No. 20/2007; activity limited to private security; no debts owed to the Macao Special Administrative Region; managers of good character; a technical director of appropriate competence and good character; and business premises that meet Article 26 of Administrative Regulation No. 20/2007. Operating without authorization is punishable by a fine of MOP 30,000 to 50,000 (Article 27(1)); employing staff who do not meet the requirements of Article 13 is punishable by a fine of MOP 5,000 to 7,000 per person (Article 27(4)); failing to wear the work card in a visible position is punishable by a fine of MOP 2,000 to 7,500.

Sources

• Macao SAR Government Portal: Security guard work card (PS-1504)
• Macao SAR Government Portal: Private security business license (PS-1502)
• Public Security Police Force: licenses and permits

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.