2025 Holidays - Macao

Macao Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. Mandatory Public Holidays

- Macao designates 10 days as mandatory public holidays each year. Source

- These include significant events such as New Year's Day, the first three days of the Lunar New Year, Cheng Ming Festival, Labour Day, National Day of the People's Republic of China, and the Macao S.A.R. Establishment Day.

2. Non-Mandatory Public Holidays

- In addition to the mandatory holidays, Macao observes several non-mandatory public holidays. Source

- These include days like Good Friday, the Day before Easter, the Buddha’s Birthday, and the Feast of Immaculate Conception.

- Employers have the discretion to grant time off for these holidays, and it is not legally required.

3. When a Mandatory Public Holiday Falls on a Rest Day

- If a mandatory public holiday coincides with an employee's regular rest day, the employer is obligated to provide a substitute rest day within the following 30 days. Source

4. Working on Mandatory Public Holidays

- Employees who work on a mandatory public holiday are entitled to compensation in one of the following forms:

• Double pay for the hours worked on the holiday.
• Single pay for the hours worked, plus a compensatory rest day to be taken within three months.
• Two compensatory rest days to be taken within three months.

- The specific compensation method should be agreed upon between the employer and the employee. Source

5. Public Holidays for Public Employees

- Public sector employees in Macao are entitled to additional public holidays beyond the mandatory ones.

- The Chief Executive may grant exemption from work on certain afternoons, such as Lunar New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve.

- Compensatory rest days are also designated for public employees when certain holidays fall on weekends. Source

6. Additional Notes

- Employers and employees should refer to the Labour Relations Law and any applicable employment contracts or collective agreements for specific provisions related to public holidays and work arrangements.

- It's advisable for both parties to maintain clear communication regarding holiday observances to ensure mutual understanding and compliance with local labor laws.