The Zhuhai Government has relaxed some rules around Macau-licensed vehicles entering Hengqin, with three new categories added for those looking to apply for entry.

Effective from 8 June 2018, owners of Macau-licensed vehicles who own real estate classified as residential, office or retail in Hengqin New Area are able to apply for one Macau-licensed vehicle per unit to enter.

Owners of Macau-licensed vehicles who are now working in Hengqin, hold an employment contract and pay social security in Hengqin can also apply.

Finally, anyone classified as a “special talent” as well as staff of Macau-based companies that are cooperating with the Hengqin government or any state-owned enterprises in Hengqin can apply for one vehicle each.

The amended measures include a relaxing of requirements for the eligibility of Macau-funded Independent Legal Entities registered in Hengqin and the removal of a previous tax requirement on Macau-based companies operating in Hengqin.

The measures now stipulate only that those companies with a “physical business premises in Hengqin and that have actually operated to carry out business” or those who have acquired land in Hengqin are allowed to apply for a maximum of three Macau-licensed vehicles per company to enter.

The amended measures will be valid for five years.

Qualified vehicle owners who want to apply for an entry license must first submit their application materials and related certifications through the Zhuhai government website for an online pre-review. If they pass the pre-review, the owner will then go through an inspections process at an agency approved by both the Guangdong and Macau governments.

After passing the inspection, the owner can file their full application to the Administrative Office of the Hengqin Government.

According to government figures, as of 11 June the total number of Macau-licensed vehicles to have been approved stood at 539. Of those, 505 are currently valid. Another 446 Macau-licensed vehicles have submitted their applications to enter Hengqin.