Macau, China, March 18, 2026 (Lusa) – Portugal’s High Council of the Judiciary announced on Tuesday that it is looking for two Portuguese judges to serve in Macau’s courts of first instance in civil matters.

According to the notice, judicial magistrates with more than seven years’ but less than 15 years’ seniority may apply, with the appointment valid for two years, subject to renewal.

Applications must be submitted by 31 March. According to the document drafted by the MSAR (Macau Special Administrative Region) Independent Commission for the Nomination of Judges, selected magistrates will receive salaries and benefits equivalent to those of local judges of the same rank and seniority.

The salary corresponds to a percentage of the Chief Executive of Macau's monthly salary, currently set at 268,297 patacas (over €28,000).

In addition, judges will be entitled to holiday and Christmas allowances, housing or rent allowances, equipment allowances, medical cover for themselves and their families, and 22 working days of judicial leave per year.

Portugal and Macau have a judicial cooperation agreement that ensures the continued presence of Portuguese magistrates (judges and prosecutors) in the territory, supporting the Portuguese-based legal system.

This collaboration focuses on recruitment, training and the exchange of judicial experiences.

The only judge currently working in Macau who comes from Portugal is Jerónimo Alberto Gonçalves Santos, a judge at the Second Instance Court, after Judge Rui Ribeiro brought forward the end of his special assignment to the end of October 2025, which was originally due to end in May 2026.

In 2024, the High Council of the Judiciary rejected the request for the Portuguese judge of the First Instance Court, Carlos Carvalho, to remain in post; he had been in Macau for 16 years and had been invited by the Independent Commission for the Appointment of Judges in the territory to continue for a further two years.

NCM/MYAL // ADB.

Lusa