Portugal had extended its nationality laws to Macau with those born before 1981 acquiring nationality by "jus soli" and by "jus sanguinis" after 1981. Many residents of Macau (either of Chinese &amp; Portuguese descent) hold Portuguese citizenship on this basis. It is no longer possible to acquire Portuguese citizenship by connection with Macau before 3 October 1981 and after 20 December 1999 transfer of sovereignty to China, except by birth or association with the territory previous to that date.