The article is devoted to the analysis of the historical development of the administrative political status and legal system of Macau during the colonial period. The authors consider the main stages of the history of Macau, identify the reasons for the special autonomous status of this territory within the framework of the Portuguese colonial empire and in the context of Portuguese-Chinese relations. The study draws conclusions about the impact of the relevant historical experience on the preservation of Macau's autonomy after decolonization.