Global financial plan reinstated: Hong Kong's Capital Investment Entrant Scheme aims to lure international capital and wealthy family offices.
**High-Net-Worth Individuals Can Gain Hong Kong Residency Through New Investment Scheme**
High-net-worth individuals from around the world now have the opportunity to secure residency in Hong Kong by investing HK$30 million in qualified assets, as part of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau's broader policy agenda to expand Hong Kong's appeal as a base for global family offices and wealth platforms.
The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) is designed for non-local individuals seeking residency by making substantial investments in the city. There is no explicit requirement for business experience, relevant degrees, or technical skills, unlike some other Hong Kong investor programs. Applicants must possess a valid travel document and be able to demonstrate sufficient net assets to meet the investment threshold.
The minimum investment required is HK$30 million, which must be invested in approved financial assets within Hong Kong. Approved investments under the New CIES include SFC-regulated funds, stocks listed in Hong Kong, bonds, investment-linked assurance schemes, open-ended fund companies, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and certain real estate. Real estate investment is capped at HK$10 million of the total investment, and only qualifying properties worth at least HK$50 million are eligible.
The application process for the New CIES is two-staged, with both financial and immigration authorities involved in approvals. Applicants must first approach the New CIES Office to verify they meet the net asset requirement. Upon successful verification, the applicant receives a certifying proof and is eligible to apply to the Immigration Department for a visa/entry permit (initially valid for up to 180 days for making the investment). Within the validity period, the applicant must make the committed investment in approved assets. After investment, the New CIES Office verifies compliance, issues another certifying proof, and notifies the Immigration Department. Upon approval, the applicant and dependents may reside in Hong Kong.
Investors must maintain the invested assets for at least seven years, during which time they must satisfy continuous ordinary residence requirements in Hong Kong. After seven years of continuous ordinary residence and ongoing compliance with portfolio maintenance rules, the applicant may apply for unconditional stay (permanent residency without conditions).
As of June 2025, over 1,500 applications have been received globally, with more than 700 meeting requirements and over 670 approvals granted. SFC-regulated funds are the most popular investment choice, followed by stocks and bonds. The scheme has brought in over HK$21 billion in investments, with projections reaching HK$30–50 billion by year-end.
The New CIES is part of the government's efforts to attract more high-net-worth individuals and capital to Hong Kong, thereby bolstering capital inflows and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a leading international asset and wealth management centre. Banks, brokers, and fund sponsors are receiving inquiries from global investors about establishing investment structures and family offices under the New CIES.
- Limited partners might find New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) appealing, as it allows high-net-worth individuals from various countries to gain Hong Kong residency by investing a minimum of HK$30 million.
- The approval process for New CIES is two-staged, with financial and immigration authorities involved, and the applicant must first verify their net assets, followed by investing in approved assets.
- Qualified investments under New CIES include SFC-regulated funds, stocks listed in Hong Kong, bonds, investment-linked assurance schemes, open-ended fund companies, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and certain real estate, with a cap of HK$10 million for real estate investment, and properties worth at least HK$50 million eligible.
- Upon successful investment compliance verification, the applicant can reside in Hong Kong with their dependents, but must maintain the invested assets for at least seven years and meet continuous ordinary residence requirements to apply for unconditional stay (permanent residency).
- GPs are seeking opportunities to establish investment structures and family offices under New CIES, as the scheme has brought in over HK$21 billion in investments and projections reach HK$30–50 billion by year-end.
- PE firms may find it advantageous to allocate capital towards SFC-regulated funds, stocks, and bonds under New CIES, as these are the most popular investment choices in the scheme, thus further bolstering Hong Kong's position as a leading international asset and wealth management center.
