Global Capital and Family Offices Targeted as Hong Kong Restarts Investment Immigrant Plan
In a move to bolster its status as a premier financial and investment hub, Hong Kong has reintroduced the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) effective from 1st March 2024. This scheme offers high-net-worth individuals an opportunity to obtain residency in Hong Kong by meeting a set of key requirements.
Key Requirements for New CIES
To qualify for the New CIES, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Demonstrate ownership of net assets of at least HK$30 million for at least six months prior to the application.
- Invest at least HK$30 million in approved assets in Hong Kong. Eligible investment classes include stocks, bonds, ETFs, innovation funds, and non-residential properties (though property investments are capped with a contribution limit of HK$10 million counting toward the total investment).
- Maintain a clean criminal and immigration record, verified by a certificate of no criminal conviction from the applicant’s country of residence within the past 12 months.
- Demonstrate the ability to support oneself and dependents.
- Applicants can bring their spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years old.
Application Process
The application process for the New CIES involves the following steps:
- Asset Verification by InvestHK, the government investment promotion agency, who issues proof of net assets and verifies investment fulfillment.
- Submission of the application for entry with required supporting documents.
- Upon approval, receive a visa to complete the required investment.
- Gain a 24-month stay initially after verification, with options for long-term residency.
Required Documents
The required documents for the New CIES application include:
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Valid travel document (passport).
- Proof of net assets and investment certification from InvestHK.
- Hong Kong Identity Card copy (if applicable).
- Proof of foreign permanent residency.
- Certificate of no criminal conviction issued by relevant authorities.
Since its relaunch in early 2024, the New CIES has attracted significant capital inflows and applications, with over 1,500 applications and investment commitments exceeding HK$46 billion recorded by mid-2025.
The New CIES does not require mandatory business creation, focusing solely on investment. It also allows up to HK$10m to be invested in non-residential real estate, with mortgages permitted but only the equity portion qualifying. The remaining HK$27m under the New CIES can be invested in eligible public market securities, private funds, and non-residential real estate.
The scheme includes private limited partnership funds (LPFs) and open-ended fund companies as permissible investments, subject to defined caps. Profits from the New CIES can only be withdrawn as cash income, such as dividends or rent. Applicants under the New CIES must maintain investment thresholds for a period of 7 years.
The New CIES is 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. Early market reception indicates strong uptake, with banks, brokers, and fund sponsors receiving inquiries from global investors interested in establishing investment structures and family offices under the scheme.
Sources: [1], [2], [4], [5]
- High-net-worth individuals can bolster their residency in Hong Kong by investing at least HK$30 million, with a portion allocated to real-estate, as part of the New CIES scheme, effective from 1st March 2024.
- Eligible investment classes for the New CIES include stocks, bonds, ETFs, innovation funds, and non-residential properties, though real-estate investments have a contribution limit of HK$10 million.
- Applicants for the New CIES must demonstrate ownership of net assets of at least HK$30 million for six months prior to application, have a clean criminal record, and show the ability to support themselves and dependents.
- The New CIES application process involves verification of assets by InvestHK, submission of required documents, approval, visa issuance, and investment completion, leading to a 24-month stay with options for long-term residency.
- Since its relaunch in 2024, the New CIES has attracted significant capital inflows, recording over 1,500 applications and investment commitments exceeding HK$46 billion by mid-2025.
- The New CIES permits the creation of private limited partnership funds (LPFs) and open-ended fund companies as permissible investments, with profits withdrawn as cash income like dividends or rent, and an investment threshold maintenance period of 7 years.
