Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)

Policy Overview 📋

The Hong Kong Old Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was implemented on October 27, 2003 and suspended on January 15, 2015. The newly upgraded Hong Kong New Capital Investment Scheme will officially reopen on March 1, 2024. The Hong Kong SAR government continues to optimize its policies, implementing the first round of optimization measures in March 2025, further adjusting the real estate investment rules in September 2025, continuously relaxing the entry threshold, optimizing the investment structure, and accurately attracting global high net worth investors to invest and settle in Hong Kong, helping to promote the stable development of the Hong Kong economy and asset market.

Application Requirements ✅

- 1. Age requirement: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old;

- 2. Identity and qualifications: Holders of foreign passports or Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in other countries;

- 3. Background requirements: The applicant has no criminal record, personal credit information, and a clean background;

- 4. Asset requirement: According to the latest optimization policy in 2025, hold personal net assets of no less than HKD 30 million for two consecutive years prior to application;

- 5. Investment requirements: A compliance portfolio investment of HKD 30 million must be completed, of which HKD 27 million can be independently selected for compliance investment, and the remaining HKD 3 million must be invested in the special portfolio of Hong Kong Investment Management Limited to support local startups and the science and technology innovation industry;

- 6. Accompanying family members: May bring legal spouses and multiple children under the age of 18.

Compliance investment requirements 💼

- 1. Financial asset investment: including compliant financial products such as Hong Kong stocks and bonds, with a maximum self investment limit of HKD 27 million;

- 2. Real estate investment: The upper limit for the inclusion of conventional non residential property investment is HKD 10 million; New residential property investment options will be added in October 2024, with a total transaction price of HKD 50 million or more for residential properties;

- 3. Innovation and Technology Special Investment: A fixed amount of HKD 3 million will be invested in science and technology innovation projects managed by Hong Kong investment companies, supporting the development of local startups and technology enterprises in Hong Kong.

Application Process 📝

- 1. Professional qualification evaluation, matching exclusive investment plans, confirming suitability, and officially signing cooperation agreements;

- 2. Comprehensively collect, organize, and review the complete set of application materials, submit them to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, and supplement and improve the materials as needed throughout the process;

- 3. Obtain an official approval letter in principle, complete all compliant investments within 180 days after approval, and obtain a certificate of investment completion;

- 4. The Hong Kong Immigration Department verifies the investment certificate and issues a formal approval;

- 5. Maintain a compliant investment status in the future, and process visa renewals and extensions of stay in Hong Kong as usual;

- 6. Overall processing cycle: From material submission to formal approval, the entire process takes about 3-4 months, with efficient and fast approval.

Project advantages and benefits 🌟

- 1. Family identity planning: If one person's application is approved, their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 18 can simultaneously settle down with them, and the whole family enjoys the rights of Hong Kong residents;

- 2. The application threshold is extremely low: there are no mandatory review requirements for language, education, work experience, business background, etc., suitable for high net worth individuals;

- 3. No immigration supervision restrictions: No mandatory Hong Kong residency requirements, free travel between mainland China and Hong Kong, truly achieving immigration without moving;

- 4. Safe and Stable Investment: All investments are subject to official supervision in Hong Kong, with formal and stable policies and a high level of financial security;

- 5. High quality education benefits: After obtaining Hong Kong resident status, children can enjoy 12 years of free public primary and secondary education in Hong Kong, with top-notch educational resources;

- 6. Permanent residency and passport benefits: Holders of a Hong Kong visa who have resided continuously for at least 7 years can apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong and obtain a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport in accordance with the law. They can travel to 172 countries and regions worldwide without visa/visa on arrival;

- 7. Outstanding advantages in further education: After obtaining permanent residency in Hong Kong, children can apply to participate in the joint entrance examination for overseas Chinese students from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and China. With low scores, they can strive for top universities in China, resulting in a significant increase in admission rates.

Note: The above policies and rights information are for reference only. The final implementation standards shall be subject to the official regulations and latest announcements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.