The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme aims to further enrich Hong Kong's talent pool and attract new capital to enhance the development advantages of Hong Kong's asset and wealth management, financial, and related professional services sectors.
*The scheme is not applicable to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea.
Subject to the provisions of the scheme rules, applicants who meet the following criteria may apply for residence in Hong Kong under the scheme:
Age – Must be at least 18 years old when submitting the application for net asset assessment to InvestHK
Scope – (i) Foreign nationals; (ii) Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country; (iii) Residents of the Macao SAR; or (iv) Taiwan residents of Chinese ethnicity
Net Assets – Demonstrate that during the entire two-year period prior to the date of application for net asset assessment, the applicant has continuously owned net assets or net equity with a value of not less than HK$30 million (or equivalent in foreign currency)
Investment in Permissible Investment Assets – Invest in permissible investment assets with a net value of not less than HK$30 million (or equivalent in foreign currency) that the applicant absolutely beneficially owns
Good Record – Demonstrate a good immigration record and meet general immigration and security requirements
Other – Demonstrate the ability to support themselves and their dependents (if any) without relying on employment, business, or public assistance in Hong Kong
Applicants must first apply to InvestHK for verification that they meet the net asset requirements under the scheme before applying to the Immigration Department for an entry visa/permit. After InvestHK verifies that the applicant meets the net asset requirements, they will issue a Certificate of Compliance with Net Asset Requirement. The applicant must apply to the Immigration Department for an entry visa/permit within the validity period of this certificate.
Apply to InvestHK for verification of net asset requirements
Receive 'Approval-in-Principle' and travel to Hong Kong as a visitor for up to 180 days to make the committed investment
Apply to InvestHK for verification of the investment after completing it
Submit the certificate to the Immigration Department for 'Formal Approval'
Successful applicants and their dependents (if any) will generally be granted permission to stay in Hong Kong for up to 24 months, subject only to the condition that they continue to meet the requirements of the scheme throughout the period.
Applicants must engage, at their own expense, a Certified Public Accountant (as defined in the Financial Reporting Council Ordinance, Cap. 588) to help certify the following:
Verification that the applicant has owned not less than HK$30 million in net assets or equity for the two-year period before applying for net asset assessment, with absolute beneficial ownership.
Verification that the investment in permissible assets meets the minimum HK$30 million requirement.
Ongoing verification that the investment portfolio is being maintained in accordance with scheme requirements.
When preparing compliance documents, the applicant's responsibilities in proving they meet the net asset requirements include:
If an applicant's submitted compliance documents are considered expired by InvestHK, they may require the applicant to submit updated compliance documents.
The following are enhanced measures for the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), effective from March 1, 2025:
Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme application process. Contact us today for a consultation.
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