Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

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.

Eligibility Requirements

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

Application Process

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.

Net Asset Verification

Apply to InvestHK for verification of net asset requirements

Initial Approval

Receive 'Approval-in-Principle' and travel to Hong Kong as a visitor for up to 180 days to make the committed investment

Investment Verification

Apply to InvestHK for verification of the investment after completing it

Final Approval

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.

Engagement of a Certified Public Accountant

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:

Net Asset Requirements

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.

Investment Requirements

Verification that the investment in permissible assets meets the minimum HK$30 million requirement.

Portfolio Maintenance Requirements

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:

Providing a net asset statement showing information about assets or equity owned and related liabilities
Providing originals/certified true copies of assets or equity and their liabilities
For assets not traded on public exchanges, providing written valuation reports from appraisers
Ensuring compliance documents are issued no more than 14 calendar days before application submission

If an applicant's submitted compliance documents are considered expired by InvestHK, they may require the applicant to submit updated compliance documents.

Enhanced Measures for CIES

The following are enhanced measures for the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), effective from March 1, 2025:

Enhanced Net Asset Requirements

•Applicants only need to demonstrate that they have continuously owned assets with a market value of not less than HK$30 million during the entire six-month period prior to application.
•The share absolutely beneficially owned by the applicant in net assets jointly owned with family members will also be considered.

New Investment Holding Method

•In addition to current holding methods, applicants can also hold investments through a wholly-owned private company, creating synergy between the scheme and family office setup in Hong Kong.
•The private company must meet specific requirements, including being established or registered in Hong Kong, wholly owned by the applicant/investor, and managed by a qualified single family office.

Need Assistance with CIES Application?

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