Global financial hub, Hong Kong, reintroduces Capital Investment Entrant Scheme aimed at enticing international investment capital and family offices.
New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Offers Pathway to Hong Kong Residency for Global Investors
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau in Hong Kong has reintroduced the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), providing a significant investment immigration opportunity for high-net-worth individuals.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum net asset value of HK$30 million, held for at least six months prior to application. This capital must be invested in approved assets under the scheme for a minimum of seven years. The investment pathway offers the chance for global investors to obtain residency in Hong Kong, with the opportunity to bring their spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18.
The New CIES has several key details and requirements. The minimum net asset requirement is HK$30 million, maintained continuously over six months before application. The minimum investment amount is HK$30 million, invested in Permissible Investment Assets. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a clean immigration record.
Investment in properties is allowed, but capped: up to HK$10 million of the investment can be counted toward the HK$30 million minimum if invested in properties, including residential and non-residential real estate valued at HK$50 million or above. The government is considering raising the property investment cap from HK$10 million to HK$20 million to attract more investors in real estate.
Family offices can potentially facilitate multiple family members meeting the asset requirement if the family office holds assets of at least HK$240 million. Permanent residency can be applied for after seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong.
The application process involves multiple review stages and may take several months depending on the applicant's financial and documentation complexity. The New CIES aims to boost Hong Kong's status as an international investment hub, having received over 1,500 applications by mid-2025, representing an expected new investment inflow exceeding HK$46 billion.
The New CIES is part of a broader strategy to attract global wealth, support local business ecosystems, and facilitate asset protection and tax planning advantages typical of Hong Kong's financial environment. The scheme allows up to HK$10 million to be invested in non-residential real estate, with mortgages permitted but only the equity portion qualifying. The mandatory contribution to the government-managed portfolio by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation is HK$3 million.
The updated framework now includes private limited partnership funds (LPFs) and open-ended fund companies as permissible investments, subject to defined caps. The agenda aims to expand Hong Kong's appeal as a base for global family offices and wealth platforms. Early market reception suggests strong uptake, with banks, brokers, and fund sponsors receiving inquiries from global investors exploring investment structures and family offices under the New CIES.
In summary, the New CIES offers a substantial investment immigration opportunity requiring a minimum HK$30 million asset value and investment, with a property investment cap of HK$10 million (possibly increasing), and includes family benefits and a seven-year pathway to permanent residency. The remaining HK$27 million can be invested across eligible public market securities, private funds, and non-residential real estate.
- The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau in Hong Kong has reintroduced the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), which allows high-net-worth individuals to invest a minimum of HK$30 million in permitted assets for a minimum of seven years, thereby qualifying for residency in Hong Kong.
- Global investors who wish to apply for the New CIES must ensure they meet the scheme's requirements, including a minimum net asset value of HK$30 million held continuously for six months before application, and invest this capital in Permissible Investment Assets.
- The New CIES now includes private limited partnership funds (LPFs) and open-ended fund companies as eligible investments, subject to defined caps, with the aim of expanding Hong Kong's appeal as a base for global family offices and wealth platforms.
- Under the New CIES, a mandatory contribution of HK$3 million must be made to the government-managed portfolio by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, while up to HK$10 million can be invested in non-residential real estate, with mortgages permitted but only the equity portion qualifying.
