Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) was initially launched in 2023 and it was discontinued in January 2015. In March 2024, Hong Kong resumed the scheme to attract wealthy people from around the world.
This scheme allows a person to stay in Hong Kong by investing at least USD 3.8 million or HKD 30 million or Rs 1.12 crore in the country. The investment can be made in the form of stocks, bonds, real estate and other financial assets approved by Hong Kong officials.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA OF CIES
- Minimum 18 years of age or above having a positive immigration record. The applicant must have at least HKD 30 million throughout two years of application processing
- Applicant must invest HKD 30 million in financial assets in Hong Kong
- Investment can be made in real estate, stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments approved by the Hong Kong authorities
2025 MODIFICATIONS IN CIES
In March 2025, few amendments were made in the scheme to attract global talent and establish Hong Kong as a global wealth management hub.
- The capital investment holding period has been reduced to six months from earlier two years.
- Investment can be made in the form of Bonds, ETFs and Stocks. Real estate investment is not considered.
The investors have to ensure that they possess HKD 30 million currency in the two years after issuing the fulfillment document against the applicant’s net asset. The stocks listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange will be considered as appropriate.
NET ASSET REQUIREMENT
- Applicants have to be legally entitled to Net worth of not less than HKD30 million thought six months preceding their application
- Applicants having portion of net worth in jointly-owned account can also be considered
- Investments in private companies owned and registered under the name of applicant in Hong Kong can also be considered.
Investors are allowed to stay in Hong Kong initially for a period of two years. Their spouses and dependent children under the age of 18 years can accompany them. After the completion of two years, applicants can request for a three years extension followed by another three years. After completing continuously at least seven years in Hong Kong, applicants can apply for permanent residence as per the country’s law.
The foreign investors have to validate their Net Asset eligibility criteria in the New CIES office. After the verification by CIES office, certifying documents will be sent to the investor and the Director of Immigration will be notified about the same.
You can read more information on this website.
