- Latest Update: February 4, 2026
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
The Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) offers foreign nationals residency by investing HKD 30 million or more in permissible assets, without establishing or operating a business. Applicants must invest HKD 27 million in specified assets including equities, debt securities, certificates of deposits, subordinated debt, eligible collective investment schemes, limited partnership funds, and real estate, plus HKD 3 million in an Investment Portfolio. Eligibility requires a clean immigration record, age 18+, and net assets of at least HKD 30 million maintained for six months prior to application. After not less than 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, applicants and dependents may apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Spouse or partner included as dependent
- Unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age included
- No requirement to establish or operate a business in Hong Kong
Permanent Residency Rights
- Right to live, work, and study anywhere in Hong Kong permanently
- Right to access most social benefits, including public healthcare coverage
- Right to be protected under the Basic Law
- Eligibility to apply for permanent residency after not less than 7 years of continuous ordinary residence
Investment Flexibility
- Invest in a diverse range of permissible asset classes including equities, debt securities, real estate, and eligible collective investment schemes
- Option to invest through wholly owned private companies
- Net assets jointly owned with family members can be considered
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and eligibility evaluation
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Requirements
- Main applicant must have net assets of not less than HKD 30 million throughout the six months (not two years) preceding the date of lodging the application.
- The main applicant must be aged 18 or above.
- Main applicant must have a clean immigration record.
- Main applicant must invest HKD 27 million in specified permissible assets and HKD 3 million in an Investment Portfolio overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited.
Hong Kong Residency Investment Visa Options
Equities
This option involves purchasing shares of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK). It offers ownership in these companies, potentially yielding dividends and capital appreciation.
Debt Securities
Invest in debt securities listed on the SEHK, including fixed or floating rate instruments and convertible bonds issued or fully guaranteed by the Hong Kong Government, the Exchange Fund, the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, MTR Corporation Limited, Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, Hong Kong Airport Authority, and other corporations, agencies or bodies owned by the Hong Kong Government.
Certificates of Deposits
Issued by authorized institutions, Certificates of Deposits provide a secure investment option. They offer fixed interest rates over the investment period and are considered relatively safe compared to other investment vehicles. Subject to a cap of HKD 3 million.
Subordinated Debt
This involves investing in debt instruments issued by authorized institutions. Subordinated debt, while offering potentially higher interest rates, holds a lower priority for repayment in case of insolvency.
Eligible Collective Investment Schemes
The qualifying schemes include Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)-authorized funds, SFC-authorized real estate investment trusts, SFC-authorized Investment-Linked Assurance Schemes, and open-ended fund companies managed by corporations licensed by or institutions registered with the SFC.
Limited Partnership Funds
Ownership interest in limited partnership funds, subject to a cap of HKD 10 million.
Real Estate
Includes both residential and non-residential properties, including pre-completion properties but excluding land. Subject to an aggregate cap of HKD 15 million, with residential real estate subject to a cap of HKD 10 million.
Investment Portfolio
In addition to the HKD 27 million investment in permissible assets, applicants must place HKD 3 million into an Investment Portfolio overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited. The Investment Portfolio will invest in companies or projects that support the long-term development of Hong Kong’s economy.
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Process
Processing time Approx. 6 months
Due Diligence And Application
- The applicant will need to first complete the net worth assessment.
- Upon passing the net worth assessment, the applicant can file a visa application to make investment in Hong Kong.
Approval And Investment
- If investment conditions are met, the applicant can then apply for a 2-year investment visa to live and work in Hong Kong.
- The applicant shall maintain the investment and provide investment maintenance proof every year.
- The applicant may file for an extension of stay application upon the expiry of the authorized stay period.
Residency
After not less than seven years of continuous ordinary residence, the applicant and his dependents may apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New CIES?
This program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain residency in Hong Kong by investing HKD 30 million or more in a range of permissible assets, without establishing or operating a business.
Who is eligible to apply for the New CIES?
The New CIES covers foreign nationals (excluding nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Macao residents, Chinese nationals with permanent resident status in a foreign country, and Chinese residents of Taiwan.
What are the investment requirements for the New CIES?
Applicants must invest at least HKD 27 million in specified assets including equities, debt securities, certificates of deposits, subordinated debt, eligible collective investment schemes, limited partnership funds, and real estate. Additionally, HKD 3 million must be placed into an Investment Portfolio overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited.
What is the net asset requirement for the New CIES?
Applicants must have net assets or net equity with a market value of not less than HKD 30 million throughout the six months preceding the date of lodging the application.
Who qualifies as a dependent on the New CIES application?
The spouse/partner and unmarried children of the applicant who are under 18 years of age may qualify as dependent family members in the application.
What are the benefits of attaining permanent residence status in Hong Kong?
A permanent resident in Hong Kong has the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Hong Kong permanently, access most social benefits including public healthcare coverage, and be protected under the Basic Law.
Can I combine my assets with my spouse for the application?
Yes, net assets or net equity jointly owned with family members can be considered in calculating the net asset requirement, specifically for the portion that is absolutely beneficially entitled to the applicant.
Can I use my own company to make the eligible investment?
Yes, an eligible private company wholly owned by the applicant will count toward the applicant's eligible investment in the New CIES.
What are the general application processing steps?
The process involves three main stages: personal net worth assessment (1-2 months), applying for a visa to make investment in Hong Kong (3-4 months), and applying for a 2-year investment visa to live and work in Hong Kong (1 month). Applicants must maintain the investment and provide proof annually. After not less than 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, applicants and dependents may apply for permanent residency.