Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) in Hong Kong, granting residency through a minimum HKD 30 million investment in approved assets. The program requires a clean immigration record, age 18+, and specific financial asset investments. Eligibility may entail nationality requirements. After 7 years, applicants can seek permanent residency in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
Dependents included:
- Spouse or partner.
- Unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age.
Travel and Quality of Life
An expat-friendly environment and an international financial hub.
Ease of Access
- Possibility to apply for permanent residency after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence.
- Invest in a diverse range of permissible asset classes and obtain residency in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Requirements
- Main applicant must have net assets of not less than HKD30 million for the two years preceding the application.
- The main applicant must have an age of 18 or above.
- Main applicant must have a clean immigration record.
- Invest Hong Kong will assess whether the applicant fulfills the net asset and investment requirements.
Hong Kong Residency Investment Visa Options
Equities
This option involves purchasing shares of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It offers ownership in these companies, potentially yielding dividends and capital appreciation.
Debt Securities
Invest in debt securities 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 with a maturity of at least 12 months, 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.
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-authorised Investment- Linked Assurance Schemes, and open-ended fund companies managed by corporations licensed by or institutions registered with the SFC.
Hong Kong Residential Real Estate
This includes both non-residential and residential properties. For non-residential real estate, it includes pre-completion properties but exclude land and multi-purpose real estate partly for residential purpose. As for residential real estate, the investment must be made in one single property with transaction price of HKD 50 million or above.
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.
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme?
The Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme grants residency by investing HKD 30 million in specified assets, with eligibility for permanent residency after seven years.
Who qualifies as a dependent in a Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) application?
Eligible dependents for the CIES include the applicant’s spouse or partner and unmarried children under 18 years old.
What benefits does one gain from obtaining permanent residence in Hong Kong??
Permanent residency in Hong Kong allows for indefinite living, working, and studying rights, access to public healthcare, and protection under Hong Kong’s Basic Law.
What are the steps involved in processing an application under the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme?
The CIES application process includes an asset and investment assessment by InvestHK, visa and extension reviews by the HK ImmD, and initial residency for two years, extendable until eligibility for permanent residency after seven years.
How can one obtain permanent residency in Hong Kong?
To gain permanent residency in Hong Kong through CIES, invest HKD 30 million in approved assets, comply with ongoing assessments, reside continuously for seven years, and then apply for permanent residency.
What is a Hong Kong Investment Visa?
The Hong Kong Investment Visa or CIES, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, allows foreign entrepreneurs to relocate to Hong Kong by investing in or establishing a business that contributes significantly to the local economy.
Who is eligible for a Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES)?
Eligible applicants are typically:
- At least 18 years old
- Have a clean immigration record
- Possess relevant education and experience
- Can demonstrate substantial contribution to Hong Kong’s economy
What are the key Hong Kong Investment Visa requirements?
Key requirements include:
- A comprehensive two-year business plan
- Proof of financial resources
- Evidence of capital investment in Hong Kong
- Creation of local job opportunities
- Introduction of new technology or skills (if applicable)
How long does the Hong Kong Investment Visa application process take?
The CIES application procedure involves 3 stages, and the entire processing time would be around 6 months. However, the processing time could be longer if the authority issues any request letter regarding the CIES application
Can I apply for permanent residency with a Hong Kong Investment Visa?
Yes, after residing in Hong Kong continuously for 7 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.