.png){kind=small}
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
The Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), also known as the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, is an investment-based immigration program introduced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The scheme was originally launched on 27 October 2003, suspended on 15 January 2015, and subsequently reintroduced on 1 March 2024.
The purpose of the scheme is to attract applicants to bring capital into Hong Kong through designated investments. Funds are directed toward sectors prioritized by the government, including support for start-ups, innovation, and technology development. The scheme emphasizes its role in promoting Hong Kong’s economic growth, strengthening key industries, and enhancing long-term competitiveness.
Time to residency
6-9 months
Visa-free travel
172 countries and regions
Passport rank
30th in the world
Residency requirement
No residency requirements
Taxation
No capital gains tax, inheritance, etc.
Established time
Program launched in 2006
Application Requirement
Age and Nationality Requirements
The principal applicant must be 18 years of age or above and belong to one of the following categories:
(1) Foreign nationals;
(2) Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country;
(3) Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
(4) Chinese residents of Taiwan.
Net Asset Requirement
The principal applicant must demonstrate that he or she has continuously owned net assets of not less than HKD 30 million (or equivalent in foreign currency) throughout the two years immediately preceding the application.
Investment Requirement：
The principal applicant must make a qualifying investment of at least HKD 30 million in permissible investment assets, including:
At least HKD 27 million invested in permissible financial assets and non-residential real estate (with a maximum of HKD 10 million allocated to non-residential property); and
HKD 3 million invested in the newly established CIES Investment Portfolio.
The CIES Investment Portfolio is established and managed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) and will invest in companies and projects with links to Hong Kong, supporting innovation and technology as well as other sectors that contribute to Hong Kong’s long-term economic development.
Character Requirement
Applicants must provide proof of a clean criminal record.
Eligible Dependants
Applicants may include:
（1） One spouse (same-sex or opposite-sex, provided the relationship is legally recognized and supported by official documentation); and
（2） Any number of unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 who are financially dependent on the principal applicant.