2 Years of Success: Hong Kong New CIES Hits 3,200 Applications and Lowers the Barrier This March

InvestHK and the Hong Kong Immigration Department recently published the latest performance figures for the New CIES. The data reveals strong momentum since the scheme's relaunch, highlighting Hong Kong’s enduring appeal as a premier destination for international investment and residency.

[Two-Year Report Card of the Hong Kong CIES]

Hong Kong CIES is attracting strong interest since it's opened for applications in March  2024. InvestHK and the Hong Kong Immigration Department shared the latest figures on March 1 2026: in the past two years, the New CIES program has received around 3,200 applications by late February 2026. If all the case were approved, it could funnel roughly HK$95 billion in new capital into the city, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as a premier wealth management hub.

[Where did the money go?]

According to the recent data from InvestHK, by February 28, 2026, the New CIES has seen 1,762 investors finalize their commitments, securing formal residency approval. With a total of HK$55.636 billion already deployed, the scheme demonstrates a robust appetite for Hong Kong's financial markets. The distribution of these investments is as follows:

What is noticable about the scheme is, after two years, the Hong Kong New CIES has a minor change in this March:

Effective March 1st, 2026, the government has introduced significant flexibility regarding the HK$2.4 billion family office investment model. Previously, holding companies used for the family office investment were required to meet specific longevity benchmarks. Under the new regulations, the minimum establishment period has been entirely removed. Even companies established for less than six months are now eligible. This strategic adjustment simplifies the asset allocation process, allowing applicants to structure their investments with far greater speed and efficiency.

[HK$3 Billion Invested in Science and Technology Innovation]

The government previously mandated that each applicant allocate HK$3 million for a government-designated investment portfolio, specifically for the operation of Hong Kong Investment Management Company Limited. In the first quarter of this year, the "2025 Funding Segment" began investing over HK$3 billion. This money will primarily be invested in: practical applications of AI, green technology, new materials, and biotechnology.

The purpose of this investment is to find new growth drivers for Hong Kong's economy, while simultaneously hyping up the local innovation and technology ecosystem, making Hong Kong more competitive in Asia and globally.

[What did the officials say]

Kwok Chun-fung, the Director of Hong Kong Immigration Department, stated that the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, integrated with other Hong Kong talent schemes, will funnel high-caliber talent and capital into Hong Kong to bolster its long-term development.

Director of InvestHK Lau Kai-shuen added that the impact of high-net-worth applicants of New CIES goes beyond their initial investment. Their daily spending—on everything from schooling to shopping—boosts various industries and creates new openings for local SMEs. Crucially, the scheme’s dedicated investment portfolio fuels the tech sector, helping startups turn research into marketable products and find fundings, helping Hong Kong evolve into a leading regional hub for innovation.

About Globevisa

With 20+ years of excellence in global migration, Globevisa is your trusted partner for Hong Kong residency. Since 2003, we’ve been building our presence in the heart of Hong Kong—maintaining a flagship office in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Harbour City. Our team of local experts offers "boots-on-the-ground" insights and a wealth of successful case studies to ensure your application is in the best hands.