New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

Hong Kong's New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) is a residence-by-investment program allowing eligible foreign nationals to obtain residency by investing a minimum of HK$30 million in permissible investment assets. Launched on 1 March 2024 as a successor to the original Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (suspended since 2015), it is jointly administered by the Immigration Department and the New CIES Office under Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK). The scheme aims to attract new capital and enrich Hong Kong's talent pool while strengthening asset management, financial services, and related professional services.

• Aged 18 or above
• Net assets of not less than HK$30 million absolutely beneficially owned throughout the six months preceding the application
• Sufficient financial capacity to support self and dependants without relying on investment returns or employment income
• No criminal convictions (criminal conviction certificate required, issued within 6 months)
• Jointly-owned assets with family members may be counted for the applicant's proportionate share

Foreign nationals, Chinese nationals with permanent residence in a foreign country, Macao SAR residents, and Taiwan residents. Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea are excluded.

The HK$27 million financial component may be allocated across:

• Equities listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKD or RMB)
• Debt securities listed on SEHK (HKD or RMB), including Mainland government bonds
• Certificates of deposit from authorized institutions (min. 12-month maturity, capped at HK$3 million)
• Subordinated debt from authorized institutions
• SFC-authorized funds, REITs, and Investment-Linked Assurance Schemes
• Limited partnership funds (combined cap of HK$10 million with private open-ended fund companies)
• Real estate: commercial/industrial property and residential property with a transaction price of HK$30 million or above, total capped at HK$15 million (residential capped at HK$10 million)

The remaining HK$3 million goes into the CIES Investment Portfolio managed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited.

• Application fee: HK$600 (non-refundable)
• Visa issuance fee: HK$1,300 for stays exceeding 180 days; HK$600 for 180 days or less
• Same fees apply to each dependant

Initial stay of up to 24 months upon formal approval. Extensions of up to 3 years per renewal, subject to continued compliance with portfolio maintenance requirements verified through annual Fulfillment Reports prepared by a practising Certified Public Accountant.

All cash proceeds from selling investment assets must be reinvested in permissible financial assets. Dividend income and interest income may be withdrawn, but the committed investment must not fall below HK$30 million. If the portfolio value falls below HK$30 million due to market fluctuations, no top-up is required.

Spouses (including same-sex civil partners and civil unions) and unmarried dependent children under 18 may accompany the principal applicant. Each dependant submits a separate application with supporting documents and pays the same fees.

After 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, applicants may apply for the right of abode. Upon obtaining permanent residency, the invested assets may be freely disposed of.

The process has two stages. First, submit a net asset assessment application online to InvestHK. Upon verification, InvestHK issues a certifying proof. Second, submit a visa application to the Immigration Department through the e-Services portal. If approved, a visitor visa for up to 180 days is granted to enter Hong Kong and complete the investment. Once the investment is verified, the Immigration Department grants formal approval and issues an e-Visa.

The scheme does not grant permission to work in Hong Kong. Investments may be held through a Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicle (FIHV) under certain conditions, including at least two full-time Hong Kong employees and minimum HK$2 million annual operating expenditure. The Director of Immigration retains absolute discretion over all application decisions, and the government is not liable for any investment losses.