The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) lets eligible high-net-worth individuals apply for Hong Kong residence by investing in approved financial assets rather than by taking up employment or running a business. Relaunched in 2024 in a revised form, it requires a substantial net asset position and a qualifying investment, with no job offer required.
1. Who the Scheme Is Designed For
The scheme is aimed at individuals who can demonstrate substantial personal wealth and who want a route to live in Hong Kong without a sponsoring employer. It is open to applicants aged 18 or above, and applicants generally need to show that their assets are legitimately held and available to invest. At the time of writing, the revised scheme sets a net asset or portfolio threshold of HK$30 million, assessed over a period before the application. Exact requirements and any updates should always be confirmed against current Immigration Department guidance.
Applicants typically need to meet the following broad conditions:
- Be an individual, not a company or other entity
- Hold the required level of net assets, with supporting evidence of ownership and source
- Have no adverse immigration or criminal record
- Be able to invest in permissible assets and keep them in place for the required period
2. What Counts as a Qualifying Investment
Under the revised scheme, investment is focused on financial assets rather than residential or commercial property, which is no longer a qualifying category. The table below gives a general picture; the precise definitions and proportions should be verified before committing funds.
| Category | General description |
|---|---|
| Permissible financial assets | Assets such as eligible equities, debt securities, certificates of deposit, subordinated debt and certain collective investment schemes |
| Designated portfolio | A smaller portion of the total investment is directed to a government-linked portfolio rather than chosen freely by the applicant |
| Excluded assets | Direct property purchases and investments funded by borrowing are not intended to qualify |
3. The Application Process in Outline
The process is usually staged, which gives applicants a degree of certainty before funds are committed. In broad terms:
- Assess eligibility. Review asset position and documentation against the current requirements.
- Submit the application. Provide identity documents, asset evidence and supporting declarations.
- Receive in-principle approval. If the application is accepted, the applicant is given a limited window to make the required investment.
- Make and evidence the investment. Funds are placed in qualifying assets, and proof is submitted.
- Obtain the entry permission. Once the investment is confirmed, the applicant can proceed to residence arrangements in Hong Kong.
4. Preparing Your Documentation
Most delays come from incomplete or hard-to-trace asset records. It is worth organising bank and brokerage statements, valuations, ownership documents and records showing how the wealth was accumulated before applying. Where assets are held across several jurisdictions or through entities, additional documents may be needed to show clear beneficial ownership. Applicants should also consider the tax and legal implications of relocating, since an immigration approval does not by itself address these.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include property in my qualifying investment?
Under the revised scheme, direct property investment is not a qualifying route. The focus is on financial assets and a designated portfolio. Property may still count toward the overall net asset assessment in some circumstances, but this should be confirmed against current guidance for your situation.
Can my family join me under the scheme?
Generally, a successful applicant's spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 may apply to join as dependants. Each dependant must still meet the standard requirements, including identity checks and character assessments, so the family's circumstances should be reviewed early.
Do I need to live in Hong Kong full time?
The scheme does not require a job, but residence status is affected by how long and how continuously you actually live in Hong Kong. Long-term outcomes, including eligibility for permanent residence, depend on meeting ordinary residence rules, so it is worth planning your time in Hong Kong from the outset.
Every applicant's asset structure and family situation is different, and the rules can be updated. If you are considering the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and would like guidance tailored to your circumstances, Get in touch with Shafin International and we will help you understand your options.