Hong Kong doesn't have a visa literally called an "Investment Visa." Entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish or run a business here typically qualify through the General Employment Policy as a self-sponsored entrepreneur, by demonstrating a genuine business that brings real economic contribution to Hong Kong. This is different from passive-investment residency — see New CIES for that route.
No Official "Investment Visa"
What's commonly called an "investment visa" is actually the General Employment Policy applied to a business you own and run.
No Fixed Minimum Investment
The Immigration Department doesn't publish a minimum HK$ figure — it assesses whether your investment can realistically support the business.
Genuine Business Required
Approval hinges on demonstrating real economic contribution: business plan, local jobs, technology, or skills brought to Hong Kong.
Not the Same as New CIES
New CIES is a passive HK$30M+ investment route with no business required — a different scheme for a different profile.
How Entrepreneurs and Investors Actually Qualify
Officially called "Investment as Entrepreneurs," this route sits within the General Employment Policy. To qualify, you need to satisfy three tests: no security objection or adverse criminal record; normally a relevant first degree, though strong technical qualifications, proven professional ability, or relevant experience can substitute; and — the core of the assessment — that your business will bring substantial contribution to the Hong Kong economy. That's judged through your business plan, expected turnover, financial resources, the investment sum, local job creation, and any new technology or skills the business introduces to Hong Kong.
There is no published minimum investment amount. The Immigration Department states only that it assesses whether the investment is able to support the operation of the business — genuinely case by case. Treat any consultancy quoting you a specific minimum figure with caution; it isn't coming from official guidance.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- A 3-year business plan — nature of business, market analysis, and financial forecasts (profit & loss, cash flow, balance sheet)
- Bank statements from the prior year, plus proof of any other funding sources
- Audited financial reports
- Documentary proof of the actual capital invested in Hong Kong
- Office tenancy agreement
- Business Registration Certificate and Companies Registry documents
- Evidence of local jobs created (MPF contribution records for local hires)
- Relevant operational licences, where applicable
- For start-ups: a letter from a recognized government-backed incubation or support programme strengthens the case
How Long Does It Take, and How Long Can You Stay?
An initial grant is normally 3 years on employment conditions (extended from 2 years for applications from 28 December 2022 onward). Extensions require a company letter setting out your contribution to date and the capital invested, or to be invested, over the following 3 years. Processing takes normally about four weeks from receipt of a complete application and fee, per the Immigration Department's own stated target — treat this as a normal-case estimate rather than a guarantee.
Other Routes Worth Knowing About
New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES): a genuinely passive route — invest at least HK$30 million net in approved financial assets, with no business operation or job creation required. If you want Hong Kong residency without running a business, this is the more relevant scheme, not this one.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): no job offer required at entry, and Category A only needs annual income of HK$2.5 million or more. A high-earning founder could enter this way and build a business afterward, though extending the visa requires showing established employment or a soundly operating business.
Getting Your Investment Visa Right, Step By Step
Business & Eligibility Review
We assess whether the entrepreneur route, New CIES, or another scheme actually fits your investment and business plans.
Business Plan & Documentation
We help build the 3-year business plan and financial evidence the Immigration Department expects to see.
Submission & Follow-Through
We file the application and manage correspondence with the Immigration Department until a decision is issued.
Not sure your business or investment plan meets the bar?
There's no published minimum investment figure — approval comes down to how convincingly your business plan demonstrates real economic contribution to Hong Kong. We'll tell you honestly where your plan stands before you file.
Investment Visa Questions
Is there a minimum investment amount for a Hong Kong Investment Visa?
No fixed figure is published by the Immigration Department. What's assessed is whether your investment is sufficient to support the actual operation of the business you're proposing — a case-by-case judgment based on your business plan, not a set HK$ threshold.
What's the difference between this and the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)?
This route (officially part of the General Employment Policy) requires you to actually establish and run a business that contributes to Hong Kong's economy. New CIES is a passive-investment route — you invest at least HK$30 million in approved financial assets, with no business operation or job creation required. They serve very different profiles.
Do I need a Hong Kong-relevant degree or qualification to qualify?
Not necessarily. A relevant first degree is the standard requirement, but the Immigration Department will accept strong technical qualifications, proven professional ability, or relevant experience as a substitute.
How long can I stay in Hong Kong on this route?
An initial grant is normally 3 years on employment conditions. Extensions require showing your business's ongoing contribution to Hong Kong and further capital invested or committed over the following 3 years.
Last reviewed August 20, 2026 against current Immigration Department guidance. Hong Kong immigration policy changes periodically — this page is for general information only, not a guarantee of eligibility or outcome. Book a consultation and we'll confirm exactly how current rules apply to your situation.
Thinking about starting or investing in a Hong Kong business?
We'll help you understand exactly what the Immigration Department expects to see, and whether this route — or another one — fits your situation.
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