The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) offers Hong Kong residency to individuals who can invest a minimum of HK$30 million in permissible assets — no job offer or business operation required. It's a narrow route for very high-net-worth individuals, and one where the rules have been adjusted several times since its 2024 relaunch.
HK$30 Million Minimum
HK$27M in permissible investment assets, plus a mandatory HK$3M CIES Investment Portfolio.
No Job or Business Needed
This is investment-based residency — approval doesn't depend on Hong Kong employment or a business.
Real Estate — With Caps
Residential property counts toward the requirement since October 2024, subject to caps that have changed more than once — confirm current figures before committing funds.
Family Included
Spouse/civil partner and unmarried children under 18 can be added as dependants.
What's Required
Applicants must demonstrate net assets of at least HK$30 million, held for a minimum period before applying, and invest that amount in permissible assets — a mix of listed equities, debt securities, certificates of deposit, eligible collective investment schemes, and (within limits) real estate, alongside a mandatory HK$3 million placed into the government-managed CIES Investment Portfolio. Net worth is verified by a practising accountant's statement. Given how often the asset-class rules and caps have been revised since the March 2024 relaunch, we walk you through the exact current requirements — including the real estate sub-caps and minimum transaction price — before you structure an application.
Initial approval typically grants a stay of up to 24 months, with further extensions available, on the standard path toward permanent residency after 7 years of continuous residence. Immigration Department processing time is not officially quoted as a fixed figure for this scheme.
Assets structured differently than the HK$30 million requirement assumes?
Permissible asset classes, real estate caps, and portfolio structuring all affect whether you qualify — and the rules have shifted more than once since 2024. A short, confidential conversation can clarify exactly where you stand.
New CIES Questions
How much do I need to invest to qualify for New CIES?
A minimum net investment of HK$30 million — made up of HK$27 million in permissible investment assets (things like listed equities, debt securities, certificates of deposit, and eligible funds) plus a mandatory HK$3 million placed into the CIES Investment Portfolio managed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation.
Do I need a job or business in Hong Kong to qualify?
No — New CIES is investment-based residency. You need to demonstrate the required net worth and investment, not a job offer or an operating business.
Does residential property in Hong Kong count toward the investment requirement?
Yes, since October 2024, subject to caps — real estate counts toward an aggregate limit within the scheme, with a lower sub-cap specifically for residential property, and a minimum transaction price requirement. Because this is one of the areas the scheme has adjusted more than once, we confirm the exact current figures with you before you commit funds.
Can my family be included?
Yes — your spouse or civil partner and unmarried children under 18 can be included as dependants.
Last reviewed August 20, 2026 against current government guidance. This scheme's investment thresholds and asset rules have changed more than once since 2024 — this page is for general information only, not a guarantee of eligibility. Book a consultation and we'll confirm the exact current figures for your situation.
Considering Hong Kong residency by investment?
We'll walk you through the current investment structure and requirements in a confidential consultation.
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