Hong Kong has resumed its investment residence permit program. From now on, you can move to the state if you make an investment of 30,000,000 Hong Kong dollars. Find out who can apply, what criteria and features

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From June 21, 2024, the investment program of Hong Kong, Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), which was suspended in 2015, was reactivated. We tell you about the conditions and procedure for submitting an application.

What is the Capital Investment Program (CIES)?

CIES is a program launched by the Hong Kong SAR government that allows qualified individuals to relocate to Hong Kong through capital investment in the form of financial assets. The scheme offers eligible individuals the opportunity to relocate to Hong Kong by making a minimum investment of HK$30,000,000 in eligible investment assets. Once applicants have met the portfolio requirements and have resided in Hong Kong for seven years, they and their dependents are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Who can apply for the CIES investment program?

- Chinese citizens who have received the status of a permanent resident in a foreign country;

- Chinese residents of Taiwan;

- Residents of the Macau Special Administrative Region;

- Foreign citizens.

What are the CIES eligibility criteria?

- Age from 18 years;

- Do not have a negative immigration record;

- Have net assets of at least HK$30 million (or equivalent in foreign currency) during the two years preceding the application;

- Make an investment of at least HK$30 million (or foreign currency equivalent) in Permitted Investment Assets.

What is the application procedure?

The applicant is required to appoint a certified public accountant (practitioner) at their own expense to help demonstrate compliance with the net worth requirements.

After receiving in-principle approval, the applicant must enter Hong Kong to make the intended investment. A residence permit is usually granted to the applicant and his dependents. Annual reporting is required to demonstrate compliance with portfolio management requirements. An applicant and their dependents can apply for permanent residence or unconditional stay in Hong Kong after continuously meeting the portfolio maintenance requirements for at least seven years.

What are the established investment assets?

The applicant must place HK$3 million in a new CIES investment portfolio to be established and managed by Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited. They must invest at least HK$27 million in any of the following Permitted Investment Assets:

- Shares.

- Debt securities.

- Deposit certificates.

- Subordinated debt.

- Ownership share in limited liability company funds, registered in accordance with the Decree on the limited liability company fund.

- Acceptable collective investment schemes.

- Non-residential real estate.

- Residential real estate.

Features of the issued residence permit

The initial residence permit is issued for two years. After seven years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, permanent resident status can be obtained. If the applicant is unable to permanently reside in the country, they can simply continue to meet the financial requirements of the program.

After obtaining a permanent residence permit, the investor can dispose of his investment assets at his own discretion.

Applicants may include a spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 in the application.

Only spouses of Hong Kong citizens or ethnic Chinese can obtain Hong Kong citizenship and passport.

In November 2024, Hong Kong lifted the ban on obtaining a “golden visa” through housing

Investment in the purchase of housing in Hong Kong territory is now considered the basis for obtaining a local “golden visa”. The expansion of the list of assets was announced in November 2024.

The administration allowed immigrant investors to invest free capital in luxury housing in order to apply for residency. This innovation will not only attract wealthy investors to Hong Kong, but also “tie” them to the Asian jurisdiction, turning them into taxpayers and consumers of local goods and services.

The new rules will allow applicants for immigration status to make investments in residential real estate of at least 50 million Hong Kong dollars, which must be supplemented by an investment of at least 20 million Hong Kong dollars in other approved assets. The changes came into effect on 17 October 2024.

From 1 March 2025, the CIES scheme will be expanded. When assessing an applicant for immigration benefits, the authorities will take into account investments made through a qualifying private company registered in Hong Kong or overseas that is wholly owned by the applicant.

According to experts, the change in rules will make Hong Kong more attractive to immigrant investors. But Hong Kong's still quite high housing prices may become a serious obstacle for some foreigners.

Hong Kong is a diverse, leading metropolis that offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions. It is one of the most business-friendly cities in the world with world-class infrastructure. Hong Kong has an open economy with a free market and low taxes. It is an important international financial and trade center. Moving here will be an important stage in the life of foreigners.

Let's remind you! Despite inflation and limited supply, the Turkish real estate market is increasingly attracting real estate investors. Read here why Turkey is becoming an attractive destination for foreign home buyers and what economic incentives and opportunities are available for investors.

The list of countries in which you can get citizenship by investment in 2024 is in this article.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To ensure a safe move to Hong Kong, consult a migration specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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