The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has bedded in with HK$30m minimums and 2025 enhancements. We unpack what counts as “permissible assets,” timelines, and how applicants are adjusting.
Lead & Context
Hong Kong’s CIES has been re-launched with a HK$30 million net investment threshold across a menu of permissible financial assets, with detailed rules and 2025 enhancements now in force. Real estate plays a limited role relative to financial instruments, and assets purchased before the scheme’s launch don’t count toward the minimum.
What you can buy
Applicants must invest at least HK$27m in eligible financial assets (e.g., HK-listed equities, funds, certain debt), with the balance reserved for other permitted categories; official guidance sets out asset classes, valuation rules, and reporting.
Process & timelines
- Application is staged via InvestHK with proof of funds, portfolio statements, and compliance checks.
- 2025 enhancements refined definitions and administration, aiming at smoother processing without diluting scrutiny.
Why it matters for Asia-based families
For principals seeking a China-adjacent hub with common-law courts and deep capital markets, CIES offers a portfolio-based residency route. Wealth managers report growing interest among clients who prefer brokerage & fund allocations over illiquid property blocks. (Industry briefings; align with your custodian.)
Practical considerations
- Custody & reporting: Decide early whether to hold via a single prime broker or multiple platforms; set up periodic valuation attestations that match InvestHK templates.
- Tax & mobility: CIES is a residency path; tax outcomes depend on your actual presence and source-of-profits rules under Hong Kong’s territorial system.
- Family inclusion: Plan documentation for spouse/children in sync with main applicant milestones.
Bottom line
For portfolio-minded applicants, Hong Kong now offers a clear, rules-based residency path that leans on financial assets instead of property—at a premium price point.
Action for readers: Pre-arrange brokerage relationships and a consolidated reporting pack before filing; don’t let paperwork trail your trades.