Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES)
Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES) overview
Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES) benefits
- Invest in a diverse range of permissible asset classes without the need to establish or join a business and obtain residency in exchange
- Dependents included: spouse or partner, and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age
- Same-sex civil partnerships, same-sex marriages, and opposite-sex civil partnerships or unions are recognised, provided they are legally recognised in the place of celebration
- An expat-friendly environment and international financial center
- Right to live, work, and study in Hong Kong
- Possibility to apply for permanent residency after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence
Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES) requirements
- The applicant must be aged 18 or above with a clean immigration record
- The applicant must have net assets or net equity of not less than HKD 30 million (or equivalent in foreign currencies) throughout the 6 months preceding the application. Net assets jointly owned with family members may be considered for the portion absolutely beneficially entitled to the applicant
- The applicant must be financially capable of supporting themselves and their dependents without relying on returns from the permissible investment assets, employment, self-employment, business, or public assistance in Hong Kong
- Eligible nationalities: foreign nationals (excluding nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Macao residents, Chinese nationals with permanent resident status in a foreign country, and Chinese residents of Taiwan
Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES) investment options
- Invest a minimum of HKD 27 million in one or a combination of the following permissible asset classes
- Equities, notably shares of listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK)
- Debt securities listed on the SEHK, and fixed or floating rate instruments and convertible bonds issued or fully guaranteed by the Hong Kong Government, the Exchange Fund, the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, MTR Corporation Limited, the Hong Kong Airport Authority, and other Hong Kong Government-owned corporations or bodies
- Certificates of Deposits issued by authorized institutions with a remaining term to maturity of at least 12 months at the time of purchase, capped at HKD 3 million
- Subordinated debt issued by authorized institutions
- Eligible collective investment schemes including SFC-authorized funds, REITs, Investment-Linked Assurance Schemes, and open-ended fund companies
- Ownership interest in limited partnership funds, capped at HKD 10 million
- Real estate including pre-completion properties (excluding land), capped at an aggregate of HKD 15 million, with residential real estate capped at HKD 10 million
- Separately, place HKD 3 million into a new Investment Portfolio overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, which invests in companies or projects supporting the long-term development of Hong Kong's economy
- An eligible private company wholly owned by the applicant may count toward the eligible investment
Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES) application process
- Complete the personal net worth assessment (approximately 1 to 2 months)
- Apply for a visa to enter Hong Kong and make the committed investment. Upon fulfilling the investment requirement, receive an investment confirmation certificate (approximately 3 to 4 months)
- Apply for a 2-year investment visa to live and work in Hong Kong (approximately 1 month)
- Maintain the investment and provide annual investment maintenance proof. Extensions of stay of up to 3 years may be granted upon expiry, with further 3-year extensions on the same basis
- After at least 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, the applicant and dependents may apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong
Frequently asked questions
What are the nationality requirements for the Hong Kong New CIES?
The program is open to foreign nationals (excluding nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Macao residents, Chinese nationals with permanent resident status in a foreign country, and Chinese residents of Taiwan.
What are the investment requirements for the Hong Kong New CIES?
The applicant must invest at least HKD 27 million across permissible asset classes including listed equities, listed debt securities, government and government-related bonds, certificates of deposit (capped at HKD 3 million), subordinated debt, eligible collective investment schemes, ownership interest in limited partnership funds (capped at HKD 10 million), and real estate (capped at HKD 15 million aggregate, with HKD 10 million for residential). The applicant must also place HKD 3 million into a new Investment Portfolio overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited.
What is the net asset requirement for the Hong Kong New CIES?
The applicant must have net assets or net equity, to which they are absolutely beneficially entitled or jointly owned with family members, with a market value of not less than HKD 30 million (or equivalent in foreign currencies) throughout the 6 months preceding the application date.
What is the immigration requirement for the Hong Kong New CIES?
The applicant must have a clean immigration record and be aged 18 or above.
Who qualifies as a dependent under the Hong Kong New CIES?
The spouse or partner and unmarried children of the applicant who are under 18 years of age may qualify as dependents. Same-sex civil partnerships, same-sex marriages, and opposite-sex civil partnerships or unions are recognised, provided they are legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration.
What are the benefits of permanent residence status in Hong Kong?
Permanent residents in Hong Kong have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Hong Kong permanently, access most social benefits including public healthcare coverage, and be protected under the Basic Law.
Can I combine my assets with my spouse for the Hong Kong New CIES application?
Yes. Net assets or net equity jointly owned with family members can be considered in calculating the net asset requirement, specifically for the portion to which the applicant is absolutely beneficially entitled.
Can I use my own company to make the eligible investment for the Hong Kong New CIES?
Yes. An eligible private company wholly owned by the applicant will count toward the applicant's eligible investment in the New CIES.
What is the application process for the Hong Kong New CIES?
The process begins with a personal net worth assessment, which takes approximately 1 to 2 months. Successful applicants then obtain a visa to enter Hong Kong and make the committed investment, receiving an investment confirmation certificate after the investment is made, which takes approximately 3 to 4 months. Once investment conditions are met, the applicant applies for a 2-year investment visa to live and work in Hong Kong, taking approximately 1 month. The applicant must maintain the investment and provide annual maintenance proof. Extensions of stay of up to 3 years may be granted, and after at least 7 years of continuous ordinary residence, the applicant and dependents may apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES)
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