The new capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) is a key policy initiative designed to enrich Hong Kong’s talent pool and attract new capital. It aligns with the government’s broader strategy to develop family office businesses and position Hong Kong as a premier global wealth management hub.
Eligibility Criteria and Personal profile for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
To qualify for the New CIES, applicants must meet a comprehensive set of standards regarding their background and financial standing:
- Age Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of the Net Asset Assessment.
- Nationality: The scheme is open to foreign nationals, Macao SAR residents, Chinese residents of Taiwan, and Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country. (Excludes nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea).
- Security & Conduct: A clean record is mandatory, meaning no adverse immigration or security records
- Financial Independence: Must demonstrate the ability to support themselves and dependents without relying on CIES investment returns or public assistance.
Net Asset Requirement
Applicants must prove beneficial ownership of net assets/equity with a market value of at least HK$30 Million (or equivalent) throughout the two years preceding the application.
2. The HK$30 Million Investment Framework
The core requirement of the New CIES is a total investment of HK$30 million. Applicants must prove beneficial ownership of net assets or equity with a market value of at least this amount throughout the two years preceding the application.stinct parts:
| Category | Amount | Notes |
| Permissible Investment Assets | HK$27 Million | Choice of financial assets and/or real estate. |
| CIES Investment Portfolio | HK$3 Million | Mandatory. Managed by the HK Investment Corp to support local tech/innovation. |
Types of Permissible Assets
- Financial Assets: Equities (listed in HK), debt securities, certificates of deposit (capped at HK$3M), and SFC-authorized funds.
- Non-Residential Real Estate: Commercial/industrial property in Hong Kong (capped at HK$10M toward the threshold).
- Residential Real Estate (New 2024 Rule): * The property must have a transaction price of HK$50 million or above.
- Only HK$10 million of this amount can be counted towards the HK$30M investment requirement.
3. 2026 Updates for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
Holding via Private Companies
As of March 1, 2026, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme allows for enhanced flexibility:
- Private Holding Companies: Applicants can now hold permissible investments through an eligible private holding company that is 100% owned by the applicant.
- Family Office Integration: This structure is designed to facilitate Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHV), allowing families to benefit from the current tax concession regime.
- New Business Measure: Even companies established for less than six months are now eligible for assessment.
Portfolio Maintenance
- Intermediaries: Assets must be held in accounts (maximum of three) with authorized banks, licensed SFO corporations (Type 1 or 9), or Class C insurers.
- Market Fluctuations: If the portfolio value drops below HK$30M due to market movements, you are not required to top it up.
- Withdrawals: You cannot withdraw capital gains, but you can withdraw cash dividends, interest income, and rental income.
4. Application Procedure
- Net Asset Assessment: Verified by InvestHK.
- Entry Application: Submitted to the Immigration Department.
- Approval-in-Principle: Granted for 180 days to enter Hong Kong as a visitor to execute the investment.
- Investment Verification: InvestHK confirms the HK$30M has been deployed.
- Formal Approval: Initial stay of 2 years granted for the applicant and dependents.
- Extension of Stay: Renewals follow a “3+3 year” pattern, provided investment criteria are maintained.
- Permanent Residency: Eligible after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence.
Note on Professional Support: Given the new 2026 rules allowing holding companies, it is highly recommended to coordinate with a tax consultant to ensure your FIHV structure meets the requirements for both the CIES and Hong Kong’s tax-exempt regimes.
If you are ready to begin your application for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, you can contact our specialists today!
