New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) Hong Kong 2025  

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) was officially launched in March 2024 as part of Hong Kong’s strategy to attract high-net-worth individuals and channel new capital into the city’s economy. Designed to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub, the Scheme has already generated significant interest, with over 140 applications and more than 2,500 enquiries within its first year. With enhancements coming into effect from March 2025, the New CIES continues to evolve as a premier pathway for investors seeking both residency and long-term opportunities in Hong Kong.

Purpose Of The New CIES

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) plays a strategic role in reinforcing Hong Kong’s long-term economic growth and global standing. Its purpose extends beyond capital inflow. It is designed to enrich Hong Kong’s talent pool by attracting high-net-worth individuals who contribute both financial resources and international expertise. The Scheme also strengthens the city’s asset and wealth management sector, with recent enhancements (effective March 2025) encouraging applicants to channel investments through family offices and private investment vehicles, thereby deepening Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem.

At the same time, the New CIES helps promote Hong Kong as a global hub for investment, aligning with its role as Asia’s World City and a gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. By combining capital attraction, professional expertise, and financial innovation, the Scheme ensures Hong Kong remains a leading destination for international investors seeking stability, growth, and global connectivity.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) Hong Kong 2025, applicants must meet a set of eligibility requirements that ensure both financial credibility and suitability for long-term residence:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
  
• Nationality: Eligible applicants include foreign nationals, overseas Chinese holding foreign passports, Macao SAR residents, and Taiwan residents.
  
• Net Asset Threshold: Applicants must demonstrate ownership of net assets of not less than HK$30 million throughout the six months immediately preceding the application. Following the March 2025 enhancements, the applicant’s share of jointly owned assets with family members may also be taken into account when meeting the threshold.
  
• Investment Holding Mechanism: Beyond direct investment, applicants can now hold assets through a private company structure aligned with Hong Kong’s family office ecosystem. This company must be:
  • Incorporated or registered in Hong Kong.
  • Wholly owned by the applicant.
  • Holding only permissible investment assets.
  • Structured as a Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicle (FIHV) or its special purpose entity, with at least two full-time employees in Hong Kong and annual local operating expenditure of HK$2 million or more.
  • Managed by an Eligible Single Family Office overseeing family assets of not less than HK$240 million under the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
    
• Other Requirements: Applicants must have no adverse immigration or criminal record and be able to support themselves and their dependents financially without relying on public assistance in Hong Kong.

These criteria ensure that CIES applicants bring not only capital but also contribute to Hong Kong’s role as a leading hub for family offices, wealth management, and global investment.

Enhancement Measures (Effective 1 March 2025)

To strengthen the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) and further align it with Hong Kong’s role as an international wealth hub, several important enhancements will take effect from 1 March 2025. These updates provide greater flexibility for applicants, particularly those with family offices or complex investment structures.

Net Asset Requirement Enhancement

Applicants must demonstrate that they are the beneficial owners of net assets of at least HK$30 million maintained over the six months preceding the application. A key improvement is that the applicant’s share of jointly-owned assets with family members may now be included, making the requirement more practical for families managing shared wealth.

Impact of the Enhancements

These measures provide greater flexibility for high-net-worth applicants, especially those with multi-generational or family-based wealth management structures. By recognizing jointly-owned assets and enabling the use of family office vehicles, Hong Kong reinforces its position as a premier global wealth hub, catering to both individual and institutional investors.

Entry of Dependants

Under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), successful applicants are allowed to bring their immediate family members to Hong Kong, making relocation more attractive for investors.

Eligible Dependants

Dependants eligible for entry under the scheme include:

• Spouse or civil partner of the principal applicant.
• Unmarried children under the age of 18.

Criteria for Approval

The Immigration Department will assess each dependant application individually, ensuring:

• A genuine family relationship with the principal applicant.
• The applicant’s ability to provide adequate financial support and suitable accommodation in Hong Kong.
• Dependants pose no security or criminal concerns.

Exceptions and Restrictions

Parents, siblings, and extended family members are not eligible under the dependent policy. Children aged 18 and above are generally excluded unless applying under other immigration routes.

Rights of Dependants

Approved dependants can enjoy the same benefits as other Hong Kong residents:

• Employment: Spouses and civil partners are permitted to take up work in Hong Kong without requiring an additional work visa.
• Education: Children are entitled to study in Hong Kong, with access to both public and private education systems, including world-renowned international schools.

By allowing dependents to live, work, and study in Hong Kong, the CIES ensures a family-friendly pathway for investors considering long-term relocation to the city.

Investment Requirements & Eligible Assets

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) requires applicants to commit a total investment of HK$30 million, structured to support Hong Kong’s financial and innovation ecosystem.

Investment Breakdown

• HK$27 million must be invested in permissible financial assets and non-residential real estate, with a cap of HK$10 million for real estate.
  
• HK$3 million is designated for the CIES investment portfolio, which focuses on the innovation and technology sectors, supporting Hong Kong’s strategic growth industries.

Eligible Assets

Permissible investments include:

• Equities listed on recognized exchanges, particularly in Hong Kong Dollars or Renminbi.
• Bonds and debt securities, including certificates of deposit (subject to limits).
• Collective investment schemes, such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.
• Limited partnership funds, subordinated debt, and other regulated investment vehicles.

Impact of Enhancement Measures

The enhancements effective from 1 March 2025 further expand investment structuring options:

• Applicants can now invest through a Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicle (FIHV) or Family-owned Special Purpose Entity, allowing for more sophisticated wealth management strategies.
  
• Such structures must meet specific operational and management requirements in Hong Kong, including full-time employment and minimum operating expenditure, while being managed by an Eligible Single Family Office overseeing at least HK$240 million in family assets.

These enhancements not only increase flexibility for investors but also align the Scheme with Hong Kong’s goal of attracting high-net-worth individuals and family offices, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading global wealth management hub.

Application Procedures

The application process for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) in Hong Kong is designed to ensure transparency, compliance, and alignment with Hong Kong’s regulatory framework. The procedure can be broken down into several key steps:

Step 1: Net Asset Assessment

Applicants must first demonstrate that they meet the net asset threshold of HK$30 million, as enhanced from 1 March 2025. This includes jointly-owned family assets, which can now be considered when calculating net asset eligibility. Professional assessment and certification from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are required to verify the applicant’s financial standing.

Step 2: Entry Application – Approval in Principle

Once the net asset assessment is completed, applicants submit their initial entry application to the Immigration Department, seeking approval in principle. This step confirms that the applicant meets the preliminary eligibility criteria.

Step 3: Assessment on Investment Requirements

Applicants must then demonstrate that their proposed investment aligns with the Scheme’s eligible assets criteria, including financial assets, non-residential real estate, and the designated CIES portfolio in innovation and technology sectors. The 2025 enhancement allows investments to be held through Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHV) or Special Purpose Entities, providing greater flexibility for family office structures.

Step 4: Formal Entry Application Approval

Following verification of net assets and investment compliance, the Immigration Department issues formal approval for the applicant to enter Hong Kong under the CIES.

Step 5: Portfolio Maintenance Requirements

Post-approval, applicants are required to maintain their investment portfolio according to Scheme rules. This includes ongoing compliance checks and reporting to ensure investments continue to meet permissible asset standards. CPAs play a vital role in verifying ongoing compliance, especially for complex structures like family offices or special purpose entities.

Step 6: Extensions and Permanent Residency

Successful CIES entrants can apply for extensions of stay, and after meeting the residency and compliance requirements, may become eligible to apply for Hong Kong Permanent Residence or Unconditional Stay, further solidifying their long-term presence in the city.

Banking & Wealth Services

A critical component of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is the robust banking and wealth management support offered to applicants. Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem provides a suite of services that complement the CIES journey, ensuring both efficiency and strategic investment opportunities.

CCB (Asia) Premium Banking & Private Wealth

Upon opening a CIES account with CCB (Asia), applicants can access Premium Banking services designed to manage complex portfolios, optimize liquidity, and facilitate cross-border investments. For those seeking a more personalized approach, upgrading to Private Wealth provides tailored investment strategies, exclusive rewards, and direct access to financial experts. These services help applicants navigate the diverse investment landscape of Hong Kong, from equities and bonds to limited partnerships and innovation-focused portfolios.

Complementing the CIES Journey

Private banking services play a crucial role in the CIES process by:

• Ensuring compliance with portfolio maintenance requirements under the Scheme.
  
• Offering professional advice for structuring investments via Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHV) or Special Purpose Entities.
  
• Providing strategic insights to maximize returns in permissible asset classes, including equities, funds, bonds, and non-residential real estate.

By leveraging Hong Kong’s sophisticated banking infrastructure, CIES applicants gain a competitive advantage in managing their investments, achieving financial growth, and seamlessly integrating into Hong Kong’s wealth and financial services ecosystem.

Hong Kong’s Competitive Edge for Investors

Hong Kong continues to stand out as Asia’s premier destination for global investors, offering unmatched advantages that align with the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES).

Global Financial Hub

With 24-hour trading, strong foreign reserves, and top-tier banks, Hong Kong provides a secure and highly efficient financial environment. Investors gain seamless access to international markets, robust currency stability, and a mature banking system that supports complex investment portfolios.

Innovation & Technology Ecosystem

The city’s thriving innovation and technology sectors offer unique opportunities for investment in fast-growing industries. CIES participants can leverage this ecosystem to diversify their portfolios, particularly in areas supported under the Scheme’s investment requirements.

Strategic Location

Strategically located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge between East and West. Its proximity to major mainland markets, combined with strong legal and business infrastructure, makes it an ideal hub for international investment and cross-border business operations.

Education & Talent

Hong Kong boasts world-class educational institutions and a robust talent pool, making it a perfect environment for families. Children can thrive in an internationally recognized education system, while professionals benefit from access to highly skilled local and international talent.

Resilient Economic Environment

Supported by a mature economy and global rankings in trade, finance, and shipping, Hong Kong provides resilience and long-term growth opportunities for investors.

By combining strategic location, financial sophistication, innovative industries, and an excellent standard of living, Hong Kong provides a compelling environment for CIES applicants to invest, grow, and secure their family’s future.

Who Should Consider the New CIES

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is designed for individuals and families seeking to leverage Hong Kong’s strategic advantages, financial infrastructure, and global connectivity.

High-Net-Worth Individuals Seeking Residency

The Scheme is ideal for high-net-worth investors who wish to establish residency in Hong Kong while maintaining a diversified investment portfolio. By fulfilling the net asset and investment requirements, applicants can access a pathway to long-term residency and eventual permanent residence in Hong Kong.

Families Planning Relocation

Families looking to relocate will benefit from Hong Kong’s world-class education system, safe living environment, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Eligible dependents, including spouses, civil partners, and children under 18, can accompany the main applicant, with full rights to study and work in Hong Kong.

Investors Engaging in Innovation, Tech, and Family Office Structures

CIES participants with interests in innovation, technology, and family office investments can now take advantage of enhanced investment mechanisms, including holding permissible assets through private companies or Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHV). This provides greater flexibility for wealth structuring while contributing to Hong Kong’s growing financial and technological ecosystem.

By targeting these groups, the New CIES supports both capital inflow and talent enrichment, positioning Hong Kong as a premier destination for investment, lifestyle, and family growth.

Conclusion

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), enhanced in 2025, provides a streamlined and flexible pathway for high-net-worth investors and their families to establish residency in Hong Kong. With updated net asset requirements, expanded investment holding options through family offices, and access to a broad range of permissible assets, the Scheme offers significant financial and lifestyle benefits. Investors gain the ability to diversify portfolios, secure their family’s future, and enjoy Hong Kong’s world-class education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Positioned as a global capital and wealth hub, Hong Kong continues to attract international talent and capital, solidifying its status as a premier destination for strategic investment, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

How FastLane Group Can Help

Navigating the New CIES requires expert guidance, and FastLane Group offers comprehensive support to streamline the application process:

• Advisory on Eligibility & Applications: Assess suitability, advise on net asset thresholds, and prepare documentation for approval-in-principle and formal approval.
  
• Investment Structuring & Portfolio Compliance: Assist in planning permissible investments, family office structures, and compliance with the Scheme’s enhanced requirements.
  
• CPA Coordination & Annual Reporting: Collaborate with certified professionals to verify net assets, maintain portfolio compliance, and ensure smooth annual reporting.
  
• Dependants & Relocation Planning: Guide families through dependent applications, schooling options, and lifestyle arrangements in Hong Kong
  

With FastLane Group’s expertise in immigration, tax, and corporate structuring, investors can maximize the benefits of the New CIES, secure Hong Kong residency efficiently, and leverage the city’s position as a premier global financial hub. Contact us today for a free consultation!