new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

Background

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme is designed to attract asset owners to settle in Hong Kong and explore diverse investment opportunities.Administered by the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Office under Invest Hong Kong, the scheme reviews applicants' financial assets and investments. The office also monitors whether approved applicants continuously meet the requirements for investment and investment management. The Immigration Department is responsible for processing visa/entry permit applications, extension of stay and unconditional stay applications.

Advantages:

Relaxed Requirements
No academic qualifications, management experience, or language proficiency needed
The ONLY Pathway to Unconditional Stay
Investment can be withdrawn after 7 years and obtaining unconditional stay
Foundation for Family Planning and Legacy
An independent common law judiciary provides legal protection for investors
A robust financial system and professional service institutions ensuring support for personal and family investment management, corporate finance, family governance and legacy planning
High-Quality Education and Lifestyle
World-class education system and a multicultural living environment to build a strong foundation for the future
Low Taxes Rates and Simple Tax System
Maximum personal income tax rate of 17%, and corporate income tax rate of 16.5%
Double taxation agreements signed with multiple countries and regions

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Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be 18 years or older, and his/her spouse and unmarried children under 18 years old can be included as the dependants of the applicant

2. No adverse immigration record and meets normal immigration and security requirements

3. Must belong to one of the following categories:

Foreign nationals (excluding citizens of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea)
Chinese nationals who have acquired foreign permanent residency in a foreign country
Taiwanese residents
Macau residents

4. Hold net assets or net capital worth at least HK$30 million or equivalent in foreign currency throughout the six (6) consecutive months preceding the date of application for Net Asset Assessment. Applicant is required to engage a Certified Public Accountant (Practising) to assist in demonstrating his fulfilment of Net Asset Requirement.

5. Invest at least HK$30 million in permissible investment asset categories (see investment requirements). Applicant is required to engage a Certified Public Accountant (Practising) to assist in demonstrating his fulfilment of Investment Requirement.

6. Other requirements

Investment Requirements

Invest HK$30 million Net (or equivalent in foreign currency) in permissible investment assets.

1. Permissible financial assets: minimum HK$27 million investment into the following:

Equities
Debt Securities
Certificates of Deposit (subject to a cap of HK$3 million)
Subordinated Debt
Eligible Collective Investment Schemes
Limited Partnership Funds (subject to an aggregate cap of HK$10 million)
Real estate: total investment amount in non-residential real estate and residential estate is subject to an aggregate cap of HK$15 million, of which the investment in residential real estate is capped at HK$10 million

a) non residential real estate: commercial and/or industrial properties

b) residential real estate: must be in one single property with transaction price of HK$30 million

2. CIES Investment Portfolio (CIES IP): HK$3 million investment into the which is set up and overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited ("HKIC"). The selected fund managers of the CIES IP are expected to make investments in companies or projects in support to the innovation and technology industries which brings contribution to the long-term development of Hong Kong’s economy and society.

Source: https://www.newcies.gov.hk/en/