Program Type
Residence by investment under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.
Residence by Investment
A capital-investment residence pathway for global investors allocating HK$30 million into permissible Hong Kong assets.
This WIMA program brief summarizes the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, including the net asset test, qualifying investment categories, family inclusion, extension model and long-term residence pathway.
Overview
Hong Kong offers a residence pathway for eligible high-net-worth applicants who can demonstrate qualifying assets and maintain a committed investment portfolio in permissible Hong Kong assets.
The program is positioned for investors seeking residence access alongside capital allocation, wealth management and regional business exposure.
Hong Kong applies a territorial source principle and does not levy VAT, sales tax, capital gains tax, dividend withholding tax or estate duty.
Approved entrants may take employment, be self-employed, hold office or join and establish business during the approved stay.
Approved dependants normally receive stay conditions linked to the main applicant and may work or study under prevailing policy.
Investment Framework
The investment structure combines a broad permissible asset allocation with a mandatory dedicated portfolio placement.
HK$ figures are the controlling policy reference; USD equivalents should be checked at the time of client use.
The applicant must invest not less than HK$30 million net in permissible investment assets.
At least HK$27 million is allocated across eligible financial assets and/or eligible real estate within the current rules.
A separate HK$3 million placement is required in the scheme's dedicated investment portfolio.
Permissible Assets
The current framework allows diversified investment across approved listed securities, debt instruments, certificates of deposit, eligible funds, private fund interests and qualifying real estate.
Eligible shares listed in Hong Kong and traded in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi may form part of the allocation.
Debt securities, subordinated debt and qualifying certificates of deposit are included, with certificates of deposit capped at HK$3 million.
Eligible funds, real estate trusts, investment-linked assurance schemes and selected fund structures may qualify under the rules.
Commercial and industrial real estate may count toward the real estate portion, subject to the aggregate real estate cap.
Residential real estate can qualify where the investment is one single property with transaction price of HK$30 million or above.
Real estate counted toward the investment threshold is capped at HK$15 million in aggregate, with residential real estate capped at HK$10 million.
Eligibility
The program is designed for eligible applicants aged 18 or above who can meet the financial test, pass immigration and security review, and support themselves and dependants independently.
WIMA presents this page as a professional program summary, not as legal, tax or investment advice.
The applicant must be at least 18 at the time of applying for the net asset assessment.
The applicant must demonstrate beneficial entitlement to HK$30 million net assets or equity for the required six-month period.
A clean immigration and security profile is required for approval.
Applicants must be able to support and accommodate themselves and dependants without relying on the qualifying investment returns.
Procedure
The process is sequenced around financial verification, entry application, committed investment completion and continued portfolio maintenance.
Prepare the net asset statement, accounting confirmation and supporting evidence for the HK$30 million asset test.
Submit the residence file with the relevant financial proof, identity, family and character documentation.
After approval in principle, complete the committed investment within the permitted timeframe, normally tied to a 180-day visitor window.
After formal approval, maintain the portfolio and file extension evidence before the 24-month or 36-month stay period expires.
Processing sequence, evidence standards, asset definitions and extension requirements can change. A final file should be checked against the current scheme rules before submission.
Long-Term Pathway
The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme can support a long-term Hong Kong residence strategy, but permanent residence is not automatic. Applicants must satisfy continuous ordinary residence and other statutory requirements.
Formal approval normally grants an initial stay of up to 24 months, with further extensions of up to three years each.
After seven years, eligible entrants may pursue permanent residence; where ordinary residence is not met, unconditional stay may be available if portfolio maintenance requirements are satisfied.
FAQ
Answers are summarized for professional reference and should be checked against the latest rules before use.
The minimum committed investment is HK$30 million net, including HK$27 million in permissible assets and HK$3 million in the dedicated scheme portfolio.
The applicant must demonstrate HK$30 million net assets or net equity throughout the six months before the net asset assessment application.
Yes. Qualifying real estate can count up to HK$15 million in aggregate, with residential real estate capped at HK$10 million and subject to a single-property HK$30 million transaction threshold.
Approved dependants are not prohibited from taking employment or study under the prevailing dependant policy.
No. The investor must separately satisfy continuous ordinary residence and other legal requirements for permanent residence.
Program Intelligence
Use this WIMA program summary for jurisdiction comparison, client education and preliminary route assessment before formal case review.