Residence by Investment

Hong Kong Residence

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.

HK$30MMinimum committed investment
HK$27MPermissible assets allocation
HK$3MDedicated scheme portfolio
7 YRSPermanent residence pathway

Program Type

Residence by investment under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

Net Asset Test

HK$30 million net assets or equity held throughout the six months before assessment.

Initial Stay

Formal approval normally grants up to 24 months, followed by three-year extensions.

Family Coverage

Spouse or eligible partner and unmarried dependent children under 18 may be included.

Overview

Capital Residence in a Global Financial Center

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.

Market

Asia Wealth Hub

The program is positioned for investors seeking residence access alongside capital allocation, wealth management and regional business exposure.

Tax

Territorial Tax Environment

Hong Kong applies a territorial source principle and does not levy VAT, sales tax, capital gains tax, dividend withholding tax or estate duty.

Activity

Work and Business Flexibility

Approved entrants may take employment, be self-employed, hold office or join and establish business during the approved stay.

Family

Linked Dependant Status

Approved dependants normally receive stay conditions linked to the main applicant and may work or study under prevailing policy.

Investment Framework

HK$30 Million Commitment

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.

HK$30M

Total Minimum Investment

The applicant must invest not less than HK$30 million net in permissible investment assets.

HK$27M

Permissible Assets

At least HK$27 million is allocated across eligible financial assets and/or eligible real estate within the current rules.

HK$3M

Dedicated Portfolio

A separate HK$3 million placement is required in the scheme's dedicated investment portfolio.

Permissible Assets

Financial Assets and Real Estate

The current framework allows diversified investment across approved listed securities, debt instruments, certificates of deposit, eligible funds, private fund interests and qualifying real estate.

Markets

Listed Equities

Eligible shares listed in Hong Kong and traded in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi may form part of the allocation.

Income

Debt and Deposits

Debt securities, subordinated debt and qualifying certificates of deposit are included, with certificates of deposit capped at HK$3 million.

Funds

Collective Investments

Eligible funds, real estate trusts, investment-linked assurance schemes and selected fund structures may qualify under the rules.

Property

Non-Residential Real Estate

Commercial and industrial real estate may count toward the real estate portion, subject to the aggregate real estate cap.

Residential

Single Property Threshold

Residential real estate can qualify where the investment is one single property with transaction price of HK$30 million or above.

Caps

Real Estate Limits

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

Applicant, Assets and Character Requirements

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.

Age

18 or Above

The applicant must be at least 18 at the time of applying for the net asset assessment.

Assets

Six-Month Net Asset Test

The applicant must demonstrate beneficial entitlement to HK$30 million net assets or equity for the required six-month period.

Record

No Adverse Record

A clean immigration and security profile is required for approval.

Support

Independent Means

Applicants must be able to support and accommodate themselves and dependants without relying on the qualifying investment returns.

Procedure

Application Journey

The process is sequenced around financial verification, entry application, committed investment completion and continued portfolio maintenance.

Assess Net Assets

Prepare the net asset statement, accounting confirmation and supporting evidence for the HK$30 million asset test.

File Entry Application

Submit the residence file with the relevant financial proof, identity, family and character documentation.

Complete Investment

After approval in principle, complete the committed investment within the permitted timeframe, normally tied to a 180-day visitor window.

Maintain Portfolio

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

Seven-Year Residence Route

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.

Extensions

24 + 36 + 36 Months

Formal approval normally grants an initial stay of up to 24 months, with further extensions of up to three years each.

Status

Permanent Residence or Unconditional Stay

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

Hong Kong Residence Questions

Answers are summarized for professional reference and should be checked against the latest rules before use.

What is the minimum investment?

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.

What is the net asset requirement?

The applicant must demonstrate HK$30 million net assets or net equity throughout the six months before the net asset assessment application.

Can real estate count?

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.

Can dependants work or study?

Approved dependants are not prohibited from taking employment or study under the prevailing dependant policy.

Is permanent residence automatic after seven years?

No. The investor must separately satisfy continuous ordinary residence and other legal requirements for permanent residence.

Program Intelligence

Hong Kong Residence by Investment

Use this WIMA program summary for jurisdiction comparison, client education and preliminary route assessment before formal case review.

Policy review basis: current Hong Kong New CIES framework, checked June 27, 2026.