Hong Kong Residency By Investment

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading financial centres, offering an established business environment, competitive tax system and direct access to international and Mainland Chinese markets. Its New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme provides residence for high-net-worth investors making qualifying investments in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

Commonly referred to as the Hong Kong Golden Visa, the scheme is designed for high-net-worth investors seeking residence in one of Asia’s leading financial and business centres. Applicants must invest at least HKD30 million, approximately US$3.85 million. The investment can be spread across qualifying financial assets and Hong Kong real estate, with a required allocation to the government-managed CIES Investment Portfolio.

Hong Kong Golden Visa Requirements

• Hold net assets of at least HKD30 million for the six months before applying
• Invest HKD27 million in qualifying financial assets or Hong Kong real estate
• Invest HKD3 million in the government-managed CIES Investment Portfolio

Up to HKD15 million can be allocated to real estate. Residential investment is capped at HKD10 million and must be made in one property worth at least HKD30 million.

Hong Kong Golden Visa Benefits

• Passive investment with no requirement to operate a business
• Initial residence for two years, followed by extensions of up to three years
• Includes a spouse or recognised partner and dependent children under 18
• Potential permanent residence after seven years of ordinary residence
• Unconditional stay may be available after maintaining the investment for seven years

Contact An Advisor

Hong Kong Citizenship by Investment

Hong Kong does not offer citizenship by investment. New CIES applicants may qualify for permanent residence after seven years of continuous ordinary residence, but permanent residence does not automatically provide Chinese nationality or a Hong Kong passport. Naturalisation as a Chinese national requires a separate discretionary application. Successful applicants cannot retain their foreign nationality.

Investors seeking direct second citizenship may instead compare established Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs, such as the Grenada Citizenship by Investment program, available through a government contribution from US$235,000 plus fees.

Hong Kong Passport Strength and Ranking

Hong Kong ranks 71st out of 199 passports in the La Vida Passport Value Index. The Hong Kong passport provides access to 185 of the world’s 227 destinations, representing 54.4% of global GDP and 88.3% of the worldwide visitor market.

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport is available only to qualifying Chinese nationals with permanent residence in Hong Kong. Residence or investment under the New CIES does not automatically provide passport eligibility.