Since the relaunch of Hong Kong’s Capital Investor Entrant Scheme, the topic has been getting significant attention. We have received numerous inquiries, and some clients are already preparing to initiate their investment plans. Recently, the Hong Kong government announced further positive news: optimizing and lowering investment requirements to enrich the talent pool and attract more new capital to settle in Hong Kong, thereby enhancing the development advantages of Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management, finance, and related professional services sectors.
What aspects have been optimized from the new measures?
The new measures have been implemented since March 1, 2025, and include the followings:
- Reduce the ownership time of net assets, the applicant originally must have actual net assets of not less than HK $30 million or equivalent in foreign currency at all times during the two years prior to the application, it is now reduced to six months.
- The absolute beneficial share of the net assets jointly owned by the applicant and family members will also be taken into account.
- Increase the scope of investment in real estate. Originally, applicants were only allowed to invest in non-residential real estate for commercial or industrial purposes, but now multi-purpose real estate including uncompleted flat and partially used for residential purposes has been increased. The transaction price of a single property must be HK$50 million or above.
- Holding permissible investment assets through a Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicle (FIHV) or a Family-owned Special Purpose Entity (FSPE) under an FIHV counted towards the applicant’s eligible investment in the New CIES.
- New private open-ended fund companies (total investment cap is HK $10 million)
What are the benefits of the new measures?
The various enhancements announced this time have not only relaxed the requirements for net asset testing and calculation, but also included investments made by applicants through wholly owned eligible private companies in the eligible investment amount.
Mr. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, stated: “The ‘New Scheme’ has already attracted applications from high net worth individuals, business elites and innovative entrepreneurs. We believe that optimization measures will encourage more investors to participate in the ‘New Scheme’ and create synergies with the tax concession regime for family offices, promoting the development of Hong Kong’s family office business. We strive to provide comprehensive support for family office decision-makers to settle in Hong Kong, further attracting global asset owners and consolidating Hong Kong’s leading position as an international asset and wealth management hub.”
Ms. Alpha Lau, Director of Investment Promotion, stated: “The number of applications under the New Scheme in the first 10 months has exceeded the figure for the same period under the former Capital Investor Entrant Scheme launched in 2003, reflecting investors’ confidence in Hong Kong. I am confident that these optimization measures will make the ‘New Scheme’ more attractive. We will continue to work closely with professionals and service providers to further promote the ‘New Scheme’ to high-net-worth families globally.”
The lowered investment threshold for Hong Kong’s new Capital Investor Entrant Scheme undoubtedly provides a rare opportunity for global investors. Whether for asset allocation, children’s education, or business expansion, Hong Kong is an ideal choice.
If you would also like to know more details about this scheme, please contact us!