New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Attracted Applications on Launch Day, Signalling Strong Interest and Confidence from High-net-worth Individuals

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) opens for application from 1 March. The Scheme aims to attract asset owners to settle in the city and explore its diverse investment opportunities through wealth allocation and management. An eligible applicant must make investment of a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets. A successful applicant may bring dependants (including spouse and unmarried dependent children aged under 18) to Hong Kong. Permission to stay will normally be granted to them for two years. Upon expiry of the two-year period, they may apply for an extension of stay for three years, and may subsequently apply for further extensions of stay for three years. They may, upon a period of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong of not less than seven years, apply to become Hong Kong permanent residents in accordance with the law.

InvestHK is responsible for assessing whether the applications fulfill the financial requirements under the Scheme, and the Immigration Department is responsible for assessing the applications for visa/entry permit and extension of stay, etc.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, stated that the Scheme will solidify Hong Kong’s position as a hub for talent and capital, and elevate Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. As the Government continues to roll out measures to further enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an asset and wealth management hub, the attractiveness of the Scheme will be further enhanced.