Hong Kong's new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme starts accepting applications today. The minimum investment requirement is 30 million Hong Kong dollars.

The new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in Hong Kong, which allows investors to enter the territory, started accepting applications today (March 1). Eligible applicants are required to invest a minimum of 30 million Hong Kong dollars in approved investment assets. Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan stated that since announcing the details of the new scheme in December last year, the Hong Kong government has held several briefing sessions, attracting high-net-worth individuals from around the world, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, who have shown interest in the new program. Under the new scheme, the Invest Hong Kong will be responsible for reviewing applications to ensure compliance with financial regulations, while the Immigration Department will handle visa approvals, entry permits, and extension of stay applications. Approved applicants can bring their dependents (including their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 18) to Hong Kong, generally being allowed to stay in Hong Kong for two years. After the initial period, they may apply to extend their stay for an additional three years, and subsequently apply for further extensions every three years. It is worth mentioning that Hong Kong implemented an "investment immigration" scheme in 2003, with an initial threshold of 6.5 million Hong Kong dollars, which was later raised to 10 million Hong Kong dollars by 2010. However, the program was suspended in 2015 due to concerns that it was fueling property prices as the economy was already recovering. In the new scheme, the application threshold has been significantly raised to 30 million Hong Kong dollars, with a requirement that at least 3 million Hong Kong dollars be invested in the "Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Investment Portfolio" that supports innovation and technology. The remaining 27 million Hong Kong dollars can be invested in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and non-residential real estate. The Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, Stephen Phillips, stated that the new scheme will strengthen Hong Kong's position as a hub for talent and capital, enhancing its role as an international financial center. Phillips also announced that the government will continue to introduce measures to further enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as a hub for asset and wealth management, with the attractiveness of the new program expected to continue to grow. They will continue to promote the new scheme to different chambers of commerce, international stakeholders, and family offices, while maintaining close communication with professional service providers and potential applicants.