Looking for a way to live in Hong Kong while putting your capital to work? Hong Kong’s HKD 30 million investment visa — officially known as the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) — is designed for high-net-worth individuals who want residency in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the HKD 30 Million Investment Visa?
The New CIES allows eligible applicants who invest at least HKD 30 million in approved assets to apply for residency in Hong Kong.
It enables you to:
- Live in Hong Kong
- Bring your spouse and unmarried dependent children (under 18)
- Work or start a business
- Access Hong Kong’s financial and educational systems
Unlike an entrepreneur visa, you are not required to actively run a business. This is a passive investment-based residency pathway.
Why Live in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong remains highly attractive for globally mobile families:
Safety: Consistently ranked as one of the safest major cities in the world, with low violent crime and strong rule of law.
World-Class Education: A wide choice of international schools (IB, British, American, Australian and more), plus globally ranked universities such as HKU and HKUST.
Bilingual Environment: English and Chinese are official languages. English is widely used in business, courts, and government.
Large Expat Community: A well-established international population makes integration easy.
Lifestyle: Michelin-star restaurants, hiking trails, beaches, efficient public transport, and a vibrant arts scene — all packed into one city held up by titans of finance.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have owned net assets of at least HKD 30 million for a minimum of two years
- Invest HKD 30 million in permissible assets
- Demonstrate a clean record and lawful source of funds
Your spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 can apply as dependants.
What About PRC (Mainland Chinese) Applicants?
The position for PRC nationals is slightly different.
Under the New CIES:
- PRC nationals who are permanent residents of a foreign country may apply.
- PRC nationals who only hold Mainland Chinese residency and Chinese nationality without foreign permanent residence are generally not eligible to apply directly under this scheme.
In practical terms, Mainland Chinese applicants typically need to have acquired permanent residency overseas before qualifying.
Because eligibility rules can be nuanced, PRC applicants should seek specific advice before making plans.
Where Can You Invest the HKD 30 Million?
In addition to a required allocation within a government-managed portfolio, the investment must be placed in approved asset classes, including:
- Hong Kong-listed stocks
- Debt securities
- Certificates of deposit
- Eligible collective investment schemes
- Limited partnership funds
Funds must be actively invested — simply holding cash does not qualify. Further, the investment must be maintained throughout the visa period.
What Is the Procedure?
1. Financial Assessment
You must prove ownership of HKD 30 million in net assets for two years.
2. Approval-in-Principle
Authorities confirm eligibility before you invest.
3. Make the Investment
You invest HKD 30 million into qualifying assets and provide proof.
4. Formal Approval
Once verified, you receive your entry permit, typically granted for an initial stay and renewable if requirements are maintained.
Clear documentation of the source of funds is essential.
What Can You Do on This Visa?
Successful applicants can:
- Live in Hong Kong
- Work or establish a business
- Enrol children in school
- Travel freely
There is no obligation to manage a specific company.
How Do You Get Your Money Back?
The HKD 30 million is your investment — not a government fee.
However:
- You must maintain the qualifying investment during your stay.
- If you sell assets, you must reinvest into approved categories.
- Investment performance depends on market conditions.
After obtaining permanent residency, investment restrictions under the scheme no longer apply.
How Do You Obtain Permanent Residency?
After seven years of ordinary residence in Hong Kong, you may apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status.
You must genuinely reside in Hong Kong during those seven years. Once PR is granted, you gain the right of abode and are no longer tied to the investment maintenance requirement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Family-friendly
- No business management obligation
- Access to a global financial centre
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Safe, bilingual, and internationally connected
Cons
- High capital requirement (HKD 30 million)
- Market investment risk
- Funds must remain invested
- PRC nationals without foreign permanent residence are generally not eligible
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong’s HKD 30 million investment visa offers more than residency — it provides a foothold in one of Asia’s most sophisticated and globally connected cities.
For international investors — including qualifying PRC applicants with overseas permanent residence — it can be a strategic lifestyle and wealth planning move, as long as everything is structured carefully from the outset.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, financial, or investment advice. Immigration policies and eligibility criteria may change. Applicants should always seek independent professional legal and immigration advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any investment or residency decisions.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, financial, or investment advice. Immigration policies and eligibility criteria may change. Applicants should always seek independent professional legal and immigration advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any investment or residency decisions.
