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Global Capital and Family Offices Targeted as Hong Kong Restarts Capital Investment Entrant Program

High-value investors welcomed: Hong Kong resurrects Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, inviting the global elite to invest HK$30 million in qualifying assets for a chance at residency, starting March 1, 2024. This revamped program aims to boost capital inflows and further strengthen the city's...

Global financial scheme reinitiated in Hong Kong, aiming to draw in worldwide investment and...
Global financial scheme reinitiated in Hong Kong, aiming to draw in worldwide investment and family-run offices.

Global Capital and Family Offices Targeted as Hong Kong Restarts Capital Investment Entrant Program

Hong Kong Reintroduces Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) to Boost Economy

The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) has been reintroduced in Hong Kong, aiming to attract high-net-worth individuals who invest in a portfolio that contributes to the city's economy. The scheme requires a minimum investment of HKD 30 million (approximately USD 3.8 million), with specific allocation rules.

  • Minimum Investment Amount: HKD 30 million total
  • Investment Allocation: HKD 3 million in a government-managed portfolio, HKD 27 million in eligible financial assets (stocks, bonds, funds, REITs, certificates of deposit, etc.)
  • Excluded Assets: Residential property
  • Maintenance Period: Not explicitly specified; typically at least 2 years (confirm with the Hong Kong Immigration Department or official guidelines)
  • Launch Date: Relaunched on March 1, 2024
  • Investment Channels: Designated accounts such as the New CIES Account at BOCHK

The remaining HKD 27 million can be invested across eligible public market securities, private funds, and non-residential real estate. Importantly, residential property is excluded from eligible assets to avoid linking immigration directly to real estate inflation.

High-net-worth individuals who meet the minimum net asset threshold of HKD 30 million over two years prior to application can apply for the New CIES. Successful applicants must maintain investment thresholds for a period of seven years.

The New CIES now includes permissible investments in private limited partnership funds (LPFs) and open-ended fund companies, subject to defined caps. The Permissible Investment Assets include a mandatory HKD 3 million contribution to a government-managed portfolio by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation.

The initiative is part of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau's broader policy agenda, aiming to expand Hong Kong's appeal as a base for global family offices and wealth platforms. Profits under the New CIES can only be withdrawn in the form of cash income such as dividends or rent.

Early market reception indicates strong uptake for the New CIES, with banks, brokers, and fund sponsors receiving inquiries from global investors exploring pathways to establish investment structures and family offices under the New CIES. For precise, updated, and complete requirements, especially on maintenance period and application procedures, consultation with the Hong Kong Immigration Department or official government resources is advised.

  1. High-net-worth individuals investing in the New CIES in Hong Kong are required to have a minimum investment amount of HKD 30 million, with HKD 3 million allocated to a government-managed portfolio and the remaining HKD 27 million invested in eligible financial assets such as stocks, bonds, funds, REITs, certificates of deposit, and private limited partnership funds (LPFs).
  2. Successful applicants of the New CIES must maintain their investment thresholds for a period of seven years and, importantly, are not allowed to invest in residential property to avoid linking immigration directly to real estate inflation.
  3. The New CIES includes permissible investments in private LPFs and open-ended fund companies, with a mandatory HKD 3 million contribution to a government-managed portfolio by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation.
  4. The profits under the New CIES can only be withdrawn in the form of cash income such as dividends or rent, and the initiative is part of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau's broader policy agenda, aiming to expand Hong Kong's appeal as a base for global family offices and wealth platforms.

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