In 2026, Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) continues to attract the attention of high-net-worth individuals. This program requires applicants to invest at least 30 million Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong, with funds allocated to financial assets and science and technology innovation projects designated by the Hong Kong government. The approval process takes 6–9 months, and upon approval, applicants receive a 2-year stay permit, which can be renewed for 3 years. After meeting the 7-year ordinary residence requirement, applicants may apply for Hong Kong permanent residency. For entrepreneurs and investors with assets of HK$30 million or more, this is currently the most direct and controllable path to obtaining Hong Kong residency—it requires no employer sponsorship, no educational qualifications, and no job matching. Simply investing funds in designated sectors and maintaining the investment is sufficient to obtain Hong Kong residency status.

However, ”direct” does not mean ”simple.” In 2026, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme introduced more detailed requirements regarding eligible investment categories, scrutiny of funding sources, and renewal conditions. Investing is not simply a matter of ”putting money in Hong Kong”—the HK$30 million must be invested in financial asset classes designated by the Hong Kong government (such as stocks, bonds, and funds), and does not include real estate investments. Complete and legitimate proof of the source of funds (such as tax payment certificates, bank statements, and proof of investment returns) must be provided and undergo dual review by Invest Hong Kong and the Immigration Department. At the time of renewal, applicants must prove that the investment has been maintained above the minimum amount required by the Hong Kong government throughout the renewal period. If the value of the investment assets declines below the HK$30 million threshold, the applicant must make additional investments to make up the shortfall.

Investment immigration is a premium pathway for high-net-worth individuals to obtain Hong Kong residency, and professional support is essential. Qicaiying Group specializes in providing domestic and international company registration services in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Singapore, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands, and more, as well as annual inspections and audits, bookkeeping and tax filing, tax compliance, information updates, bank account openings, ODI filings, FDI filings, and other corporate services; Hong Kong residency applications, renewals, and permanent residency services; Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application services; as well as cross-border e-commerce coaching and managed operations—all as part of our one-stop service. If you have any needs or are interested, please feel free to contact me at any time (Consultation Hotline: 18676749275, add WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan).

I. Key Requirements of the Investment Immigration Program: Where Should the HK$30 million Be Invested?

The HK$30 million investment required under the Capital Investor Immigration Scheme is subject to strict restrictions on eligible investment targets; it is not an ”arbitrary investment.”

Investment Category 1: Financial Assets (no less than 27 million Hong Kong dollars). Of the HK$30 million, at least HK$27 million must be invested in the following categories of financial assets:

The stock market. This includes stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), covering both the Main Board and the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM). Investors may choose their own investment targets, provided they are publicly traded stocks listed on the HKEX. This includes blue-chip stocks, H-shares, ETFs, and others. Investors bear the risks and returns associated with stock investments themselves; the Hong Kong government does not provide any investment guarantees.

Bond Market. These include bonds listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, as well as Exchange Fund Bonds, inflation-linked bonds (iBonds), and Silver Bonds issued by the Hong Kong government. Bond investments carry relatively low risk and are suitable for investors seeking stable returns. However, bond yields typically range from 2% to 5%, which may be lower than the inflation rate, posing a risk that real purchasing power could erode.

Funds. These include publicly offered mutual funds approved by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), with investment options ranging from stock funds, bond funds, hybrid funds, and index funds, among others. The funds are managed by professional managers and are suitable for applicants who lack the ability to actively manage their investments.

Investment Category 2: Science and Technology Innovation Portfolio (no less than 3 million Hong Kong dollars). Of the 30 million Hong Kong dollars, at least 3 million Hong Kong dollars must be invested in the ”Innovation and Technology Portfolio” designated by the Hong Kong government to support the development of innovation and technology. Eligible investment targets for innovation and technology include: innovation and technology funds designated by Invest Hong Kong, as well as government-supported investment programs for innovation and technology enterprises. While the risk associated with these investments is generally higher than that of traditional financial assets, this policy is designed by the Hong Kong government to channel capital into the innovation and technology sector.

Excluded investment categories: Real estate. The Capital Investor Admission Scheme explicitly excludes real estate investment. Applicants cannot meet the investment requirements by purchasing residential or commercial real estate in Hong Kong. The purpose of this restriction is to prevent the scheme from becoming a tool for real estate speculation and to direct capital toward the financial and technology innovation sectors.

II. Eligibility Requirements and Application Process: The Complete Path from Eligibility Assessment to Approval

Eligibility Requirements. Foreign nationals who are at least 18 years of age, Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country, residents of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and residents of Taiwan are all eligible to apply. Note: Mainland Chinese residents who do not hold permanent residency status in a foreign country cannot apply directly for the investment immigration program. Some mainland applicants first obtain permanent residency in a third country (such as Vanuatu or Guinea-Bissau) before applying for Hong Kong investment immigration; however, this process requires ensuring the legality and authenticity of the third-country residency status.

Review of Funding Sources. Applicants must provide proof of the lawful source of the HK$30 million investment funds, including: bank statements (covering the past 2–3 years), tax payment certificates, proof of investment returns, share transfer agreements, corporate dividend resolutions, and proof of salary income, among others. The review of the source of funds is a critical component of the application—the Hong Kong government must ensure that the investment funds do not originate from illegal sources. Business owners must provide company audit reports, profit distribution resolutions, and share transfer agreements; senior executives must provide compensation contracts and tax payment records; and investors must provide proof of investment returns and transaction records.

Standard Application Process.

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment and Plan Design (1–2 months). Evaluate eligibility for the application, verify the completeness of proof of funding sources, and design an investment portfolio plan (including financial asset allocation ratios, selection of investment targets, etc.). It is recommended to complete this process with the assistance of a professional advisor to avoid subsequent issues resulting from an improperly designed plan.

Step 2: Open an investment account and transfer funds (1–2 months). Open a designated investment account with a licensed financial institution in Hong Kong and transfer 30 million Hong Kong dollars into the account. Funds must be transferred through legitimate foreign exchange channels. Residents of mainland China should be aware of the annual foreign exchange quota limit of US$50,000 per person—HK$30 million is approximately equivalent to US$3.85 million, which far exceeds the individual quota. Typically, funds must be remitted through corporate ODI channels or other compliant routes.

Step 3: Submit the formal application (review period: 6–9 months). Submit a formal application to the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Agency and the Immigration Department, including: identification documents, proof of asset verification, an investment proposal, proof of the source of funds, and a certificate of no criminal record. The Investment Promotion Agency reviews the investment proposal, while the Immigration Department verifies the applicant’s identity and background. During the review process, applicants may receive a notice requesting additional materials, which must be submitted within two weeks.

Step 4: Approval and Investment Execution. Once the application is approved, the applicant must complete the investment within the specified timeframe (typically within 3 months of approval) and submit proof of completion of the investment. After the Immigration Department verifies the investment, it will formally issue a 2-year stay visa.

The application process for investment immigration involves multiple specialized steps, including financial due diligence, foreign exchange compliance, and investment execution. Qicaiying Group specializes in providing domestic and international company registration services in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Singapore, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and the Cayman Islands, as well as corporate annual inspection and audit, bookkeeping and tax filing, tax compliance, business registration changes, bank account opening, ODI filing, FDI filing, and other corporate services; Hong Kong residency applications, renewals, and permanent residency services; Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application services; and cross-border e-commerce support and agency services. If you have any needs or are interested, please feel free to contact me at any time (Consultation Hotline: 18676749275, add WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan).

III. Renewal and Path to Permanent Residency: A Complete Timeline from Investment to Residency Status

Renewal Requirements. Before the initial two-year visa expires, the applicant must apply for renewal. The key requirement for renewal is that, throughout the renewal period, the investment must remain above the minimum amount required by the Hong Kong government (30 million Hong Kong dollars). If the value of the investment assets falls below HK$30 million due to market fluctuations, the applicant must make additional investments within 30 days to make up the shortfall. A renewal grants a 3-year period of stay. The source of funds does not need to be re-examined at the time of renewal, but proof of continued investment and an asset valuation report must be submitted.

Permanent Residency Application. After meeting the 7-year ”habitual residence” requirement, you may apply for permanent resident status in Hong Kong. The criteria for determining ”habitual residence” are consistent with those for other immigration categories: the applicant must have stable ties to Hong Kong (such as a residential address, spending records, and social activities). The advantage for investment immigration applicants is that the investment itself serves as strong evidence of economic ties to Hong Kong, making the renewal process relatively straightforward. However, the “habitual residence” requirement must still be met—applicants cannot completely avoid visiting Hong Kong. It is recommended to enter Hong Kong at least 2–3 times a year to maintain a record of activities there.

Disposal of Investments After Obtaining Permanent Residency. After obtaining permanent residency in Hong Kong, applicants are free to dispose of their investment assets—there is no longer a requirement to maintain the HK$30 million investment threshold. This is a key distinction between investment immigration and other pathways to residency: the investment is a means of ”obtaining residency,” not a condition for ”maintaining residency.” Once permanent residency is granted, the investment may be withdrawn.

IV. Investor Immigration vs. Other Pathways to Residency: Who Are They Suitable For?

Investment immigration is not necessarily the best option for all high-net-worth individuals; it must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

People who are suitable for investment immigration. Entrepreneurs and investors with assets totaling HK$30 million or more who are unwilling or unable to obtain Hong Kong residency through employment or entrepreneurship; high-net-worth individuals who wish to obtain residency directly through investment and do not want to be tied to an employer or the operation of a business; and Chinese nationals who already hold foreign permanent residency status.

People who are not suitable for investment immigration. Individuals with assets totaling less than 30 million HKD (may consider the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, which has no investment requirements); individuals interested in working or starting a business in Hong Kong (may consider the High-Talent Pass or the Professional Visa, which involve lower costs); Residents of Mainland China who do not hold permanent residency in a foreign country (must first obtain permanent residency in a third country, which incurs additional costs and time).

Cost comparison with other channels. The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme involves virtually no costs (only the application fee and document preparation fees), but the processing time is 6–12 months, and approval is not guaranteed. The High-Caliber Talent Pass (Category A) has no investment requirements, but applicants must have an annual income of at least 2.5 million HKD, and must be working in Hong Kong to renew their visa. Investment immigration involves the highest costs (a HK$30 million investment plus professional service fees), but offers the greatest certainty—as long as the source of funds is legitimate and the investment complies with regulations, the probability of approval is extremely high.

Qicaiying Group has a professional team specializing in Hong Kong residency services, offering high-net-worth clients end-to-end investment immigration services—from eligibility assessment, verification of funds’ source, investment plan design, compliant foreign exchange remittances, and investment account opening to the formal submission of applications, renewal of residency, and processing of permanent residency—providing one-stop professional support. Investment immigration is the most reliable path for high-net-worth individuals to obtain Hong Kong residency, and professional services ensure a smoother and faster process. For inquiries, please call 18676749275 or add us on WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan.