Short answer: Hong Kong’s New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) requires HKD 30,000,000 in net assets held continuously for six months before applying, and a total investment of HKD 30 million: HKD 27 million in permissible assets and HKD 3 million in the CIES Investment Portfolio. After approval you can live in Hong Kong; permanent residence is possible after seven years of continuous ordinary residence.
Investment requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Net assets (six months before application) | HKD 30,000,000 |
| Permissible investment assets | HKD 27,000,000 |
| CIES Investment Portfolio | HKD 3,000,000 |
| Real estate cap | Up to HKD 10,000,000 |
Permissible assets include equities, bonds, funds and certificates of deposit; real estate has a counting cap. From March 2026, investments may be held through an eligible private holding company, giving more flexibility.
Family and status
- Family: spouse and unmarried children under 18
- Status: residence, with the right to live and work in Hong Kong
- Permanent residence: after seven years of continuous ordinary residence
Who it suits
- Net assets of HKD 30 million, wanting to settle in or keep a base in Hong Kong
- Not planning to move overseas, treating Hong Kong as the hub
- Preferring some flexibility in the portfolio (equities, bonds, limited real estate)
Points to note
- Net assets must be held continuously for six months, not only at one point in time.
- The CIES Portfolio is managed by the Hong Kong Investment Corporation and is a prescribed allocation.
- Extensions and the path to permanent residence require ordinary residence.
- Unlike TTPS or QMAS, CIES is asset-based and has no education or income threshold.
See Hong Kong New CIES.