Short answer: Hong Kong’s New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) requires proof of continuous net assets of at least HKD 30,000,000 for the six months before application, then investment of HKD 27,000,000 in permissible assets and HKD 3,000,000 in the CIES portfolio. Real estate counting toward net assets or investment is capped (commonly discussed around HKD 10,000,000—confirm official guidance). The scheme leads to Hong Kong residence and, subject to rules, a path toward permanent residence.
How net assets and investment split
| Item | Amount (HKD) | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Net-asset proof | 30,000,000 | Continuous for six months before filing |
| Permissible investment | 27,000,000 | Equities, bonds, funds and other allowed classes |
| CIES portfolio | 3,000,000 | Designated portfolio |
| Real estate | Capped | Cannot treat all net assets as property |
“Six months continuous” is a time-series test, not a single same-day wire. Lawful, traceable source of funds remains essential.
Who fits CIES?
Households with high liquid net assets in or outside Hong Kong, willing to lock a portfolio, and planning to live in or manage assets from Hong Kong. If wealth is a single overseas property hard to restructure inside six months, build a reorganisation timeline first. CIES is capital-led; TTPS and QMAS are talent-led.
Rough contrast with Singapore GIP
Singapore’s Global Investor Programme emphasises business track record and jobs with different thresholds. CIES centres on net assets and designated investment. Tax, housing and education should be compared separately—not on a single headline number.
Global Immigrate note
Build the six-month net-asset timeline and permissible investment list before choosing a filing window. Property-heavy families should address valuation and the counting cap early. Post-approval maintenance and Hong Kong residence requirements affect the permanent-residence clock—put them on the family calendar.
Information current as of October 2026.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. See Hong Kong CIES.