The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (the new scheme) was launched on 1 March 2024. The earlier Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has been suspended since 15 January 2015.
Eligibility
Subject to the Rules of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Aged 18 or above when applying to InvestHK for the net asset assessment
- Scope of application: foreign nationals; Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status of a foreign country; residents of the Macao Special Administrative Region; or Chinese residents of Taiwan
- Net assets: showing that, throughout the six months before the date of the net asset assessment application, the applicant has been absolutely beneficially entitled to net assets or net equity of not less than HK$30 million (or equivalent in foreign currencies)
- Investment in permissible investment assets: investing not less than HK$30 million (or equivalent in foreign currencies) net in permissible investment assets to which the applicant is absolutely beneficially entitled
- No adverse immigration record, and meeting general immigration and security requirements
- Being able to satisfy the Director of Immigration that the applicant can support and accommodate himself/herself and any dependants without relying on income from the permissible investment assets in Hong Kong, employment or self-employment, or public assistance
For the details of the net asset, investment and investment management requirements, see the Rules of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and the InvestHK website.
Application process
Applicants first apply to InvestHK to verify their net assets and obtain a certificate of compliance with the net asset requirement, and only then apply to the Immigration Department for an entry visa/entry permit.
Length of stay
Upon formal approval, the applicant and any dependants are normally permitted to stay in Hong Kong for not more than 24 months, provided that the applicant continues to meet the scheme's requirements throughout. If the applicant continues to meet the investment management requirements and normal immigration requirements, an extension of not more than three years may normally be granted after assessment.
Unlike the Top Talent Pass Scheme or QMAS, the new scheme does not require the applicant to be employed or to start a business in Hong Kong. Dependants are a spouse and unmarried children under 18.