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Hong Kong has modified the rules of the Capital Investment scheme for foreign investors looking to become permanent residents. Earlier, foreign investors had to show that their capital holdings had been in their account over the last two years, which now has been reduced to six months.
Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, allows wealthy individuals from around the world to permanently reside in the city and explore its diverse investment opportunities through wealth allocation and management.
The Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme requires a minimum investment of $HK 30 million in approved investment assets such as stocks, ETFs, and bonds. However, investment into real estate is not allowed.
The foreign investor has to demonstrate that he possesses $HK 30 million or similar foreign currency in the two years preceding the issuing of the fulfillment document for the application for the Scheme’s Net Asset Assessment.
This means, by investing $HK 30 million or Rs 1.12 Crore or US $128,586 under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, foreigners can legally stay in Hong Kong.
The investment can be made in the shares of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and traded in Hong Kong Dollars or in Renminbi.
From, March 1, 2025, Hong Kong has announced certain enhancement measures on the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.
Enhancement to Net Asset Requirement
• An Applicant is only required to demonstrate that he is beneficially entitled to Net assets of not less than HK$30 million Net throughout six months preceding the application.
• The respective portion of Net assets which is beneficially entitled to the Applicant in the jointly-owned assets with family member(s) can also be taken into account.
• Apart from the existing holding method, the foreigner can also hold his investment in a private company, fostering synergy between the Scheme and the establishment of family offices in Hong Kong. The private company must be incorporated or registered in Hong Kong wholly owned by the investor.
A successful candidate may bring dependents to Hong Kong, including spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18. They are usually granted permission to stay for two years. When the two-year period expires, they may request for a three-year extension of stay, followed by additional three-year extensions. They may seek to become Hong Kong permanent residents after a continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong of at least seven years, in conformity with the law.
Before submitting an Entry Application to the Director of Immigration, the foreign investor must first contact the New CIES Office to confirm that he has met the Net Asset Requirement. When the New CIES Office verifies that the foreign investor has met the Net Asset Requirement, it will send a relevant certifying document to the foreign investor and notify the Director of Immigration of the outcome.
The immigration department is in charge of reviewing applications for visa entry permits, extensions of stay, and unconditional stay under the Scheme.
Hong Kong created the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in 2003, and it has been suspended since January 15, 2015. The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was announced in the budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and is in practice now.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-hong-kong-announces-new-rule-for-foreign-investors-to-become-permanent-residents-3765581/
