2026 Program Guide
Hong Kong Golden Visa & Residence Permit
Hong Kong's New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) offers residence through an investment of HKD 30 million (approximately USD 3.8 million); of this, HKD 27 million is invested in financial assets or commercial real estate, and HKD 3 million in the CIES portfolio. Permanent residence can be applied for after seven years.
Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal
At a glance
- Program
- New CIES
- Total investment
- HKD 30M (~USD 3.8M)
- Asset investment
- HKD 27M
- CIES portfolio
- HKD 3M
- Permanent residence
- After 7 years
Who is it for?
- High-net-worth individuals seeking residence through HKD 30M (~USD 3.8M) investment in an Asian financial center.
- Those seeking a low-tax environment and a strong business ecosystem.
- Those targeting permanent residence (PR) after seven years.
- Those wanting to establish a regional base with their families.
How Does the New CIES Work?
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), relaunched in 2024, requires a total investment of HKD 30 million. Of this, HKD 27 million goes into approved financial assets or commercial real estate, and HKD 3 million into a CIES portfolio. Residential real estate is largely excluded from this program.
Path to Permanent Residence
CIES initially provides renewable residence; the investor and their family can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence (PR) after seven years of uninterrupted ordinary residence. Hong Kong is a regional financial and business hub with a low, territorial tax structure.
Building the Investment Portfolio
The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme asks applicants to assemble a specific investment structure rather than a single lump payment, and understanding that structure is central to planning. The total commitment is HKD 30 million, of which HKD 27 million goes into permissible financial assets or commercial real estate, while the remaining HKD 3 million is placed in the dedicated CIES portfolio. Applicants are expected to hold net assets at that level, to demonstrate a legal source of funds, and to provide a clean criminal record and a health certificate. Building the portfolio with this split in mind, and with proper advice on which assets qualify, keeps the application on solid ground. The scheme suits those who want to live and work in one of Asia's leading financial centres and who value its low-tax environment. Family members can be included, allowing a household to relocate together. After seven years of residence, permanent residence can be applied for, so the investment is best viewed as the opening move in a longer settlement plan. Because the qualifying rules and eligible asset categories can change, confirming the current requirements before structuring your investment is the wise starting point.
Benefits
- Living and working in one of Asia's leading financial centers.
- Low-tax environment.
- Path to permanent residence (PR).
- Family members can be included.
Requirements
- HKD 30M net assets and investment.
- Clean criminal record and legal source of funds.
- Health certificate.
Costs
- Total investment
- HKD 30,000,000 (~USD 3.8M)
- Management fees
- Additionally apply
FAQ
- How is the investment allocated?
- HKD 27 million goes into financial assets/commercial real estate, and HKD 3 million into the CIES portfolio.
- When is permanent residence granted?
- After 7 years of uninterrupted residence, the investor and family can apply for permanent residence.
- Does residential real estate count toward the investment?
- No. Residential real estate is largely excluded under the new CIES; commercial real estate and financial assets are accepted.
- Can I include my family?
- Yes. Spouse and dependent children under 18 can be included in the application.
- How is tax in Hong Kong?
- Hong Kong has a territorial and relatively low tax system; only Hong Kong-source income is taxed.
Sources
Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.
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