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Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) - Residency by Investment (RBI) Program 2026
A Complete Guide
Minimum: HKD 30,000,000 +
Processing Time: 6 months
Return to Golden Visa (Residency by Investment) Countries 2026
Introduction
The Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), also known as the Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program, is an initiative by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government designed to attract High-Net-Worth Individuals. This program provides a pathway for investors seeking Hong Kong second residency through capital investment, without requiring active business operations.
Launched on March 1, 2024, the scheme aims to reinforce Hong Kong's status as a leading international financial hub. Investors can obtain a Hong Kong Investor Visa or Hong Kong Investment Visa by meeting specific financial and general requirements while contributing to the city's economic development. The program presents a unique opportunity to gain residence in one of the world’s most prosperous economies, benefiting from its low-tax regime, investment-friendly regulations, and highly developed financial ecosystem.
Country Profile
Hong Kong is a premier global financial center with a strong free-market economy and low tax rates, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors. Its common-law legal framework provides robust protection for investors and ensures a stable regulatory environment. Strategically positioned as a gateway to Mainland China and the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong offers vast opportunities for business expansion and trade. The city excels in financial markets, particularly in equities investment, debt securities, and certificates of deposit, making it a lucrative hub for investors. Additionally, Hong Kong offers a high quality of life with world-class infrastructure, top-tier healthcare, and a well-regarded education system, making it ideal for families. Its business-friendly environment, characterized by minimal bureaucracy, efficient regulations, and an advanced banking system, consistently ranks Hong Kong among the best places in the world to conduct business.
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Official Name: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
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Capital: None (administrative region of China)
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Population: Approximately 7.5 million (as of recent estimates)
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Area: 1,113.76 square kilometres (430 sq. mi)
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Location: A special administrative region on the southern coast of China, bordering the South China Sea.
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Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
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Official Languages: Chinese (Cantonese), English
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Spoken Languages: Cantonese (predominantly), English, Mandarin
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Time Zone: Hong Kong Time (HKT), UTC +8
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Driving Side: Left
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Climate: Subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 59°F (15°C) in January to 86°F (30°C) in July.
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Government: Autonomous territory within China
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Major Industries: Finance, trade, tourism, real estate
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Main Exports: Electrical machinery, telecommunications equipment, clothing
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Famous For: Victoria Harbour, skyline, dim sum, shopping
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Motto: None officially adopted
Financial Requirements
To qualify for the Hong Kong CIES, applicants must meet the following financial criteria:
1. Minimum Net Asset Value: Applicants must have a Net Asset Value of at least HKD 30 million for at least six months before applying.
2. Investment Requirement: At least HKD 30 million must be invested in one or a combination of the following permissible investment assets:
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Hong Kong Equities Investment
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Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment
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Hong Kong Certificate of Deposits Investment
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Hong Kong Subordinated Debt Investment
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Hong Kong Eligible Collective Investment Schemes Investment
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Hong Kong Real Estate Investment or Hong Kong Property Investment (subject to approval)
3. Holding Period: Investments must be maintained throughout the residency period to remain compliant with the scheme.
4. Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and provide evidence of a stable financial history.
General Requirements
To apply for the Hong Kong Golden Visa under the Hong Kong Economic Residency program, investors must:
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Be 18 years or older.
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Have no criminal record and a clean immigration history.
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Pass due diligence checks to verify the legitimacy of their funds, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
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Provide a transparent account of their wealth, proving that investment funds have been legally acquired.
Family Inclusion
The Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program allows applicants to bring immediate family members:
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Spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 qualify for residency under the principal applicant.
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Joint Asset Ownership: Net assets jointly owned with family members can be considered, provided the applicant is the sole beneficial owner of their share.
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Education & Healthcare Benefits: Family members gain access to Hong Kong’s prestigious international schools and top-tier healthcare facilities.
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Path to Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR): Family members may apply for Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR) after fulfilling the required residence period.
Benefits
Why Choose This Program?
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Hong Kong Second Residency: Gain the right to live, work, and study in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
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Path to Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR): Investors can apply for Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR) after seven years of ordinary residence.
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Tax Advantages: Hong Kong’s low-tax regime features no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or global income tax, ensuring financial efficiency.
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Financial Market Access: Investors benefit from participating in Hong Kong Equities Investment, Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment, and other financial instruments.
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Business Opportunities: Hong Kong's free-market economy and business-friendly policies offer lucrative opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.
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High Standard of Living: The city offers modern infrastructure, an efficient public transport system, and a vibrant cultural scene, enhancing overall quality of life.
Process & Procedures
How to Apply for the Hong Kong Investor Visa Under the Hong Kong CIES:
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Preparation Phase: Gather necessary documents, including proof of assets, investment plans, identification, and any required financial disclosures.
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Application Submission: Submit the Hong Kong CIES application form ID(E)967 along with all supporting documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
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Initial Screening & Financial Assessment: The New CIES Office under Invest Hong Kong evaluates financial assets and investment plans to confirm eligibility.
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Approval-in-Principle: Upon initial approval, applicants must make the qualifying investment within the stipulated timeframe.
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Final Approval & Visa Issuance: After verifying the investment, the applicant is granted a Hong Kong Investment Visa, allowing them to reside in Hong Kong.
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Maintaining Residency: The investment must be held throughout the residency period to retain the Hong Kong Golden Visa and qualify for Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR).
Conclusion
The Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) provides an excellent opportunity for global investors to secure Hong Kong second residency through capital investment. With low Hong Kong tax rates, business-friendly policies, and a robust financial sector, Hong Kong remains an attractive destination for economic residency seekers. By investing in Hong Kong Equities Investment, Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment, or other approved asset classes, investors can establish themselves in one of the world’s leading financial hubs.
For more information on the application process and the latest updates on Hong Kong Property Investment and other eligible investment categories, visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website or consult a qualified immigration expert specializing in Hong Kong investment visas.
FAQs
The Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is a Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program designed to attract High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who wish to obtain Hong Kong Economic Residency through capital investment. The scheme allows eligible applicants to obtain a Hong Kong Investor Visa (also known as the Hong Kong Investment Visa or Hong Kong Golden Visa) by making investments in designated asset classes, such as Hong Kong Equities Investment, Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment, Hong Kong Certificate of Deposits Investment, Hong Kong Subordinated Debt Investment, Hong Kong Eligible Collective Investment Schemes Investment, and Hong Kong Real Estate Investment (including Hong Kong Property Investment).
1. What is the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)?
The Hong Kong CIES is a government-backed Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program that allows qualifying investors to secure a pathway to residency by investing in specific Hong Kong Investment Visa assets.
The primary objective of the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is to attract global capital, boost financial markets, and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international asset and wealth management hub.
2. Who is eligible for the Hong Kong CIES?
To qualify for the Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program under the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), applicants must:
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Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
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Have a Net Asset Value of at least HKD 30 million for at least six months prior to applying.
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Invest at least HKD 30 million in approved assets under the Hong Kong CIES, such as Hong Kong Equities Investment, Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment, Hong Kong Certificate of Deposits Investment, Hong Kong Subordinated Debt Investment, Hong Kong Eligible Collective Investment Schemes Investment, or Hong Kong Real Estate Investment.
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Be able to support themselves and their dependents without relying on returns from investments, employment, or public assistance.
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Be a foreign national (excluding nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea), a Chinese national with foreign Permanent Residency (PR), a Macao SAR resident, or a Taiwanese resident.
3. What are the eligible investment asset classes under the Hong Kong Investment Visa (CIES)?
Applicants under the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) must invest a minimum of HKD 30 million in one or more of the following categories:
a) Hong Kong Equities Investment – Stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
b) Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment – Bonds and debentures issued by the Hong Kong Government, corporations, or financial institutions.
c) Hong Kong Certificate of Deposits Investment – Fixed-term deposits issued by licensed banks in Hong Kong.
d) Hong Kong Subordinated Debt Investment – High-yield corporate or institutional debt instruments.
e) Hong Kong Eligible Collective Investment Schemes Investment – Mutual funds, hedge funds, ETFs, and private equity funds approved by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC).
f) Hong Kong Real Estate Investment – Residential, commercial, or industrial Hong Kong Property Investment in approved locations.
4. How does the Hong Kong Investment Visa application process work?
The Hong Kong Golden Visa application process under the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) follows these steps:
a) Net Asset Assessment – Submit proof of HKD 30 million net assets to InvestHK for verification.
b) Certifying Proof Issuance – If approved, InvestHK will issue a Certifying Proof of Fulfilment of Net Asset Requirement.
c) Visa Application – Apply for a Hong Kong Investor Visa with the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD).
d) Investment Completion – Once granted approval-in-principle, the applicant must make the required Hong Kong Equities Investment, Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment, Hong Kong Real Estate Investment or/and other permissible asset classes within 180 days.
e) Final Approval – After verifying the investment, ImmD will issue a formal Hong Kong Investment Visa with an initial 24-month stay.
5. Can investments be made through a private company?
Yes. Under the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), investments can be made through a wholly-owned private company, allowing for tax-efficient asset management.
6. Can my spouse and children obtain Hong Kong Residency through the CIES?
Yes. The Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program allows an applicant to bring their:
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Spouse or legally recognized partner (same-sex and opposite-sex partners are eligible).
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Unmarried dependent children below 18 years of age.
7. What are the tax implications of the Hong Kong Economic Residency program?
One of the biggest advantages of the Hong Kong Investment Visa is its tax efficiency. Hong Kong operates under a territorial tax system, meaning:
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No capital gains tax on Hong Kong Equities Investment or Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment.
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No dividend tax on Hong Kong Eligible Collective Investment Schemes Investment.
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No inheritance tax on assets held under the Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) program.
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Low corporate tax rates (8.25% - 16.5%) for businesses operating in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is also introducing tax incentives for family offices, hedge funds, and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) to boost participation in the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES).
8. How long does it take to get Hong Kong Residency through investment?
The Hong Kong Investment Visa processing time varies, but generally:
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Net Asset Assessment: 2-3 months.
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Visa Application Processing: 3-6 months.
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Investment Verification & Final Approval: 6-12 months.
Overall, applicants can expect to receive their Hong Kong Residency by Investment (RBI) within 9-18 months after application.
9. What are the key benefits of the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)?
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Fast-track Hong Kong Economic Residency with a Hong Kong Investor Visa.
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Tax-free capital gains, dividends, and inheritance tax.
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Access to premium investment opportunities, including Hong Kong Real Estate Investment, Hong Kong Equities Investment, and Hong Kong Debt Securities Investment.
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No language, education, or business operation requirements.
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Pathway to Hong Kong Permanent Residency (PR) after seven years.
10. Where can I find more information on the Hong Kong CIES?
For official updates, visit:
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Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) – www.immd.gov.hk
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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) – www.investhk.gov.hk
For professional guidance on applying for the Hong Kong Golden Visa, consult licensed financial and immigration advisors.