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2025
10 Jan
Updates on the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

We are excited to inform you about the recent enhancements to the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), announced by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau in collaboration with InvestHK. These updates aim to make the scheme more accessible and beneficial for potential applicants.

 

Key Updates Effective from March 1st

  1. Reduced Asset Holding Period: The required holding period for the net asset value of HKD 30 million has been reduced from two years to six months. This change allows applicants to qualify more quickly and simplifies the application process.
  2. Inclusion of Family Assets: Applicants can now include jointly owned family assets in the net asset calculation. This adjustment addresses the industry's feedback, particularly regarding real estate commonly owned by couples.
  3. Qualified Family Office Investments: Investments made through family office entities or specific purpose entities under the applicant's full ownership can now be counted towards the CIES investment requirement. This means that eligible family office investments can be used for CIES applications.

 

Simplified Asset Verification

The asset verification period has been shortened from two years to six months, reducing the complexity and difficulty of providing extensive financial documentation. This change is expected to streamline the application process and make it more efficient.

 

Enhanced Flexibility

The new measures also provide greater flexibility in meeting the investment requirements. For instance, setting up a family office now requires a minimum investment of HKD 240 million, which can also fulfill the CIES investment requirement, offering a "two birds with one stone" solution.

 

Impact of the Scheme

Since its launch, the CIES has received over 800 applications, with 733 passing the asset verification and 240 completing the HKD 30 million investment in Hong Kong. If all applications are approved, the scheme is expected to bring over HKD 24 billion in investments to Hong Kong.


We hope these updates provide you with a clearer understanding of the recent changes to the CIES. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our CEO Amie Cheung.