Hong Kong(SAR)

Hong Kong(SAR) Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Hong Kong, officially Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, is a thriving metropolis and a free-market economy. Due to its low taxation, business-friendly policies and highly-developed infrastructure, Hong Kong is an attractive destination for investors and business owners.

The special administrative region offers a number of different routes for entrepreneurs, business investors, and highly skilled labor, to gain lawful residency – as follows:

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

After a long hiatus, the once popular CIES has been relaunched in Hong Kong, allowing foreign investors to obtain two-year residencies if they meet the eligibility requirements, as follow:

• Minimum net worth of at least HK$ 30 million (Approx. $4 million) in the two years preceding to applying.
• Investing at least HK$ 30 million (Approx. $4 million) in Hong Kong
• Investing
• Applicants must make investment portfolios that include permissible financial assets such as equities, debt securities, limited partnership funds, and nonpresidential real estate.
• At least HK$ 3 million (Approx. $400,000) must be made in the investment portfolio of the government-owned Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited.

The two year residency can be extended for up to six more years. Individuals can apply to permanent residency in Hong Kong after seven years of legal residency.

Investment as Entrepreneurs Scheme (Investor Visa)

Foreign entrepreneurs and start-up founders can apply for Hong Kong residency by investing in an existing or new business. The selection criteria is rigorous and investigates, among other factors, the applicants’ business plan, expected turnover, financial resources, and numbers of local jobs to be created. 

Prospective entrepreneurs seeking to establish or participate in a startup venture can apply for consideration. Favorable evaluation by the Immigration Department may be granted when the proposed startup is endorsed by a government-supported initiative. Applicants must hold pivotal roles in the startups such as founders, partners, or key researchers within the project. 

The scheme exempts, among other nationalities, mainland China applicants except if have lived abroad (outside of mainland China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Macao Special Administrative Region) for one year preceding the application, have residencies elsewhere, and the application must be submitted from outside mainland China. 

Applicants must be fluent in English, Putonghua or Cantonese. 

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme

Aims to attract highly skilled talent, applicants have to satisfy prerequisite and pass a point-based test measuring their skills, education and accomplishments, as well as their financial sufficiency, marital status and links to Hong Kong. 

The scheme is reserved to those of exceptional achievements like Olympic or Nobel prizes, or someone whose contributions have been widely acknowledged in their field. 

Applicants don’t need to have a job offer in Hong Kong to be eligible, and no specific financial requirements as long as applicants can demonstrate they can support themselves and their families. 

The Top Talent Pass Scheme

For foreign labor earning at least HK$2.5 million ($320,000) annually may apply for the Top Talent Pass, which is valid for renewable two years.

Another route to the Top Talent Scheme visa is for graduates of the world’s top 100 universities (full list available at official website) who can demonstrate varying levels of professional experience. 

Hong Kong Citizenship By Investment

As a specially administrated zone of China, Hong Kong has its own travel document but not its own citizenship - and therefore no CBI programs are on offers. 

After seven years of continuous residence in Hong Kong, however, foreigners can apply for a permanent residency which grants some political and social rights, as well as access to public services. 

Country

Hong Kong boasts a highly developed economy, characterized by thriving trade and industries. This dynamic global financial hub has a well-established reputation for its efficiency, open markets, and business-friendly environment. Its strategic location in Asia has made it a pivotal trading and logistics hub, connecting businesses from around the world. The city's diverse and competitive sectors include finance, logistics, manufacturing, and technology, contributing significantly to its economic prowess and global influence.

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