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- Basis for applying
- Eligible status, net assets and permissible investment
- Job offer
- Not based on a Hong Kong job offer
- Initial stay
- Normally up to 24 months after formal approval
Net assets, investment and independent support
At net-asset assessment you must be 18+ and within the scheme’s scope: foreign nationals, Chinese nationals with foreign permanent residence, Macao residents or Chinese residents of Taiwan. Afghan, Cuban and North Korean nationals are excluded. You also need a clean record and independent resources for family living/accommodation without relying on Hong Kong employment/business, returns on permissible investments or public assistance.
The minimum HK$30m investment comprises at least HK$27m in permissible financial assets and/or qualifying real estate, plus HK$3m in the designated CIES Investment Portfolio. Proving net assets and completing investment are separate assessments.
| Question | What it establishes |
|---|---|
| Net assets | Under current rules, at least HK$30m in net assets or net capital continuously for the six months before application. |
| Qualifying investment | Investment in permitted assets within the scheme’s timing and holding rules; not every property or stock purchase counts. |
| Separate liquidity | Independent resources to support and accommodate the family, without counting the same funds as both investment and living support. |
Chinese applicants must meet the identity categories above; mainland household registration and funds alone do not establish eligibility. Check identity, asset ownership and funding sources before arranging accountant verification and investment.
Stateless applicants with foreign permanent residence and proven re-entry facilities may also apply under the scheme, with evidence of both.
Documents and sequence: asset assessment, entry and investment
| Stage | Prepare |
|---|---|
| Identity | Travel document, photo and applicable foreign permanent-residence, Macao or Taiwan evidence; dependants’ identity and relationship records. |
| Net assets | Six months of asset/account records, ownership, valuation and liabilities; identify your beneficial portion of joint assets. A Hong Kong practising CPA prepares the required fulfilment document and net-assets statement. |
| Approval in principle | InvestHK’s net-asset certification, entry application and independent living-funds evidence, with family documents if applicable. |
| Investment and formal approval | Designated account, transaction/holding records and permissible-asset/portfolio evidence; CPA verification and investment-assessment certification for Immigration. |
| Maintenance | Account and certification records, anniversary submissions and renewal evidence, tracking both authorities’ deadlines. |
Generally no more than 14 calendar days may separate the net-asset fulfilment document’s issue and application. Approval in principle normally permits a visitor stay of up to 180 days to make the investment; check the exact investment window and document validity. We coordinate with the CPA and qualified professionals before asset purchases or transfers.
A property or company does not satisfy the whole scheme
Permitted real estate has price, counting-limit and completion-date requirements. Check eligibility and obtain professional advice before buying or transferring assets; not every property counts in full.
Maintain records after formal approval
Keep designated-account, transaction and periodic verification records. Track investment-maintenance deadlines and visa expiry separately. Investments can fluctuate and lose value; immigration services do not guarantee capital or returns.