Does residential property in Hong Kong qualify under the new CIES?

No. Residential real estate is excluded under the 2024 re-launch. Only non-residential property qualifies, capped at HKD 10 million of the total HKD 30 million.

Can mainland Chinese citizens apply for CIES?

Only if they already hold permanent residency in a foreign country. Pure mainland Chinese passport holders are not eligible.

Do I need to live in Hong Kong on CIES?

There is no minimum stay required to maintain CIES status, but to convert to permanent residency you must show 7 years of continuous ordinary residence.

How long does CIES approval take?

Net-worth assessment by InvestHK is typically 4-6 weeks. Total time from application to landing visa is usually 4-6 months, depending on how quickly the investment is executed.

Hong Kong CIES 2026: HKD 30M Investor Route Explained

What is the new CIES?

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES, 新资本投资者入境计划) was re-launched by the Hong Kong Government on 1 March 2024 after a decade-long suspension. It is a residency-by-investment route administered jointly by the Immigration Department and InvestHK.

Investment requirement

You must invest a minimum of HKD 30 million in permissible HK assets, structured as follows:

HKD 27 million into permissible "Class A" assets:
- Equities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
- Debt securities issued by the HK Government, Exchange Fund, HKMA, MTRC, Airport Authority and other specified entities
- Eligible certificates of deposit
- Subordinated debt of Hong Kong-licensed banks
- Eligible collective investment schemes (SFC-authorised)
- Limited partnership funds and OFCs investing primarily in HK companies
HKD 3 million into the CIES Investment Portfolio — a fund managed by HKIC focusing on strategic HK industries (innovation & technology, life and health, advanced manufacturing).

Note: residential real estate does not qualify under the new scheme. Non-residential property contributes up to HKD 10M of the total.

Net-worth and eligibility tests

You must show net assets of at least HKD 30 million held in your sole or joint name for at least the two years preceding the application.
You must be 18 or above and have no adverse immigration / criminal record.
Mainland Chinese citizens are eligible only if they have obtained permanent residency in a foreign country.

Process

Net-worth assessment by InvestHK — typically 4-6 weeks.
Approval-in-principle from Immigration.
Make the HKD 30M investment within 6 months and submit proof.
Formal approval and entry visa issued — initial 2-year stay.

Renewals and PR

Visa pattern: 2 + 3 + 3 years. After 7 continuous years of ordinary residence while maintaining the investment, you can apply for Right of Abode.

Who CIES suits

High-net-worth individuals seeking residency without an employer or job offer.
Those who prefer a wealth-preservation route over the points-based QMAS or employer-based GEP.
Families wanting to relocate together — spouse and dependent children are included.

⚖️ This is an AI pre-assessment only and is not legal advice. The final decision rests with the Hong Kong Immigration Department.