Hong Kong Immigration
Hong Kong Investment Immigration New Policies Announced in the 2023 Policy Address
On October 25, 2023, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee unveiled his second policy address, introducing the new “Capital Investment Entrant Scheme” set to rejuvenate Hong Kong’s appeal to global investors.
Applications Open Mid-2024
Details of the revamped “Capital Investment Entrant Scheme” were announced on December 19, 2023, with the application process officially starting in mid-2024. Applicants must have possessed a net asset value of no less than HK$30 million, or its equivalent in foreign currency, for at least two years prior to their application.
Advantages of Hong Kong Investment Immigration
- Simplified Process: No interviews with immigration officers required.
- Diverse Investment Options: No specific investment targets; investment in government-recognized financial products suffices.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and unmarried dependent children under 18 can apply simultaneously.
- Passport Privileges: Holders of the HKSAR passport enjoy visa-free access to over 168 countries and regions.
- Unconditional Stay: After maintaining the investment in Hong Kong for seven years, investors can obtain a permanent residence visa, with the option to withdraw the investment funds upon expiration.
- Access to Services: Approved applicants gain access to Hong Kong’s healthcare and education services.
- Ease of Business Operations: Low operational costs and straightforward business management in Hong Kong.
Timeline
Approximately 10-12 months to receive an “Entry Permit.”
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- No criminal record
- Foreign Nationals
- Chinese Nationals with foreign Permanent Residency
- Residents of Macau SAR
- Taiwanese residents
Required Documents
- Application form
- Personal identification documents
- Identity Card
- Passport from country or region of residence
- Household registration book copy (applicable for residents of Mainland China and Taiwan)
- Bank statements/stock/bonds: 24-month transaction history
- Asset certification report issued by a Hong Kong Certified Public Accountant
- Marriage Certificate copy
- Notarized Marriage Certificate (applicable for Mainland China residents)
- Birth Certificate copy
- Notarized Birth Certificate of children (applicable for Mainland China residents)
- Personal asset information
- Real Estate: Property deeds, property valuation report
- Business: Business license, articles of incorporation, audit reports/financial statements
Application Process
- Evaluate and report on asset eligibility over the past 24 months to meet the HK$30 million requirement.
- Transition status and handle foreign permanent residency documentation (if applicable).
- Complete and submit the application form along with the required documents to the Immigration Department.
- Receive a principle approval notification from the Immigration Department.
- Obtain a 3-month “Entry Permit Visa.”
- Formulate an investment plan.
- Declare investment assets to the Immigration Department.
- Upon approval from the Immigration Department, receive a 2-year “Entry Permit” and apply for a Hong Kong Resident Identity Card.
- Every two years, extend the stay and submit investment details to the Immigration Department.
- After 7 years, applicants and dependents may apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong.