HK's new residency scheme brings in $16.5b

A total of 1,257 applications were received as of April 2025.

The new capital investment entrant scheme (New CIES) has brought in $16.5b (US$2.1b) in investments from 543 approved applicants since its launch in March 2024, according to Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK).

Of the total investment, $6b or 36% was directed into funds authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission since the scheme launched in March 2024.

Equities emerged as the second most popular asset class, drawing $4.6b or 28% of the investments. Debt securities accounted for 13%, with $2.2b.

As of the end of April 2025, InvestHK had received a total of 1,257 applications.

The Immigration Department has also granted “Approval-in-Principle” status to 911 applicants, allowing them to enter Hong Kong as visitors to complete their investments.

Additionally, a total of 512 applicants have been granted “Formal Approval” after fulfilling the investment requirements.

The government expects the current batch of applications to generate over $37b in total investment.