Hong Kong Investor Visa Attracts Over HK$21 Billion in Five Months

Hong Kong’s revamped investor visa program, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (NCIES), has brought in more than HK$21 billion in investments since its relaunch in March 2024.

The program received 1,548 applications and has approved 673 as of the latest figures, with government officials forecasting a total inflow of HK$30 billion by the end of 2025.

The NCIES allows eligible applicants to apply for residency by investing at least HK$30 million in approved financial assets. These include stocks, bonds, and funds regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), among others.

SFC-approved funds currently make up the largest share of verified investments (around 40%), followed by stocks (30%), and bonds (over 10%).

The remaining portion is spread across other qualified asset classes, including linked assurance schemes and real estate investment trust funds.

Policy Tweaks Accelerate Application Processing

Following eligibility adjustments introduced in March 2025, the monthly approval rate has more than doubled. Between March and April 2025 alone, InvestHK reviewed 339 applications and approved 171, compared to a monthly average of 31 prior to the change.

Since October 2024, single residential properties valued at HK$50 million or more have been included as eligible investments, provided they comply with the program’s HK$10 million cap for real estate. However, uptake for this option remains low.

Government projections now anticipate total investments under the scheme could surpass HK$50 billion by year-end.