The Hong Kong government has unveiled key enhancements to its Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), effective from 1 March 2025, in a move to strengthen its position as a global asset and wealth management hub.

The updated rules ease the net asset requirement (NAR), allowing applicants to demonstrate net assets of HK$30m over just six months—down from two years—prior to submitting an application. In addition, assets jointly held with family members can now be included, provided the applicant has absolute beneficial entitlement to their portion.

Investments made through eligible private companies will also qualify. These must be wholly owned by the applicant and structured as Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHVs) or Family-owned Special Purpose Entities (FSPEs) under FIHVs, as defined under Hong Kong tax law. This enhancement aims to align New CIES with the city’s broader push to attract global family offices.

“The New CIES has attracted high-net-worth individuals, business elites and innovative entrepreneurs,” said Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui. “These measures will encourage more investors to join the scheme and can create synergy with the tax concession regime for family offices.”

The first 10 months of the New CIES have seen nearly 7,000 enquiries and over 800 applications. Among these, 733 applicants have satisfied the NAR and 240 have already invested the required HK$30m. The expected capital inflow exceeds HK$24bn.

Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, added, “This reflects the strong confidence of investors in Hong Kong. We will continue to work closely with professionals and service providers to promote the scheme globally.”