Against the backdrop of the Hong Kong SAR Government's efforts to "snatch talents and enterprises", Hong Kong's New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (NCIES) officially opened for application on March 1st.

In the first three days after the launch of the Scheme, the HKSAR Government has already received more than 300 inquiries and several applications, and the response has been very enthusiastic.

The Hong Kong Immigrant Investor Program has unparalleled advantages:

✔ No start-up or business requirements;

✔ No educational, language or age requirements;

✔ Simple data preparation, lenient application requirements and fast approval;

✔ A wide selection of investment asset classes;

✔ Spouses and minor children may accompany them to work and study in Hong Kong.

The re-launch of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (N CIES) aims to attract asset owners to settle and develop in Hong Kong, and to explore diversified investment opportunities in Hong Kong through the deployment and management of wealth.

Under the Scheme, an applicant is eligible to stay in Hong Kong if he/she meets the basic criteria and invests a net value of not less than HK$30 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) in the permissible investment assets that he/she owns beneficially in absolute terms. If the applicant has resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years, he/she is eligible to apply for permanent residence status in Hong Kong in accordance with the law.

Simple application requirements, investment can get Hong Kong identityThe response to Hong Kong's investment immigration was also expected. The enthusiastic response to Hong Kong investment migrants is also expected.

So, which classes of assets can be invested and what is the specific scope of investment? What are the rules to be followed for investment activities? What is the application process? Let's take a look~

1
Scope of investment

# stock

Shares of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK) traded in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi.

# Debt securities

▪ Debt securities listed on the Stock Exchange that are traded in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi;

▪ Debt securities denominated in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi, including fixed-rate or floating-rate instruments and convertible bonds issued or fully guaranteed by

*Related agencies include:

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Exchange Fund, the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, the MTR Corporation Limited, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and such other corporations, institutions or bodies specified by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as being wholly or partly owned by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or listed companies referred to above.

Note: If the applicant/investor exercises the option to exchange the bonds for shares, the investment will be treated as an equity investment thereafter.

# Certificate of Deposit (up to HK$3 million)

Certificates of deposit denominated in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi issued by authorized institutions prescribed under the Banking Ordinance.

Caveats:

Applicants/investors are required to obtain "approval in principle" from the Director of Immigration for the purchase of Certificates of Deposit, the purchase must be made not less than 12 months before maturity, and the investment amount must be capped at the minimum investment threshold of 10% (i.e. HK$3 million);

A certificate of deposit purchased by an applicant/investor shall be absolutely and beneficially owned by the applicant/investor throughout the period from the date of investment to the maturity date of the certificate of deposit and shall be converted on maturity into a certificate of deposit or other permissible investment asset that is not less than 12 months away from maturity at the time of the applicant's/investor's purchase;

Debt service after #

Issuance of subordinated debt denominated in Hong Kong dollars or Renminbi by authorized institutions in accordance with the provisions of the Banking (Capital) Rules.

# Eligible Collective Investment Scheme

▪ SEC-recognized funds managed by corporations or registered institutions licensed by the SEC for Type 9 regulated activities;

▪ SEC-approved real estate investment trusts managed by a corporation or registered institution licensed by the SEC for Type 9 regulated activities;

▪ SFC-approved investment-linked life insurance plans issued by insurers licensed to carry on Class C business as specified in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Insurance Ordinance;

▪ Open-ended fund-based companies registered under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and managed by corporations or registered institutions licensed by the SFC for Type 9 regulated activities (with an aggregate investment limit of HK$10 million).

# Non-residential real estate (investment limit of HK$10 million)

Non-residential real estate for commercial and/or industrial purposes in Hong Kong includes office buildings, commercial buildings, retail units and factory buildings, but excludes land and multi-purpose real estate partly used for residential purposes, and also excludes boats, houseboats, trailers, station wagons used for residential purposes, unauthorized building works and lofts, and land used or occupied illegally or unlawfully.

# Capital Investor Entry Program Portfolio

Applicants are required to invest HK$3 million in a Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) portfolio, which will invest in Hong Kong-related companies/projects to support the innovation and technology sector and other priority sectors conducive to the long-term economic development of Hong Kong.

*Note:

The HK$3 million invested in the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) portfolio is subject to a lock-up period. The CIES Portfolio does not guarantee capital preservation and dividend distribution, but is subject to discretionary allocation where appropriate, taking into account factors such as the pace and mix of its construction and implementation, as well as relevant policy objectives and implementation arrangements.

2
Application Process

① Signing a service agreement;

② Prepare application documents (and apply for permanent resident status in a third country);

③ Submit an application and obtain a file number;

④ Obtain approval in principle and complete the investment in Hong Kong as required;

⑤ After obtaining formal approval, enter Hong Kong to apply for a Hong Kong Resident Identity Card;

(vi) After the Hong Kong status has lasted for 7 years, apply for Hong Kong permanent residence and passport.

Hong Kong's low, simple and competitive tax regime, its policies at the forefront and its status as an international financial center determine that it is strong enough and will bring once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunities to investors.

If you are interested in applying for Hong Kong investment immigration, please feel free to contact us.