The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) has received a total of 1,257 applications and is anticipated to bring over HK$37 billion in investment to the city, according to InvestHK.
The agency highlighted a strong response since the launch of New CIES in March 2024, citing 911 applicants have been granted with "Approval-in-Principle" as of April, which allows them to enter Hong Kong as visitors to complete their investments.
Additionally, "Formal Approval" has been granted to 512 applicants who successfully completed their investments.
After introducing enhanced measures in March 2025, applications surged by over 440 percent compared to February.
The new measures included shortening the fulfillment period for the Net Asset Requirement (NAR) from two years to six months, considering the applicant's share of jointly-owned family assets in the NAR calculation, and permitting investments through a wholly-owned company.
Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau Hai-suen expressed confidence that the new scheme will attract more talent and investment to the city, underlining Hong Kong's resilience and solid foundation for a stable business environment for global investors.
Lau stated that InvestHK will continue to work closely with professionals and stakeholders to further promote the initiative to worldwide professional talents.
To expand its promotional reach, InvestHK noted it has implemented a comprehensive promotional strategy over the past year, including broadcasting a promotional video at Hong Kong International Airport and publishing feature articles in media outlets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America.
The department also shares relevant information through social media and promotes the New CIES via overseas visits, investor meetings, and collaborations with chambers of commerce, industry associations, and networks of family office service providers.
(Phoebe Poon)
