The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme offers a path to permanent residency in a city known for its legal transparency, low crime and world-class living.
For more than 45 years, James Thompson has called Hong Kong home. The founder and chairman of Crown Worldwide Group first expanded his company to the city in 1970 and has never looked back.
“I would absolutely recommend Hong Kong as a place to live for my foreign friends. Excellent schools, great recreation activities, wonderful food and an overall sense of safety that is hard to find in other global cities. In my view there is very little that is lacking,” he says.
For high net worth individuals and families seeking a secure, internationally connected base, Hong Kong has long offered a rare combination of qualities. With the launch of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), these advantages are now open to a broader group of global investors seeking permanent residency in one of Asia’s most livable cities.
A Safe And Stable Environment For Families
One of Hong Kong’s greatest strengths is its consistency. In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic volatility and shifting policies, the city offers something increasingly rare: stability.
Hong Kong operates under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, granting it a high level of autonomy and allowing it to maintain its own legal, financial and judicial frameworks. Its legal system follows English common law, which is familiar to investors from many parts of the world.
This predictable and transparent framework has earned global recognition and reinforces the city’s reputation as a place where contracts are honored, disputes are resolved fairly, and long-term planning is possible. For families seeking certainty for themselves and future generations, that consistency matters.
Just as importantly, Hong Kong places no restrictions on the flow of capital, goods or talent in and out of the city. Alongside a low and simple tax regime, investors have the flexibility to manage their affairs across jurisdictions while enjoying legal clarity at home.
Security And Order In Everyday Life
Beyond legal protections, daily life in Hong Kong is remarkably safe. The city consistently ranks among the safest in the world, with low rates of violent crime and high levels of public trust in law enforcement and civil services.
Residents regularly point to the peace of mind that comes from living in a city where children can walk to school unaccompanied, where public transport is punctual and reliable, and where civic life is marked by order and efficiency.
“The lack of crime and overall safety of Hong Kong has been a huge benefit when compared with other big cities,” says Thompson.
This high level of safety is paired with global accessibility. Hong Kong International Airport offers frequent direct flights to major cities such as London, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Sydney.
Living The Dream
Hong Kong also offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with deep cultural roots. Imagine starting your day with a hike up Dragon’s Back, one of Hong Kong’s scenic trails with sweeping views of the coastline. By lunchtime, you’re back in the heart of the city, where Michelin-starred restaurants sit beside vibrant neighbourhood markets. In the evening, perhaps a symphony performance at the Cultural Centre, or a quiet dinner with family overlooking Victoria Harbour.
For families who enjoy the outdoors, Hong Kong delivers in surprising ways. Beaches, country parks, yacht clubs and golf courses are all within a short drive from the city center. Despite being one of the world’s leading financial capitals, Hong Kong makes space for fresh air and open skies.
Education is often one of the most important considerations for families looking to settle long term. Here, Hong Kong stands out. The city is home to 54 international schools covering a range of globally recognized curricula, including American, British, German, French and Japanese, making it easy for children to transition and thrive. At the tertiary level, Hong Kong is unmatched in Asia, with five universities ranked among the global top 100.
“Wonderful family life, great outdoor activities, a vibrant dining and cultural scene, Hong Kong has it all,” says Charles Luchangco, founder of Arete Capital Asia.
A Gateway For Investors Seeking More
Launched in 2024, the New CIES is a compelling pathway for investors who want to make the dream of living in Hong Kong a reality.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate net assets of at least HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) held continuously for the six months prior to application.
They are required to invest a minimum of HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) to permissible investment assets. Once the investment requirements are met and formal approval is granted by the Immigration Department, applicants may bring their spouse and children under 18 to reside in Hong Kong.
One of the scheme’s most attractive features—particularly for family offices—is its structural flexibility. In addition to holding investments through a personal designated account, qualified applicants are also allowed to hold their assets through wholly family-owned investment vehicles, aligning with Hong Kong’s existing tax concession regime. This provides greater simplicity and consistency for wealth structuring and succession planning.
Under the current tax framework, a family office in Hong Kong can enjoy profits tax concession on qualifying transactions, provided the family-owned investment vehicles meet the minimum asset threshold of HK$240 million (US$30 million) and other relevant criteria.
In addition, if an investor establishes a single-family office (SFO) in Hong Kong with aggregate assets of at least HK$240 million (US$30 million), jointly with family members, and the family office qualifies under Hong Kong’s SFO tax concession regime, it may enable up to eight eligible family members to meet the investment requirements under the New CIES and apply for residency.
For those who want more than just a place to reside, Hong Kong offers a world-class financial center that also feels like home. It is a city where international investors are welcomed and treated equally, and where quality of life is not compromised.
With the New CIES, Hong Kong is inviting the world’s most forward-thinking investors and their families to share in a future built on stability, openness and opportunity.