Hong Kong’s revamped Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) has drawn strong momentum, with applications surging 51% in just three months. By August 2025, 1,900 submissions had been lodged, representing potential inflows of HK$58 billion (US$7.4 billion). The program is now pacing toward 2,400–2,800 annual applications, equivalent to 60–70% of the government’s 4,000 target.
Monthly uptake has been steady, climbing 8% from July’s 1,760 applications. Since May, submissions have risen from 1,257 alongside a jump in pledged investment from HK$37 billion to HK$58 billion, a 57% increase.
Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan Ho-lim emphasised Hong Kong’s positioning as an international wealth hub, noting that more than half of its asset base originates outside the city and mainland China. He described the territory as “a liberal economy offering diverse local and global opportunities.”
The CIES performance follows Hong Kong surpassing its family office target months ahead of schedule. More than 200 family offices have now been set up, contributing to the HK$35 trillion in assets under management that grew 13% year-on-year through 2024, fuelled by global capital inflows.
March reforms helped unlock demand by easing requirements: asset verification periods were shortened from two years to six months, joint family holdings now count toward the HK$30 million threshold, and wholly-owned corporate structures are allowed.
With each application averaging HK$30.5 million, officials are confident that the scheme, paired with expanded cooperation with mainland regulators, will continue to channel significant investment while balancing capital flow and risk management.
