Two-year milestone: New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme attracts nearly 3 200 applications with expected investment of about HK$95 billion, reflecting global confidence in Hong Kong (with photos)
Over the past two years, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) has progressed through an initial phase of foundation and awareness-building, followed by regular review and enhancement of the Scheme, resulting in sustained growth and breakthroughs. The number of applications in the second year of the Scheme rose by 145% to 2 248. This reflects the growing confidence of applicants and the market in the New CIES.
The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) has steadily attracted global high-net-worth individuals and capital inflows to Hong Kong since its launch in March 2024. As at February 28, 2026, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) has received nearly 3 200 applications, representing an anticipated investment value of about HK$95 billion for the city, further reinforcing its leading position as an international wealth management centre.
Over the past two years, the New CIES has progressed through an initial phase of foundation and awareness-building, followed by regular reviews and enhancements of the Scheme, resulting in sustained growth and breakthroughs. This robust trajectory fully reflects Hong Kong's competitive edge in the global investment landscape and demonstrates the market's confidence. InvestHK and the Immigration Department (ImmD) have deepened their collaboration in processing New CIES applications, providing tailored facilitation for applicants to invest and settle in the city.
Here is the latest data for the New CIES:
| Figures (as at February 28, 2026) | |
| Number of applications received by InvestHK | 3 166 |
| Number of applications that have completed investments and received "formal approval" from the ImmD | 1 762 |
| Expected investment amount to be brought into Hong Kong | about HK$95 billion |
For applications verified by InvestHK as meeting investment requirements as at February 28, 2026, the investment capital distribution is as follows:
| Permissible investment assets | Investment amount (HK$ Million) | Percentage (%) |
| Securities and Futures Commission-authorised Funds | 21,448 | 38.6% |
| Equities | 16,116 | 29.0% |
| Debt securities | 5,276 | 9.5% |
| Investment-linked assurance schemes | 5,498 | 9.9% |
| Others | 1,787 | 3.2% |
| CIES Investment Portfolio* | 5,511 | 9.9% |
| Total | 55,636 | 100.0% |
*Including capital pending deployment
For detailed charts of the cumulative application figures and distribution of the investment amounts, please refer to the Appendix.
In response to market demand, the Government continues to enhance the arrangements under the New CIES. After taking into account of the industry views, the New CIES has updated the conditions of a private holding company starting from March 1, 2026, allowing an applicant to use an eligible private holding company which has been set up in less than six months for his/her application for assessment on investment requirements without a minimum incorporation period. This measure offers investors greater flexibility in asset allocation.
With regard to the promotion of the CIES Investment Portfolio, InvestHK is actively supporting the work of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited. The 2025 batch of capital also commenced capital allocations this quarter, with investments exceeding HK$3 billion. These funds will be strategically deployed across a range of investment themes, including AI-enabled applications, sustainable technologies, materials science, and biotechnology, etc. This initiative not only provides fresh impetus to the city's economy but also supports the development of the local innovation and technology ecosystem, fosters corporate growth, and enhances Hong Kong's competitiveness both regionally and globally.
The Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, stated: "Hong Kong has been actively implementing a diverse range of talent admission schemes, and we are pleased to see the positive market response to the New CIES. Together with other admission schemes, these programmes work in synergy to attract talent and capital from around the world, supporting Hong Kong's sustainable development and long-term competitiveness."
The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "Upon arriving in Hong Kong, investors under the New CIES will not only bring substantial capital inflows but also generate ripple effects across real estate, dining, retail, education, and lifestyle services. This will stimulate both high-end and daily consumption, subsequently creating economic benefits for local small and medium-sized enterprises and professional service sectors. The New CIES also bolsters Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector, particularly as its investment portfolio spans both innovation and technology as well as other strategic fields. By providing funding support to start-ups and research projects, it accelerates the commercialisation and industrialisation of innovative achievements, further positioning Hong Kong as Asia's innovation and technology powerhouse."
In March 2023, the Hong Kong Government issued the Policy Statement on the Development of Family Office Business in Hong Kong, introducing a series of measures to enhance the city's competitiveness in family offices and wealth management, including the New CIES. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the robust momentum of family office growth, as both have recorded strong expansion, together reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a global wealth management hub.
Over the past year, InvestHK has pursued a comprehensive promotion strategy, publishing feature articles in key markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, as well as in local media. The department has also leveraged social media platforms to disseminate information and promote the New CIES. In addition, InvestHK has actively broadened its promotional outreach through overseas visits, investor conferences, and organising briefings in collaboration with chambers of commerce, industry associations, professional bodies, and network of family office service providers.
For more information about the New CIES, please visit www.newcies.gov.hk.