A simple low-rate tax system, a deep capital market, a common-law legal system and direct access to the Mainland Chinese economy. The relaunched Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and the Top Talent Pass have re-opened Hong Kong as a viable destination for international families with the right profile.
Hong Kong relaunched its Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) in March 2024 after a decade-long pause. The new scheme, administered by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), is materially more demanding than its predecessor and is explicitly targeted at high-net-worth individuals: applicants must demonstrate net assets of at least HKD 30 million and commit a minimum HKD 30 million to qualifying investments inside Hong Kong, of which HKD 3 million must flow to a dedicated CIES Investment Portfolio supporting the Hong Kong innovation ecosystem.
Alongside the CIES, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), launched in late 2022, offers a fast-track residence permission to senior professionals and graduates of the world's top universities. It does not require an investment, but does require either a high recent income or a degree from a defined list of leading global universities. The TTPS is, in practice, the easier route for younger entrepreneurs and senior professionals who have not yet accumulated CIES-level wealth.
Hong Kong's strategic case is the depth of its capital markets, the predictability of its low-rate territorial tax system (corporate 16.5% / 8.25% for the first HKD 2m of profits, personal salaries tax capped at 15%, no capital gains tax, no estate duty), and its position as the principal international gateway to Mainland China.
Hong Kong operates a territorial tax system: only income arising in or derived from Hong Kong is generally taxable in Hong Kong. There is no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends or interest paid to non-residents (with limited exceptions), and no estate duty. Salaries tax is capped at 15% (the standard-rate basis) for high earners. For internationally mobile families with non-Hong Kong-sourced investment income, the tax position is among the most accommodating of any major financial centre.
The interaction between Hong Kong tax residence and the principal's existing tax residence is the key question. China's worldwide-tax regime for residents, the Common Reporting Standard, and the relevant double-tax treaties all need to be considered together. Ovata works alongside named Hong Kong tax counsel from the outset.
This is orientation, not advice. The Hong Kong / China / source-country tax interaction is technical, and qualified local counsel is essential.
Generally no — the relaunched CIES excludes residential real estate from qualifying investments, with very limited transitional exceptions. Non-residential commercial property may count up to HKD 10 million of the qualifying investment.
There is no specific minimum-stay requirement under the CIES, but applicants seeking permanent residence after seven years must demonstrate Hong Kong as their place of "ordinary residence" — which is more demanding than nominal presence and requires genuine settlement.
The two are alternative routes. Younger professionals with a top-100 university degree (or high recent income) may find TTPS materially faster and cheaper. Wealthier applicants who do not meet TTPS criteria typically use CIES.
Yes. Holders of the CIES visa are permitted to live, work and study in Hong Kong, and to establish or join a business.
The relaunched CIES is more demanding than its predecessor — a short call is the best way to test whether the family profile fits.