Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) was intended to attract wealthy individuals and investors to Hong Kong.
What was the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)?
The CIES was a government initiative launched in 2003 to attract foreign capital and investment into the economy and boost economic growth. It offered a route for eligible people to achieve Hong Kong residential status and receive other benefits.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the CIES, applicants must meet certain conditions:
- Financial: A high-net-worth individual must show a stable financial background with substantial liquid assets ready to invest in Hong Kong.
- Investment: Applicants must invest substantially in defined asset classes, including, Certificates of Deposit, equities, debt securities, and specific collective investment schemes.
- Character Evaluation: Applicants must undergo a thorough character evaluation to ensure they meet the elevated standards of integrity and financial credibility expected by the Hong Kong government.
Benefits of CIES
Involvement in the CIES provides several benefits to successful applicants:
- Residency: CIES allows successful applicants and their close family members to become residents.
- Stability and Security: The city-state is known for its rule of law, robust financial regulatory system, and attractive investment environment.
- Entryway to Asia: Besides being one of the world’s leading financial hubs, Hong Kong offers entry into the Asia-Pacific region’s massive markets and business opportunities.
- Quality of Life: From world-class education, infrastructure, and healthcare to a vibrant cultural scene and outstanding food, Hong Kong offers an exceptional quality of life for its residents.
- Tax Benefits: A simple and low-tax environment offering investors significant tax advantages.
Scheme Closure and Relevance
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme closed to new applications in 2015 but remains relevant for those who applied before the closure date, so if you applied before the suspension, the CIES still offers an exceptional opportunity.
Partnering with Direction Capital
As a company with experience in the Hong Kong market, Direction Capital will partner with you in navigating the complexities of the CIES. We are very familiar with the details of the scheme and will guide you through the process.
Our services include:
- Investment Strategy: Creating a customized investment strategy aligned with the requirements and regulations of the CIES program.
- Asset Allocation: Identifying asset classes and opportunities to diversify your portfolio and optimize performance.
- Documents: Guiding you through the documentation and application process, we provide straightforward and expert advice that helps achieve a successful application.