Applying for an employment visa can be a complex process that requires significant time and careful attention to the specific requirements of each country. In Hong Kong, the most common types of employment visas include the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talent and Professionals (ASMTP).
Following the suspension of the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in 2015 (the “Old CIES”), the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) reintroduced the New CIES in March 2024. Under this program, applicants who invest HKD30 million in permissible investments in Hong Kong for a duration of seven years can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence or unconditional stay. Permissible investments include equities, debt securities, deposit, subordinated debt, eligible collective investment schemes and non-residential real estate. In this series of two articles, we will explore the advantages for high-net-worth individuals of obtaining a Hong Kong Passport through the New CIES.