CIES applications continue to surge after government’s policy changes, monthly application average now at 85.
Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) has received 1,257 applications as of May 25. InvestHK anticipates HK$37 billion (US$4.7 billion) in investment commitments from the expanding applicant pool.
The program has processed 512 formal approvals for applicants who completed their investments, while 911 others hold approval-in-principle status. Applicants have submitted 339 new applications since late April, increasing the monthly average from roughly 70 to 85 submissions over the program’s 14-month lifespan.
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The uptick follows a surge in March when applications jumped 440% compared to February, directly coinciding with policy changes that took effect March 1. InvestHK streamlined three key requirements:
- Reducing asset verification periods from two years to six months,
- Allowing joint family asset ownership to count toward the HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) threshold, and
- Permitting investments through wholly-owned companies.
These changes addressed administrative barriers that had constrained participation since the program’s March 2024 relaunch. The 440% March increase demonstrates how bureaucratic simplification released pent-up demand rather than indicating fundamental market disinterest.
The government’s anticipated HK$37 billion (US$4.7 billion) in total commitments represents a substantial increase from the HK$10.5 billion (US$1.3 billion) in approved investments recorded through April. This gap reflects the time lag between application approval and actual investment completion, as applicants have 180 days to finalize their commitments.
InvestHK has implemented an expanded promotional strategy over the past year, broadcasting promotional videos at Hong Kong International Airport and publishing feature articles across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and America.
The March policy adjustments marked the latest in a series of modifications since the program’s relaunch. Previous changes included accepting cryptocurrency holdings for wealth verification and reintroducing residential real estate as a qualifying investment option for properties valued above HK$50 million (US$6.4 million).
Current application rates suggest the program could approach 1,500 to 2,000 annual submissions if recent momentum continues, though this remains below the government’s target of 4,000 yearly participants. The recent acceleration indicates that regulatory streamlining successfully addressed the primary obstacles to program participation.
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Ahmad Abbas is the Editor of IMI Daily, IMI’s flagship news publication.
