Hong KongResidence & Wealth Structures

The criteria cover age, qualifications, languages, experience, annual income and business ownership. Each requires supporting evidence. Meeting more criteria is generally favourable but does not guarantee selection.

The General Points Test normally grants 36 months initially. Extension requires evidence of steps to settle, work or establish business in Hong Kong, and later evidence of settlement and contribution. The achievement-based route normally grants eight years initially and follows different extension criteria.

Principal applicant and each dependent: HK$600 non-refundable application fee per application. On approval, visa issuance is HK$1,300 for a relevant period exceeding 180 days, or HK$600 for 180 days or less. The relevant-period calculation follows the Immigration Department’s rules. Professional, certification and other applicable costs are assessed separately.

Mainland Chinese residents are generally assessed under ASMTP. Overseas PRC passport holders may qualify under GEP with overseas permanent residence, or at least one year of immediately preceding overseas residence and an overseas application, subject to the applicable definitions.

The vacancy, professional fit, employment and local recruitment considerations must be substantiated. Employer or role changes must follow the applicable stay conditions. Extension depends on actual qualifying employment and remuneration.

Principal applicant and each dependent: HK$600 non-refundable application fee per application. On approval, visa issuance is HK$1,300 for a relevant period exceeding 180 days, or HK$600 for 180 days or less. The relevant-period calculation follows the Immigration Department’s rules. Professional, certification and other applicable costs are assessed separately.

At least HK$27 million must be invested in permissible financial assets and/or real estate, with HK$3 million in the CIES Investment Portfolio. Eligible real-estate amounts have aggregate and residential sub-caps, and residential properties have a per-property transaction-price condition. Buying a HK$30 million home alone does not complete the investment requirement. Maintenance, withdrawals and holding entities remain subject to the Scheme rules.

Apply to InvestHK for net asset assessment, then to Immigration for approval in principle. Complete investment and its assessment within the prescribed period before formal residence approval. Assets, beneficial ownership and sources of funds must be genuine and verifiable.

An eligible spouse or recognised partner and unmarried dependent children under 18 may apply. A person who has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least seven years and meets the other statutory requirements may apply for permanent residence. An entrant permitted to stay under the Scheme for at least seven years and continuously meeting the portfolio maintenance requirements may apply for unconditional stay, which is distinct from permanent residence.

Principal applicant and each dependent: HK$600 non-refundable application fee per application. On approval, visa issuance is HK$1,300 for a relevant period exceeding 180 days, or HK$600 for 180 days or less. The relevant-period calculation follows the Immigration Department’s rules. Professional, certification and other applicable costs are assessed separately. These fees apply to specified-scheme entry and extension applications, excluding applications for unconditional stay or visit visas.

Define the strategy, investors, directors, investment manager and custodian before establishment. Assess qualifications and ongoing audit, valuation, reporting and compliance costs. Investment and distribution activities must meet the applicable regulatory requirements.

Government registration, business registration and professional fees are assessed separately. Umbrellas and sub-funds can carry different charges. Tax treatment depends on actual transactions and exemption conditions; neither blanket exemption nor returns are promised.

An OFC may serve as a fund structure for a family or other eligible investors. Suitability depends on assets, governance, investors and ongoing costs. Establishing an OFC does not itself confer residence rights.