Approved Investment Routes

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The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme offers considerable flexibility within its list of approved investment instruments. The HK$30 million qualifying investment may be distributed across a range of financial and capital markets, subject to a few structuring rules and regulatory approvals.

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Permissible assets include:

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1. Equities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, whether in the main board or GEM board. These must be held through a licensed broker or custodial account registered in the applicant's name.
   
2. Hong Kong dollar-denominated debt instruments, including government bonds, Exchange Fund Notes, and qualifying corporate bonds.
   
3. Mutual funds, unit trusts, and REITs authorized by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). These must be on the official list of “designated permissible collective investment schemes.
   
4. Deposits placed with licensed Hong Kong banks, provided they meet documentation and liquidity standards.
   
5. Non-residential real estate, including commercial offices, industrial premises, or retail property. The cap on this sub-category is HK$10 million, and all purchases must be completed before application submission.

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Importantly, all investments must be held within designated custodian or brokerage accounts, and applicants are required to submit monthly statements to verify compliance. Investments may be rebalanced across the approved instruments, provided the total value remains at or above HK$30 million at all times.

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From a strategic standpoint, the real estate component, while limited, remains attractive for investors seeking tangible, appreciating assets. Commercial real estate in central districts such as Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Causeway Bay continue to offer robust yields and high occupancy, although entry costs and management requirements may be non-trivial.

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In contrast, a fund-based strategy offers broader diversification and simplified compliance. However, applicants should be cautious about fees, illiquidity, or opaque NAV structures—particularly in smaller or sector-specific funds. We strongly advise working with SFC-licensed fund managers with established track records in Hong Kong equities or regional fixed-income.

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