For the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which has long been favored by investors, this year is a critical milestone. October 2013 marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme by the Hong Kong government. According to statistics, as of June this year, a total of 18,622 applications for the investment immigration scheme have been approved, attracting nearly HK$150 billion in capital to Hong Kong. Of these cases, 87% involve mainland residents who have already obtained permanent residency in a third country.
According to the latest data from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, the number of applications for the Hong Kong investment immigration scheme in the first half of 2013 increased by nearly 50% compared to the same period in 2012, reflecting strong demand. Figures submitted by the Hong Kong government to the Legislative Council also show that there were 4,560 applications in the first eight months of this year, with the total number of applications for the year expected to reach 7,000. The reason for this surge is that, as the Hong Kong government is currently reviewing the scheme, the industry generally anticipates that the threshold will be raised again.
Worldway immigration experts believe that the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme possesses many advantages, such as no language or academic requirements, no residency requirements (no "immigration jail"), comprehensive welfare benefits, high-quality education, and visa-free access to 147 countries and regions worldwide, making it highly competitive in the immigration market. Hong Kong and the mainland share the same roots and heritage, and the identical historical and cultural background, as well as the living environment, are also important factors for many mainland investors choosing Hong Kong. However, we also remind investors that regardless of whether the Hong Kong investment immigration policy is adjusted, investors should proceed based on their own immigration needs and choose the immigration project that suits them best; the most suitable one is the best.