Currently, the primary requirement for investment immigration to Hong Kong is that the applicant must possess a net worth of no less than HKD 10 million (not including real estate) in the two years prior to application, and invest it in approved asset categories. It is understood that the current policy has been in effect since 2010, and during the initial phase of the program, the minimum investment amount was set at HKD 6.5 million, receiving only a few hundred applications in the first few years, which then steadily increased. In October 2010, the Hong Kong government raised the investment amount to HKD 10 million, and that year saw a surge in applications as many rushed to catch the "last train", with the number of applicants nearly doubling from the previous year.
As the saying goes, "Ten years bring many changes in personnel." Just as we entered 2013, the immigration market was abuzz with news that the Hong Kong Investment Immigration program would soon announce new policies. There are various speculations regarding both the investment amount and the requirements for applicants, with the most talked-about being the potential "price increase". Figures such as HKD 15 million, HKD 18 million, and even HKD 20 million have been mentioned. Although adjustments to the policy have been somewhat elusive, reactions from various parties suggest that a price increase may have become an irreversible trend. Recent reports indicate that official policies will be formally announced by the authorities in January next year.
Furthermore, to invest and settle in Hong Kong, it is currently required to have a residence permit from a third country. In the future, it is highly likely that Hong Kong will raise this threshold, requiring applicants to hold a passport from a third country to apply for investment immigration. According to China's nationality law, if the applicant is a Chinese citizen, they must renounce their Chinese nationality to obtain foreign nationality, which is necessary to acquire a passport from a third country. This undoubtedly raises the bar for immigration to Hong Kong.
The ten-year journey of investment immigration has brought considerable financial benefits to Hong Kong from Mainland China, with investors applying for Hong Kong having contributed approximately HKD 150 billion to this "Pearl of the Orient", while nearly 20,000 people have been approved for settlement through the program. However, it has also inevitably led to some social issues, particularly the rise in housing prices and living costs, which have drawn significant criticism. Current observations indicate that while the Hong Kong government considers financial benefits, it is also actively promoting talent development. The Hong Kong government is preparing to intensify efforts to develop the "Quality Migrant Admission Scheme" and the "Talent Admission Scheme from Mainland China", which illustrates the belief that in the 21st century, "talent" is a more valuable investment than "wealth".
