The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was launched by the Hong Kong SAR Government on 27 October, 2003 to facilitate the entry for residence of Capital Investment Entrants, who make their choice of investments amongst permissible assets of not less than HKD6.5 million. Entrants may be allowed to bring in their dependants (i.e. spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age) to Hong Kong, and upon completion of not less than seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong, the entrant and his dependants may apply for permanent citizenship.

The Scheme is applicable to foreign nationals (except nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cuba and The Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Macao SAR residents, Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country, stateless persons who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign country with proven re-entry facilities, and Taiwan residents.

The entrant may invest in either or both of the two permissible investments asset classes, that is real estate and specified financial assets. Real estate refers to commercial, industrial or residential properties, including land and pre-completion properties in Hong Kong. And specified financial assets refer to equities, debt securities, certificates of deposits, subordinated debt and eligible collective investment schemes note.

Entrants may be allowed to bring in their dependants (i.e. spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age) provided that the entrant is capable of supporting and accommodating his dependants on his own without relying on any return on the permissible investment assets, employment or public assistance in Hong Kong.

When approval in principle is granted, the entrant will be initially allowed to enter Hong Kong on visitor status for three months. If evidence of active progress in investment can be shown, entrant's visitor status can be extended for another three months. When the entrant has furnished proof that the requisite level of investment has been made, permission to stay for two years (formal approval) will be granted. Further extensions for two years will be granted if the entrant can demonstrate that they have met the eligibility criteria and portfolio maintenance requirements continuously. Further extensions for 2 years will be granted on the same basis. Upon completion of not less than seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong, the entrant and dependants may apply for the right of abode in Hong Kong in accordance with the law.