Hong Kong Accepted Bitcoin - Ethereum as Proof of Wealth for Investment Visas

Hong Kong Accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum as Proof of Wealth for Investment Visas

What is a investment Visa 

An investment visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to obtain residency or citizenship in a country by making a significant financial investment in that country. This could include investments in real estate, business ventures, or other financial assets. The goal is to attract foreign capital and encourage economic development.

For example, some countries have specific programs that grant residency or a pathway to citizenship in exchange for investing a certain amount of money, often in areas like job creation, real estate development, or government bonds. The requirements and benefits vary depending on the country and the specific program.

In the case of Hong Kong's New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), applicants can meet the investment requirement by holding a specific amount of assets, such as cryptocurrencies, to qualify for residency.

Hong Kong has officially accepted Bitcoin and Ether as legitimate proof of assets for investment immigration applications under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES). This allows applicants to fulfill the HK$30 million (approximately $3.8 million) investment requirement using cryptocurrency holdings.

The Hong Kong government has recognized digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) as valid proof of wealth for applicants seeking residency under the New CIES.

The first case of approval occurred in October 2024, with a second approval granted on February 7, 2025.

These applications were processed within Hong Kong, overseen by the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Agency and Invest Hong Kong. Applicants submitted reports from certified accountants to verify their cryptocurrency holdings. For instance, accountant Xiao Yaohe confirmed that he signed a report for an applicant holding HK$30 million in ETH, which was then approved.