Can virtual currencies also be used as proof of assets for Hong Kong investment migrants?

Hong Kong has made another "big move"!

Recently, there have been media reports that, according to the disclosure of clementsiu, a certified public accountant in Hong Kong.Hong Kong's Invest Hong Kong has approved an application for investment immigration using Ethereum as proof of HK$30 million in assets.

The accountant stated that it had also been successfully processed previously in October 2024First in Hong Kong to use Bitcoin as proof of assetsThe case of the immigrant investor.

Photo credit: PANews

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How can virtual currencies be used as proof of assets?

According to industry professionals, the key lies in whether the applicant's virtual currency assets have consistently remained above HK$30 million in the six months prior to application.

Due to the volatility of the virtual currency market, if the value of assets has ever fallen below HK$30 million during this period, applicants are required to provide proof of other assets (e.g. real estate, cash or financial products) to make up the difference to ensure that the total assets meet the requirements.

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on arrival

27 million can also be invested in virtual currencies

The New Investment Entrant Scheme (NIES) is jointly implemented by the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Agency (HKIPA) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), and the process is broadly divided into four steps:

1️⃣ Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) review: Verify that the applicant has a net worth of HK$30 million.
2️⃣ Approval-in-principle by Immigration Department: Allow applicants to come to Hong Kong and complete an investment of HK$30 million within 180 days.
3️⃣ Verification by InvestHK: Confirmation that the investment meets the requirements.
4️⃣ Formal authorization by the Immigration Department: Final approval completed.

under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. Eligible Collective Investment Schemes (ECIS) are one of the classes of permissible investment assets (classified under permissible financial assets).

According to the official list of Eligible Collective Investment Schemes under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme issued by the SFC of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.Bitcoin and ethereum are Class A investment products.

📄「新资本投资者入境计划」下的合资格集体投资计划列表（2025年2月7日更新）：

https://www.sfc.hk/TC/Regulatory-functions/Products/List-of-Eligible-Collective-Investment-Schemes-under-new-CIES03

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Hong Kong recognizes virtual currencies

The significance behind it is remarkable

Promoting Crypto Asset Compliance and Mainstreaming

The inclusion of crypto assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in the category of officially recognized assets indicates that theHong Kong officially recognizes the financial attributes and value of crypto assets.

With the continuous development and application of blockchain technology, more cryptocurrencies may be included in the scope of asset proof under Hong Kong's investment immigration policy in the future.

This initiative will helpRaising the profile of crypto assets in the global financial systemThe Government of the Republic of Korea is committed to promoting the development of compliance and its mainstreaming.

Strengthened position as an international financial center

This policy breakthrough in Hong Kong is not only a milestone in the compliance of crypto assets, but also itsAn important layout for competing for the global fintech high ground.This initiative will further consolidate its position as an international financial center.

With retail crypto trading growth in the Asia-Pacific region outpacing that of Europe and the US (6.4% growth since 2022), Hong Kong is expected to capitalize on the momentum to attract more crypto capital and talent.  

Promoting innovation in financial technology

At present, Hong KongActive development of digital currencies, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has launched a virtual asset index series dedicated to bringing theHong Kong develops into Asia's leading digital asset center, demonstrating its openness and innovative spirit in the fintech sector, offering more possibilities for the application of crypto assets and blockchain technology.

At the same time, it will also inspire more fintech companies to choose Hong Kong as their development base and promote the prosperity of the local fintech ecosystem.

This policy adjustment is in line with Hong Kong's efforts in recent years to promoteVirtual Asset Licensing System, Digital Hong Kong Dollar Trialetc. in the same vein. While the details still need to be refined, theThe signals of openness released have been enough to invigorate the industry.

This certainly opens a new window for applicants who are interested in investing in immigration with digital assets. We welcome inquiries!