TLDR
- Hong Kong’s new investment visa program accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of wealth for the HK$30 million ($3.8 million) net worth requirement
- The visa policy requires validation from a chartered public accountant for asset valuation
- Cryptocurrency cannot be used for the required HK$30 million investment in “permissible assets” after visa approval
- Hong Kong has 9 licensed cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the territory
- The program has received over 750 applicants as of January 2025
Hong Kong has confirmed that Bitcoin and Ethereum can be used to demonstrate wealth for its new investment immigration program, marking a fresh development in the territory’s approach to digital assets. The announcement comes from Invest Hong Kong, the government agency responsible for facilitating foreign investments in the region.
The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme requires applicants to prove ownership of net assets worth HK$30 million (approximately $3.8 million) during a specified timeframe. A spokesperson for Invest Hong Kong has clarified that there are no restrictions on the types of assets that can be used to meet this requirement.
For cryptocurrency holders interested in the program, the process requires additional verification. A chartered public accountant must provide a signed valuation report confirming the worth of the digital assets. This requirement ensures proper documentation and validation of cryptocurrency holdings.
The territory’s stance on digital assets for visa purposes has already shown practical results. Reports from Hong Kong-based accountants indicate successful cases where Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings have been accepted as proof of wealth for visa applications.
However, the program maintains certain limitations regarding cryptocurrency use. While digital assets can prove initial wealth, they cannot be used for the second phase of the visa requirements. After approval, applicants must invest HK$30 million in what the program defines as “permissible assets,” which explicitly exclude cryptocurrency.
Hong Kong’s cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to develop within a regulated framework. The territory currently hosts nine licensed virtual asset trading platforms, operating under local regulatory oversight.
The investment visa program has generated interest among wealthy individuals seeking residence in Hong Kong. Government data released in January 2025 reveals that over 750 individuals have submitted applications through the scheme.
The acceptance of cryptocurrency as proof of wealth aligns with Hong Kong’s broader efforts to position itself in the digital asset space. The territory has established clear regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency businesses and continues to develop policies that acknowledge the role of digital assets in the financial sector.
The verification process for cryptocurrency assets involves multiple steps to ensure accuracy and compliance. Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation of their holdings, including transaction histories and wallet addresses, which are then verified by qualified accounting professionals.
Local financial service providers have begun adapting their services to accommodate this new requirement. Chartered public accountants in Hong Kong are developing specialized valuation methods for cryptocurrency assets to meet the program’s documentation requirements.
The program’s structure reflects Hong Kong’s dual approach to cryptocurrency regulation. While accepting digital assets as proof of wealth, it maintains traditional investment requirements for actual capital deployment within the territory.
This policy provides a new option for cryptocurrency holders looking to obtain residence rights in Hong Kong. The territory’s approach differs from many other jurisdictions that may not recognize digital assets for immigration purposes.
The visa program’s requirements remain consistent regardless of the asset type used to prove wealth. All applicants must meet the same HK$30 million threshold and comply with standard documentation and verification procedures.
The confirmation from Invest Hong Kong has clarified previously uncertain aspects of the program’s cryptocurrency policy. This clarity helps potential applicants understand how their digital assets can be utilized in the application process.
As of February 2025, the program continues to accept applications, with government officials processing submissions according to established guidelines for both traditional and digital assets.
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