Hong Kong Embraces Digital Wealth: Bitcoin and Ethereum Now Valid for Investor Visa Eligibility

Hong Kong Positions Itself at the Crossroads of Traditional Finance and Digital Assets

In a strategic policy move aimed at cementing its global status as a financial powerhouse, Hong Kong has officially recognized Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as acceptable forms of wealth when applying for its Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)—a residency-by-investment program designed for high-net-worth individuals. This development signals a significant shift toward the integration of digital assets within government-regulated immigration and investment systems.

Digital Wealth Now Counts: Bitcoin and Ether Accepted as Proof of Net Worth

According to Invest Hong Kong, the city’s official foreign investment promotion agency, applicants to the CIES may now declare their holdings in BTC and ETH as part of the HKD 30 million (approximately USD 3.8 million) minimum net worth required to qualify. The policy does not impose limits on asset categories; instead, it mandates that the declared value—whether in real estate, stocks, or digital currencies—must be validated by a certified public accountant.

This change offers crypto investors a unique opportunity to access Hong Kong’s investor visa using the same digital wealth that has long been overlooked or rejected by traditional immigration systems. Local accountants have already confirmed several successful applications supported in part by crypto assets, setting a precedent for what could become a new standard in global investor migration.

Cryptocurrencies Recognized for Entry, Not Yet for Investment Allocation

Despite this progressive move, Hong Kong remains cautious when it comes to the integration of cryptocurrencies into the broader framework of its regulated financial system. Under the current guidelines, while digital assets may be used to prove an applicant’s net worth during the initial phase, they are not classified among the “permitted investment assets” required in the second phase of the program.

Once approved, applicants must commit at least HKD 30 million into traditional financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, or other government-sanctioned assets. This regulatory distinction indicates that while Hong Kong acknowledges the legitimacy and value of cryptocurrencies, it still prefers traditional channels for actual capital deployment within its economy.

This two-tiered approach is seen by many experts as a balanced compromise—acknowledging the role of digital assets in wealth generation while maintaining institutional control over capital inflows.

A Crypto-Friendly Landscape Taking Shape

Hong Kong’s policy change does not exist in isolation. It aligns with the territory’s broader ambition to become a regional, if not global, leader in the digital asset ecosystem. As of early 2025, the city has approved licenses for nine cryptocurrency exchanges, known locally as virtual asset trading platforms. These platforms operate under rigorous compliance and risk management requirements, signaling Hong Kong’s intent to create a highly regulated but innovation-friendly environment.

In addition to infrastructure, the city’s legal and regulatory framework is rapidly evolving to accommodate blockchain-based financial services, tokenized assets, and fintech innovation—making it an increasingly attractive destination for entrepreneurs and institutional players in the crypto space.

Strong Early Demand Signals Global Interest

The reintroduction of the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has already generated significant interest from global investors. According to government sources, more than 750 applications were filed in just the first month following its launch—many of them reportedly involving applicants with substantial cryptocurrency holdings.

This high volume of early submissions underscores a growing international demand for jurisdictions that recognize and accommodate digital assets not merely as speculative instruments but as bona fide components of an investor’s portfolio.

Conclusion: Hong Kong's Future Is Digital—But Regulated

By incorporating Bitcoin and Ethereum into the eligibility criteria for its investor visa, Hong Kong is making a bold statement about its economic vision: one that embraces financial innovation without sacrificing regulatory oversight. This move positions the city as a rare jurisdiction where digital asset holders are not sidelined, but rather welcomed—provided they operate within a transparent and verifiable framework.

As global wealth continues to diversify into digital formats, more governments may soon follow Hong Kong’s lead. For now, however, the territory stands out as a pioneer—bridging the worlds of cryptocurrency and sovereign migration policy, and offering crypto investors a credible gateway to one of the world's most dynamic and connected economies.