In a landmark development for digital asset adoption, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has officially accepted Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as qualifying assets for investment immigration applications. This marks a pivotal shift in how crypto holders can leverage their digital wealth to gain residency in one of Asia’s most dynamic financial hubs.
For the first time, mainland Chinese applicants have successfully used cryptocurrency holdings—valued at HK$30 million (approximately USD 3.85 million)—to meet the financial requirements of Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES). These cases set a significant precedent, signaling that blockchain-based assets are now recognized as legitimate forms of capital by one of the world’s leading financial authorities.
First Verified Crypto-Based Immigration Approvals
According to Hong Kong-based accountant Xiao Yaohe, a client successfully submitted an application in early February 2025 using ETH holdings worth HK$30 million as proof of investable assets. In another case, an applicant was approved after presenting Bitcoin as part of their financial portfolio.
These approvals represent the first known instances where the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Board has accepted cryptocurrency as valid documentation for residency by investment. While the program does not yet formally list digital assets in its guidelines, these successful cases suggest a growing openness to modern forms of wealth verification.
👉 Discover how digital assets are reshaping global mobility and investment strategies.
How Hong Kong’s Investment Immigration Works
Under current regulations, applicants to the CIES must demonstrate a minimum net worth of HK$30 million. Once approved, they are required to invest this amount within six months—traditionally into approved financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, or regulated funds.
Approved applicants receive an initial two-year visa, with renewal options under a 2-2-3 cycle (two years, followed by two, then three), contingent on maintaining the investment. Permanent residency may be granted after seven years of continuous residence.
Although crypto is not yet explicitly listed in official policy documents, the recent approvals indicate that the government is evaluating applications on a case-by-case basis, especially when digital assets are held on major exchanges or in secure cold wallets.
A Growing Trend Toward Crypto-Friendly Policies in Asia
Hong Kong’s move aligns with broader regional trends toward embracing digital assets. Neighboring Singapore has long allowed the use of cryptocurrencies in immigration and investment programs, provided applicants can verify the lawful origin of funds used to acquire them.
Yaohe revealed that the Hong Kong authorities conducted an internal review lasting approximately one month before approving the first crypto-backed application—a sign of cautious but progressive regulatory evaluation.
Currently, at least two additional applicants are awaiting decisions based on their cryptocurrency portfolios. To qualify, assets must be verifiably held on reputable platforms such as OKX, Binance, or Coinbase, or stored in auditable cold storage solutions.
This evolving stance positions Hong Kong as a rising hub for Web3 innovation and high-net-worth crypto investors seeking mobility and financial flexibility.
👉 See how top financial centers are adapting to the rise of decentralized finance.
Why Asia Is Leading the Global Crypto Revolution
Recent data from Gemini’s 2025 Crypto Trends Report—developed in collaboration with GlassNode—reveals that Asia-Pacific (APAC) is now outpacing both North America and Europe in retail-level Bitcoin activity.
When excluding institutional flows such as ETF transactions and large-scale U.S.-based movements, the report shows that individual participation in crypto markets is growing fastest across APAC countries.
Retail Adoption Soars in Key Markets
- APAC BTC holdings increased by 6.4% over the past year
- U.S. retail ownership declined by 5.7%
- Europe saw a modest drop of 0.7%
By analyzing transaction timestamps and correlating activity with local working hours, researchers confirmed that retail engagement in markets like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore is accelerating.
Saad Ahmed, Head of APAC Business at Gemini, attributes this surge to clearer regulatory frameworks in countries like Singapore and South Korea, which have created safer environments for individual investors.
Clear rules reduce uncertainty, encourage compliance, and foster innovation—key ingredients for sustainable crypto ecosystem growth.
Key Factors Driving APAC’s Crypto Momentum
- Regulatory Clarity: Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong are establishing balanced frameworks that protect investors while promoting innovation.
- Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies offer alternative investment avenues in regions with limited access to traditional wealth-building tools.
- Tech-Savvy Populations: High smartphone penetration and digital literacy accelerate adoption.
- Cross-Border Mobility Needs: Wealthy individuals increasingly seek flexible residency options tied to digital assets.
As more governments explore tokenized assets and blockchain-based identity systems, the line between digital finance and immigration policy will continue to blur.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use any cryptocurrency for Hong Kong investment immigration?
A: Currently, only Bitcoin and Ethereum have been accepted in verified cases. Other tokens may be considered if they can be clearly valued and verified through regulated exchanges.
Q: Do I need to sell my crypto to qualify?
A: No. The requirement is to demonstrate ownership of HK$30 million in qualifying assets. You do not need to liquidate your holdings, but you must show proof of control and value.
Q: How do I prove ownership of my crypto assets?
A: Acceptable methods include audited wallet statements, exchange account verification, or third-party custodial reports from licensed providers.
Q: Is there a risk my application will be rejected due to using crypto?
A: While there is no formal guarantee, recent approvals suggest that well-documented applications using BTC or ETH on major platforms face strong chances of success.
Q: Will Hong Kong officially update its rules to include crypto?
A: Although no official update has been announced yet, ongoing approvals imply that formal inclusion may come in future policy revisions.
Q: Are there tax implications for using crypto in immigration applications?
A: Holding crypto for immigration purposes does not trigger taxation in Hong Kong. However, capital gains from selling digital assets may be subject to review depending on jurisdiction of origin.
👉 Learn how to prepare your digital asset portfolio for international opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Digital Assets Redefining Global Finance
The acceptance of Bitcoin and Ethereum in Hong Kong’s immigration process reflects a deeper transformation: digital assets are becoming mainstream tools for wealth management, cross-border investment, and personal freedom.
As traditional financial systems face inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, cryptocurrencies offer portability, transparency, and decentralization—qualities increasingly valued by mobile professionals and investors alike.
With APAC leading retail adoption and institutions integrating blockchain into core operations, the next phase of financial evolution is already underway.
For forward-thinking individuals, understanding how to position digital assets within legal and immigration frameworks isn’t just strategic—it’s essential.
Core Keywords:
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hong Kong investment immigration, crypto asset proof, APAC crypto adoption, digital asset regulation, retail cryptocurrency activity