Hong Kong Recognizes Bitcoin & Ethereum for Investment Visa

Hong Kong Recognizes Bitcoin & Ethereum for Investment Visa

A Landmark Decision for Crypto in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has made a groundbreaking move by officially accepting Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as valid proof of wealth for its Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES). This program allows high-net-worth individuals to apply for residency by providing a net worth of at least HK$30 million (approximately US$3.8 million).

While cryptocurrencies are now accepted for asset verification, they are not considered “permitted assets” for actual investment under the scheme. Applicants must convert their BTC or ETH holdings into qualifying investments within six months. This policy aligns with Hong Kong’s broader push to establish itself as a global digital finance hub.

Eligibility and Verification Process

To qualify under the CIES using Bitcoin or Ethereum, applicants must meet specific criteria:

1. Net Worth Requirement: Applicants must prove at least HK$30 million in total assets.
    
2. Certified Valuation: Cryptocurrency holdings must be assessed by a certified public accountant to confirm their value.
    
3. Conversion to Permitted Assets: Within six months of approval, applicants must reinvest the crypto holdings into assets such as listed securities, Hong Kong real estate, or local financial instruments.

Two successful applications from mainland China have already been approved under this policy—one in October 2024 using Bitcoin and another in February 2025 using Ethereum.

Impact on Crypto Market & Investor Sentiment

Boosting Bitcoin & Ethereum Demand

The inclusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum as recognized assets in Hong Kong’s investment visa program could drive institutional and high-net-worth investor demand. This decision strengthens Bitcoin and Ethereum’s credibility as legitimate financial assets, potentially influencing other jurisdictions to follow suit.

Increased adoption of cryptocurrencies by regulatory frameworks typically leads to higher demand, reducing available supply on exchanges. Given the liquidity constraints in the Bitcoin and Ethereum markets, this shift could exert upward pressure on prices over time.

Strengthening Hong Kong as a Crypto Hub

Hong Kong has positioned itself as a leading digital finance hub by integrating crypto-friendly policies. With over 750 applications already submitted under the CIES program, a significant portion of new investors may consider utilizing Bitcoin or Ethereum, further embedding these assets within traditional financial systems.

If other regions adopt similar policies, Bitcoin and Ethereum could see increased mainstream acceptance, reinforcing their long-term bullish outlook.

Potential Risks & Challenges

Despite the positive outlook, several factors could limit the immediate impact of this decision:

Market Volatility: Crypto’s price swings could deter investors who prefer stable assets for residency or investment programs.

Conversion Requirement: Since applicants must convert their crypto into traditional financial assets, direct price impact on BTC and ETH may be limited in the short term.

Regulatory Risks: Other financial hubs, such as Singapore, have taken a more cautious stance on crypto adoption. Future regulatory shifts could impact Hong Kong’s position as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction.

A Bullish Signal for Crypto Adoption

Hong Kong’s decision to allow Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of wealth for its investment visa marks a milestone in the integration of digital assets into the financial system. While the short-term price impact remains uncertain due to conversion requirements, the long-term outlook remains bullish. Increased institutional adoption and mainstream recognition could solidify Bitcoin and Ethereum’s role in global finance, setting the stage for further price appreciation in the years ahead.