Hong Kong Now Allows Bitcoin, Ether to Be Used to Prove Wealth for Investment Visa

Hong Kong is making waves in the world of cryptocurrency, officially recognizing Bitcoin and Ethereum as valid assets to demonstrate wealth for its newly revamped investment immigration program. The announcement, made by Invest Hong Kong—the government body that fosters foreign investment—signals a notable shift in the region's approach to digital assets.

Under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, applicants are required to prove ownership of assets worth HK$30 million (approximately $3.8 million) within a designated period. The agency has made it clear that no restrictions exist on the types of assets that can be used to meet this financial threshold, opening the door for cryptocurrency investors to include Bitcoin and Ethereum as part of their proof of wealth.

However, cryptocurrency holders interested in participating in the scheme must undergo an additional verification process. A chartered public accountant is required to produce a signed valuation report that confirms the worth of the digital assets, ensuring that the holdings are properly documented and validated.

This new policy has already yielded results. Hong Kong-based accountants have reported successful cases where applicants used their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings to fulfill the wealth requirement for visa applications.

Despite this progress, there are limitations to how digital assets can be utilized within the program. Although cryptocurrency can be used to meet the initial wealth requirement, it cannot be used for the second phase of the process. Once approved for residency, applicants are obligated to invest their HK$30 million in "permissible assets" as outlined by the program—cryptocurrency is explicitly excluded from this category.

The region’s cryptocurrency ecosystem is continuing to grow within a regulated framework. Hong Kong is home to nine licensed virtual asset trading platforms, all of which operate under stringent local regulations, ensuring the security and transparency of digital asset transactions.

The investment visa program has garnered significant attention from affluent individuals seeking to establish residency in Hong Kong. According to recent data released by the government in January 2025, more than 750 individuals have already submitted applications through the scheme.

The inclusion of cryptocurrency as proof of wealth is part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the global digital asset space. By establishing clear regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency businesses, Hong Kong continues to explore ways to integrate digital assets into its financial system.

Applicants using cryptocurrency to demonstrate wealth must submit detailed documentation, including transaction histories and wallet addresses, which must then be verified by qualified accountants. Chartered public accountants in Hong Kong are developing specialized methods for valuing and certifying cryptocurrency assets to meet the program’s unique requirements.

This dual approach to cryptocurrency regulation demonstrates Hong Kong’s balanced stance: while the region recognizes digital assets as proof of wealth, it still adheres to traditional capital investment requirements for the actual deployment of funds within the territory.

For cryptocurrency holders looking to secure residency in Hong Kong, this policy offers a rare opportunity. It stands in contrast to other jurisdictions that may not acknowledge digital assets for immigration purposes, making Hong Kong an attractive destination for those with substantial cryptocurrency holdings.

The program’s requirements remain uniform regardless of the asset type used to meet the wealth threshold. All applicants, whether they use traditional or digital assets, must meet the HK$30 million requirement and comply with the same verification procedures.

Invest Hong Kong’s clarification on the use of cryptocurrency in the visa process has helped potential applicants navigate the system with greater certainty. As of February 2025, the scheme continues to accept applications, with government officials processing submissions in accordance with established guidelines for both traditional and digital assets.