Meridian · Freshness tracker

What's changed.

Dated updates to visa, tax, residency, citizenship, housing, and labour policy across every country tracked. Every entry cites its primary source and the date we last verified it.

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In force 1 Mar 2024
In force Residency

New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) launched

A revamped Capital Investment Entrant Scheme launched on 1 March 2024 — distinct from the original CIES which was suspended in 2015. Minimum investment HKD 30 million (~US$3.8M) into a portfolio of permissible investments (Hong Kong-listed equities and debt, qualifying CIES-eligible investment funds, plus a HKD 3 million contribution to the CIES Investment Portfolio). Initial 2-year residence; renewable; path to Permanent Residence after 7 years.

Who it affects: High-net-worth investors considering Hong Kong residency.

Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024
In force Residency

Permanent Residence remains 7 years of continuous ordinary residence

No changes were made to the foundational 7-year continuous-ordinary-residence requirement for Permanent Residence (Right of Abode), despite various policy proposals through 2024. The "ordinary residence" test (continuous physical presence with limited gaps for travel) continues to be applied with discretionary case-by-case assessment by the Immigration Department.

Who it affects: All non-permanent-resident visa-holders working toward PR.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · verified 2026-04-19