Hong Kong approves Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of assets for investor immigration

• Cryptocurrencies approved for immigration: Bitcoin and Ethereum are now accepted as proof of assets.
• Storage rules: Crypto assets must be kept in cold wallets or regulated exchanges.
• Hong Kong strengthens itself as a crypto hub: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs reinforce the region's position in the digital market.

Hong Kong has taken a significant step towards integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial system by approving the use of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as proof of assets for investment immigration applications. The decision represents a step forward in the institutional acceptance of crypto assets and could pave the way for wider adoption in the region’s immigration and finance sectors.

🚨HUGE🚨

Hong Kong now officially accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of assets for investment immigration pic.twitter.com/SJJMmKNDUP

— Quinten | 048.eth (@QuintenFrancois) February 8, 2025

The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) requires immigration applicants to demonstrate a minimum net worth of HK$30 million (approximately US$3,8 million) and to have made qualifying investments within a six-month period. Traditionally, this has been demonstrated through conventional assets such as stocks, bonds and real estate. Now, with the acceptance of cryptocurrencies, investors can use their digital funds to meet this requirement.

InvestHK, the government agency responsible for attracting investment to Hong Kong, recently approved two cases where applicants used Bitcoin and Ethereum to prove their eligibility. The first occurred in October 2024, when an investor used Bitcoin to meet the financial criteria. In February 2025, a new case was confirmed, this time involving an applicant who used Ethereum. Both investors are from mainland China and had their assets recognized as valid for the immigration process.

Despite this acceptance, the rules on direct investment in cryptocurrencies or crypto asset ETFs are not yet fully defined. The Hong Kong government requires that assets be kept in cold wallets or on reputable exchanges, such as Binance, to ensure greater security and transparency in the process.

Industry experts see the move as a reflection of Hong Kong’s progressive stance on cryptocurrencies. In recent years, the region has positioned itself as a global hub for crypto assets, adopting clearer regulations and encouraging innovation in the sector. In April 2024, Hong Kong led the way in Asia by launching spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, demonstrating its commitment to the digital asset market.

At the time of publication, the price of Bitcoin was quoted at US$97.206,26, up 0.7% in the last 24 hours.

The approval of crypto assets as proof of wealth in the immigration process could encourage more investors to consider Hong Kong as an attractive destination for residency and business. With more applications being reviewed under this new criteria, the acceptance of cryptocurrencies in Hong Kong’s financial landscape is expected to continue to grow in the coming months.