- Hong Kong has approved Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of assets for investment immigration.
- Applicants must prove ownership of at least HK$30 million in assets, which can now include cryptocurrency.
- The move aligns with Asia-Pacific’s growing retail crypto adoption, as the region surpasses the U.S. and Europe in Bitcoin supply growth.
Hong Kong has officially approved Bitcoin and Ethereum as valid proof of assets for investment immigration applications. This follows two successful cases where mainland Chinese applicants used cryptocurrency holdings to meet financial requirements for residency.
Hong Kong’s investment immigration program mandates applicants to demonstrate at least HK$30 million in assets. Upon approval, they must invest the same amount within six months in regulated financial instruments. While traditional assets like stocks and bonds have been the standard, cryptocurrency is now recognized as an acceptable proof of wealth.
First Crypto-Based Immigration Approvals
Hong Kong-based accountant Xiao Yaohe confirmed that on February 7, a client successfully applied for residency by presenting HK$30 million worth of Ethereum. Another applicant secured approval by proving Bitcoin holdings of the same value. These cases mark the first instances of cryptocurrency being accepted in the city’s investment immigration program.
Authorities reportedly took a month to deliberate before approving the first cryptocurrency-based application. To meet the program’s requirements, crypto assets must be stored securely on major exchanges or in cold wallets. Two additional applicants are awaiting approval under the same criteria.
Asia-Pacific Leads in Crypto Adoption
A report by Gemini and Glassnode indicates that retail Bitcoin activity in the Asia-Pacific region is expanding faster than in the U.S. or Europe. While institutional crypto investments dominate American markets, individual participation in APAC has surged. Since Bitcoin’s 2022 cycle low, APAC’s Bitcoin supply has grown 6.4% year-over-year, while the U.S. and Europe have seen declines of 5.7% and 0.7%, respectively.
Hong Kong is not the first jurisdiction to recognize cryptocurrency for immigration applications. Singapore has long accepted crypto as proof of wealth, though applicants there must verify the origin of their funds. The growing acceptance of digital assets reflects the increasing integration of cryptocurrency into financial and legal frameworks across Asia.
