- Hong Kong now accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum as proof of wealth for its investment visa program.
- Applicants must prove a net worth of $3.8 million, with no restrictions on asset types.
- The move highlights a global shift toward greater acceptance of digital assets in financial systems.
In a groundbreaking move for both the nation and digital finance, Hong Kong has officially recognized Bitcoin and Ethereum as valid forms of wealth for its investment visa program. This shift comes with the launch of the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, allowing applicants to present these top cryptocurrencies as proof of assets. It’s a bold step, signaling just how far crypto has come in the financial world.
This program rewrites the rulebook by accepting crypto holdings as verifiable net worth—specifically, applicants need to demonstrate at least $3.8 million USD (or HK$30 million). Entering 2025, the crypto market has surged to historic highs, with Bitcoin smashing past the six-figure mark late last year.
A Shift in Global Perception
The past few months have been game-changing for the digital asset sector, though not necessarily in price movement. What’s more notable is the shift in attitudes. In a surprising turn of events, the United States—previously seen as cautious, if not outright hostile, toward crypto—has pivoted under the leadership of President Donald Trump. His administration has pushed for the nation’s first official cryptocurrency reserve, sparking a new wave of legitimacy for the asset class.
This changing sentiment has rippled across the globe, and Hong Kong is now the latest region to embrace digital currencies in a formal way. By incorporating Bitcoin and Ethereum into its investment program, the city has signaled it wants to attract wealthy crypto investors.
How the Scheme Works
The new investment visa program is aimed at high-net-worth individuals, a spokesperson confirmed to Coindesk. To qualify, applicants must provide evidence of a net worth of at least $3.8 million. Interestingly, there are no restrictions on what kinds of assets can be used—be it traditional investments or digital currencies.
However, there’s one catch: a certified public accountant must sign off on an official evaluation report. Once that hurdle is cleared, Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings can now count toward the financial requirements for this visa, making it a significant development for crypto investors eyeing opportunities in Hong Kong.
This isn’t just a win for crypto holders; it’s also a sign of growing trust in digital assets at the institutional level. As more regions follow Hong Kong’s lead, the future of cryptocurrency as a recognized form of wealth is looking brighter than ever.
