For the 22nd consecutive year, the Hurun Research Institute has released the “2026 Hurun Prestige Brands · China High-Net-Worth Individuals’ Quality of Life Report.” One set of data stands out in particular: 84% of high-net-worth individuals are diversifying their assets overseas, and Hong Kong, China, remains the top destination for overseas investment with a 43% share!

Hong Kong’s popularity has risen by 2% compared to 2025.

This trend further highlights Hong Kong’s stability and appeal—it is becoming the first stop for mainland high-net-worth individuals looking to “go global,” as well as the most worthwhile destination for long-term investment.

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The data doesn’t lie:

Hong Kong leads across the board in three dimensions

The report shows that across the three dimensions of investment, travel, and residency planning, all indicators point to Hong Kong. Specifically:

Top Overseas Investment Destination

43% of high-net-worth individuals surveyed listed Hong Kong as their top choice for overseas investment, ahead of the United States (26%) and Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand (14%). Overseas assets account for an average of 15% of investable assets, while for ultra-high-net-worth individuals with assets exceeding 50 million, this proportion reaches as high as 30%.

No. 1 Most Preferred Overseas City

On the list of most preferred overseas cities, Hong Kong topped the rankings with a 36% share, followed by Singapore (26%) and New York (24%). High-net-worth individuals travel abroad an average of five times a year, and whether for short-term business trips, asset management, or family vacations, Hong Kong remains the top destination.

Rising Interest in Residency Planning

Among destinations for international residency planning, Hong Kong’s favorability rating rose by 8 percentage points year-over-year. Notably, 66% of respondents do not consider permanently relocating overseas—against this backdrop, Hong Kong’s rising popularity defies the trend, clearly demonstrating its unique appeal under the premise of “retaining mainland residency.”

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Why Is Hong Kong the Top Choice?

Core Attractions

For high-net-worth individuals with overseas planning goals, Hong Kong offers a unique balance—enjoying the conveniences and resources of life abroad while retaining their mainland status.

This is precisely the core reason why an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals are incorporating Hong Kong residency into their long-term plans.

Retain Mainland Status, Move Freely Between Both

Obtaining Hong Kong residency allows individuals to retain their mainland household registration and enjoy benefits in both places. This provides a rare “best of both worlds” solution in terms of residency planning.

Significant Room for Tax Optimization

Hong Kong operates a simple, low-tax system with no value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax. The top personal income tax rate is just 17%, far lower than the mainland’s progressive tax rate, which peaks at 45%. Under the principle of territorial taxation, income earned overseas is not subject to taxation in Hong Kong.

A “Multi-Track System” for Children’s Education

With Hong Kong residency, children can enjoy 15 years of free public education in Hong Kong and take the DSE exam as local students. Since 75% of spots at Hong Kong’s eight major universities are reserved for local applicants, tuition fees are 3–4 times lower than for non-local students. Additionally, they can take the Mainland Joint Entrance Examination for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents using their Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan resident status.

Global Travel Convenience

A Hong Kong passport grants visa-free access to 177 countries and regions, offering greater freedom for both business travel and family vacations.

Asset Allocation Hub

As an international financial center with free capital flows, Hong Kong serves as a core hub for global wealth management. 84% of high-net-worth individuals are considering overseas investments, and the Hong Kong stock market is one of the top choices for increasing holdings.

Now is the golden window of opportunity to apply for Hong Kong residency. Hong Kong offers a variety of mainstream application methods tailored to different groups, with clear eligibility requirements and streamlined processes:

Five Mainstream Application Methods for Hong Kong Residency.jpg

The Hurun Report reveals a clear trend: 84% of high-net-worth individuals have already diversified their assets overseas, and Hong Kong leads the way across all three dimensions—investment, travel, and residency.

When a city simultaneously meets multiple needs—including asset security, tax optimization, children’s education, and flexible residency options—it is no longer merely an option but an indispensable component of high-net-worth families’ asset and life planning.

If you are interested in applying for Hong Kong residency, please feel free to contact Xingyunhai International. We will provide you with “tailored solutions and dedicated service.”