Wealthy Hong Kong citizens are increasingly on the hunt for new passports as protests drag on and cast a cloud over the territory’s future.
Many countries run “golden visa” schemes that offer resident or citizenship rights in exchange for sizeable investments.
Several migration firms have reported a spike in interest from Hong Kong for these visas since the unrest began.
They say with no resolution in sight, residents are seeking “insurance”.
Protests in the territory began in June, sparked by a proposed law that would have allowed extradition from Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland.
Despite the bill being withdrawn, demonstrations have continue to rock the city for months and show no immediate sign of abating.
These programmes exist all over the world, with Europe and the Caribbean particular hubs. Typically, countries require the purchase of property, government bonds or a set donation to secure a visa.
The minimum investment varies greatly – from a $100,000 (£81,200) donation in Antigua & Barbuda, to around €2m (£1.8m) in real estate investment for Cyprus.
Hong Kong-based John Hu Migration Consulting has seen a four-fold increase in sales and inquiries from locals about golden visa schemes since June.
Founder John Hu said recent unrest in the former British colony had been the “catalyst” for the rush.
“As the protests become more violent and it seems that the government is not doing much to resolve the current situation, they have the urgency to buy insurance,” he said.
Enticed by the freedom of movement within the EU and minimal residency requirements, Mr Hu said most are drawn to European schemes including Ireland, Portugal and Malta.
The firm has carried out more than 30 new golden visa applications for Ireland since the protests began, requiring a minimum donation of €500,000 or €1m euros invested into an Irish enterprise.
Another immigration consultancy, Arton Capital, says inquiries from the territory have “more than doubled since the protests started”.
“Portugal is very much in favour in Hong Kong because of the relatively cheap real estate… real estate prices in Hong Kong are sky high,” according to Philippe May, head of Asia Pacific for Arton Capital.
