China has long been considered a goldmine for the investment migration industry. With its large base of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), rapid wealth creation, and increasing appetite for global mobility, the potential remains immense. However, many firms entering the Chinese market exit quietly after failing to generate results. So the question stands: is China still a viable market for investment migration in 2025?
Market Overview: A Nation of High-Net-Worth Individuals
According to Credit Suisse and Hurun reports, China ranks among the top countries with the highest number of dollar millionaires. The demand for outbound mobility, asset protection, and offshore planning is high, driven by:
- Rising domestic regulations and scrutiny
- Interest in international education for children
- Political uncertainty and capital control risks
- Aspirations for lifestyle upgrade and global freedom
Yet the challenge isn’t in the demand—it’s in conversion.
Why Most Investment Migration Firms Struggle in China
Firms entering China often overestimate the ease of market penetration and underestimate the structural and cultural barriers. Key challenges include:
- Lack of On-the-Ground Infrastructure: Without a local partner or entity, firms struggle to navigate regulatory frameworks, marketing channels, and trust barriers.
- Low-Quality Lead Generation: Buying unqualified leads or relying on foreign digital campaigns typically yields poor conversion.
- Trust and Relationship Culture: Chinese HNWIs prefer to engage via trusted referrals and local intermediaries. Cold acquisition rarely works.
- Information Saturation: Many Chinese clients are already aware of second citizenship options but need customized, low-risk, and high-prestige solutions—not boilerplate programs.
- Incompatibility with Traditional Campaigns: Western marketing models—Google Ads, LinkedIn campaigns—are ineffective in a market that operates via WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, and offline networks.
Why China Is Still a Viable Market—If Done Right
Despite the complexity, China remains viable for firms that take the right approach:
- Localized Strategy: Content, webinars, and outreach must be executed in Mandarin and tailored to Chinese financial, educational, and lifestyle priorities.
- Partnership Model: Success often depends on establishing collaborations with local law firms, wealth managers, or education agents.
- Offline and HNW Events: Face-to-face interactions at wealth forums, education expos, or family office conferences often drive the highest conversions.
- Tailored Programs: Chinese investors tend to prefer high-reputation countries (e.g., Portugal, Italy, Greece) with clear pathways to citizenship and family inclusion.
What Works: Key Programs with Chinese Appeal
- Portugal: Offers a direct path to EU citizenship, strong education system, and minimal residency.
- Greece: Affordable real estate route and access to Europe via Schengen.
- Italy: Investor visa with no upfront financial transfer required, ideal for capital control concerns.
- Dominica/St. Kitts: Fast-track options for those looking for immediate mobility or backup plans.
IMI-Asia vs. Traditional Models
IMI-Asia has pioneered successful strategies for investment migration in Asia through:
- A robust partner network across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China.
- In-market content creators and advisors who understand client psychology.
- Compliance-aware structures for WeChat and payment integration.
Firms trying to replicate this model without deep market insights or partners often fail.
Where Globalia Consulting Comes In
Globalia Consulting, in partnership with the Globevisa Group—one of Asia’s most established investment migration brands—is uniquely equipped to navigate China’s complexities.
Our strengths include:
- Access to a trusted local network via Globevisa’s onshore presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and beyond
- Tailored value propositions built around Chinese family values—legacy, education, and mobility
- Multilingual advisors and localized content that build trust and compliance
- Exclusive projects and curated program portfolios, including EU real estate and donation-based visa programs
By combining Globevisa’s operational footprint with Globalia’s strategic expertise, we offer a long-term, partnership-driven approach to unlocking the China opportunity.