Overview
Real estate investment trust (REIT) is a collective investment scheme that invests primarily in real estate (including infrastructure properties). It is managed by an SFC-licensed manager and its units are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK).
REITs are primarily regulated by the SFC pursuant to the Code on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT Code) and with reference to requirements applicable to listed companies under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Listing Rules).
Further information on the key regulatory requirements can be accessed here.
REIT Channel
The SFC has launched a dedicated one-stop consultation channel to facilitate new REIT authorisation applications.
Prospective REIT applicants and their professional advisers are welcome to contact the SFC through the REIT Channel via email at REIT_Channel@sfc.hk to consult or seek guidance on specific product or licensing issues regarding their REIT applications on a confidential basis.
Expected application timeframe
The SFC anticipates that a new REIT authorisation application can be decided on within four weeks from the take-up date of the application under normal circumstances. For further details, please refer to the Checklist on REIT Authorisation and Documentary Requirements.
Key benefits
- Global investor base – Hong Kong has access to a diverse pool of global investors
- Robust market – Hong Kong is a top equity fundraising venue, capital raising hub and premier asset and wealth management centre
- Wide investment scope – no restriction on the type or geographical locations of properties, may include logistics, data centre, hospitals, infrastructure properties and can be set up with a single property or new properties
- Transparent authorisation and listing approval process – in line with that for a corporate IPO listing on the SEHK
- Sound regulatory regime for REITs – in line with comparable overseas jurisdictions
How to apply
Prospective REIT applicants and their professional advisers are welcome to contact the SFC through the REIT Channel via email at REIT_Channel@sfc.hk on their proposals.
Application forms and checklists
- Application Form for Real Estate Investment Trusts
- Checklist for Application for Authorisation of Real Estate Investment Trusts
- Checklist on REIT Authorisation and Documentary Requirements
- Size Tests for Notifiable Transactions and Connected Party Transactions
- Compliance Checklist for Unit Buy-back Circular
Fees
| Application fee for authorisation | HK$20,000 | |
| Authorisation fee | HK$10,000 | |
| Annual fee | HK$6,000 | |
Grant scheme for REITs
The SFC administers a grant scheme funded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to provide subsidies for qualified open-ended fund companies (OFCs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs) to set up in Hong Kong. The grant scheme covers eligible expenses incurred in relation to the incorporation or re-domiciliation of an OFC or the listing of a REIT and paid to Hong Kong-based service providers.
The three-year grant scheme was launched on 10 May 2021 and has been extended for another three years. The extended grant scheme accepts applications from 10 May 2024 until 9 May 2027. Applicants are welcome to consult the SFC about their eligibility before making an application by emailing to grantscheme@sfc.hk or contacting the relevant case officers in charge.
Details
Useful materials
Last update: 13 Oct 2025