US Gold Card Visa
at least 5 years of permanent residence and passing a citizenship test
Applicants must make a one-time payment of $5 million to obtain the Gold Card.
the Gold Card Visa simplifies the process by not requiring any specific type of investment
What is the US Gold Card Visa?
The U.S. Gold Card Visa is a proposed immigration program offering residency and a path to citizenship in exchange for a $5 million contribution from wealthy foreign investors.
In February 2025, President Donald Trump proposed a new immigration initiative known as the “Gold Card” visa, designed to attract wealthy foreign investors by offering a pathway to US citizenship in exchange for a substantial financial contribution.
The primary goal of the Gold Card visa is to attract foreign individuals with a high net worth who can make significant financial contributions to the US economy. As of now, the Gold Card visa (also called the Trump Card) is a proposal and has not been implemented. Specific details regarding its launch date and specific details have not been released.
The Gold Card visa stands out from other US investment visas like EB-5 and E-2 due to its $5 million one-time payment with no job creation or business management requirements. Unlike the EB-5 visa, which requires a minimum $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in economically distressed zones) investment and that you employ at least 10 people full-time, the Gold Card offers a simpler path to residency. It also differs from the E-2 visa, which requires active business involvement and is limited to treaty country nationals. The Gold Card provides a faster, more direct route to U.S. residency for high-net-worth individuals.
Benefits of the US Gold Card Visa
As a visa program for foreign investors that is geared towards wealthy foreigners, there are a number of benefits for the proposed US Gold Card Visa.
-
Direct Path to U.S. Residency:
The Gold Card Visa provides an immediate, straightforward route to United States residency without requiring business management or job creation. -
Long-Term Stability:
Holders receive permanent residency rights, providing long-term security for living and working in the United States. -
No Nationality Restrictions:
It has not been announced that the Gold Card Visa will have any restrictions based on nationality. Unlike the E-2 Visa, which is limited to treaty countries, the Gold Card Visa is open to applicants from any country.
Who is Eligible for the US Gold Card Visa?
While the Gold Card Visa is currently a proposal, and specific eligibility criteria are subject to finalization, the following criteria are expected to determine eligibility for the U.S. Gold Card Visa.
- Minimum Investment Requirement:
Applicants must make a one-time payment of $5 million to obtain the Gold Card. - Qualifying Investors:
The program is designed to attract wealthy individuals who can make significant financial contributions, potentially benefiting the U.S. economy. - Nationality Restrictions:
Specific nationality restrictions for the Gold Card Visa have not been specifically detailed, but it has been inferred that there will not be restrictions based on nationality. - Background Checks & Financial Requirements:
While the proposal emphasizes the investment amount, it does not specify additional background checks or financial requirements.
Investment Options for the US Gold Card Visa
The proposed US Gold Card Visa is being introduced to attract wealthy foreigners by offering a streamlined path to residency and citizenship in the United States. The visa has a one-time fee of $5 million. Unlike the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires investments in specific projects, the Gold Card Visa simplifies the process by not requiring any specific investment. It focuses solely on the one-time substantial financial contribution to the United States government.
Required Documents for the US Gold Card Visa Application
From President Donald Trump’s Gold Card Visa proposal announcement, there has not been a detailed list of required documents for the US Gold Card Visa application. However, given the investment-based nature of the visa, applicants will likely need to submit proof of investment funds, identity documents, and background check records. For exact requirements, official government announcements or policy updates would be necessary.
How to Apply for the US Gold Card Visa
President Donald Trump’s administration has not yet confirmed how the visa application process will work. However, based on general application procedures for investment-based visas, the steps likely include:
- Step 1: Prepare Investment Funds
- Applicants will likely be required to ensure they meet the minimum investment requirements for the Gold Card Visa. This involves confirming the source and legitimacy of the funds.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Once the investment is prepared, the application will likely be able to be submitted through the designated immigration or investment visa platform. Specific instructions will be provided through official channels.
- Step 3: Provide Required Documents
- Applicants will likely need to submit proof of their investment, background checks, identity documents, and possibly business or financial records that verify their investment eligibility.
- Step 4: Wait for Approval
- Processing times for the Gold Card Visa are not explicitly provided yet, but similar programs typically take several months for evaluation, including the background check and review process.
- Step 5: Receive Visa Approval
- Once approved, applicants will be granted the Gold Card Visa, allowing them to enter the US under the terms of the visa.
The Trump administration has not yet specified where to apply or how long applications will take to be processed. It is assumed that applications will be submitted through the official US government or investment visa platform designated for the Gold Card Visa. Specific details on this process will be provided as more official guidance is released. Other visas that are comparable to the US Gold Card Visa typically take several months for approval, including background checks and other verification steps.
Life in the US for Gold Card Visa Holders
For those moving to the United States with a US Gold Card Visa, life can offer numerous opportunities and challenges.
Gold Card Visa holders will have the privilege of living in the United States with access to a variety of lifestyles. However, the cost of living varies significantly depending on the region. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco tend to have a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. In contrast, cities in the midwest or down south, such as Austin, Texas, or Atlanta, Georgia, offer more affordable living without sacrificing opportunities.
When considering the best cities for Gold Card Visa holders, business opportunities and family needs are key factors.
- New York City, New York: New York is known for its financial and business centers and cultural diversity, making it a popular choice for wealthy foreigners.
- San Francisco, California: San Francisco is a hub for tech and innovation. It remains one of the top choices for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Austin, Texas: Austin has a growing tech scene and affordable living compared to California cities. Austin is a popular choice for those seeking a good work-life balance.
- Miami, Florida: Miami is a hotspot for business opportunities, especially in finance, real estate, and international trade, with the added benefit of a warm climate. Popular amongst wealthy foreigners, this is a popular choice for people moving to the United States.
The United States offers high-quality healthcare, although it can be expensive without the right insurance. Gold Card Visa holders can access healthcare services through private insurance or employer-sponsored plans. Public healthcare programs like Medicaid are typically not available to non-citizens unless specific conditions are met.
As for education, the United States has world-renowned schools, both public and private, as well as prestigious universities. The Gold Card Visa will likely grant access to K-12 education for dependents. Visa holders will likely be able to pursue higher education at American universities.
Gold Card Visa holders can legally work and invest in the United States, creating a significant advantage for those looking to grow a business or engage in entrepreneurial ventures. The United States is known for its diverse investment opportunities in industries such as tech, real estate, and finance. Gold Card holders can also invest in American businesses and receive additional benefits through investment programs.
Gold Card Visa holders will be subject to American tax laws, which require them to report their worldwide income to the IRS. However, there are tax treaties and exemptions that may reduce the overall tax burden, depending on the applicant’s home country and specific situation.
Life in the United States under the Gold Card Visa will offer many advantages, such as access to business opportunities, top-tier healthcare and education, and diverse living environments. However, potential applicants should carefully consider the financial and lifestyle implications before making the move, as living costs and tax obligations can vary greatly depending on location and personal circumstances.
US Gold Card Visa vs. Other US Investment Visas
The United States Gold Card Visa, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (commonly referred to as the “Green Card Investment”, and the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa program will all provide opportunities for wealthy foreigners, but they differ significantly in their requirements and benefits.
The proposed US Gold Card Visa will require a one-time payment of $5 million in exchange for immediate permanent residency and a direct path to American citizenship after meeting specific Gold Card citizenship requirements. Unlike the EB-5 program, this visa does not have job creation requirements, making it a more straightforward option for wealthy investors. However, as of now, the Gold Card Visa is still a proposed initiative and has not been officially implemented.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the “Green Card Investment”, requires a minimum $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in economically distressed zones) investment and that you employ at least 10 people full time. Initially, successful applicants receive conditional permanent residency for two years, and they must meet all investment and job creation requirements before applying for unconditional permanent residency. After holding an American Green Card for five years, they may be eligible for United States citizenship. Although the EB-5 program is currently active, it may be replaced by the Gold Card Visa if the new policy moves forward.
The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is different from both the Gold Card and EB-5 visas in that it is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not directly lead from a US Green Card to citizenship. Instead, it allows foreign investors from treaty countries to live in the United States while managing their investment in a USA-based business. The E-2 visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the investor maintains the business, but it does not offer a direct pathway to permanent residency.
The Gold Card Visa offers a simple and direct path to USA residency and citizenship in exchange for a large investment. The EB-5 program is a well-established route that provides a USA Green Card based on investment and job creation, though it has a longer process before citizenship eligibility. The E-2 visa is a flexible option for treaty country nationals who want to live and work in the United States, but it does not lead to permanent residency without transitioning to another visa category.
Can the US Gold Card Visa Lead to Citizenship?
It has been announced that the US Gold Card Visa will be a road to United States citizenship. Holders will likely need to obtain permanent residency (a US Green Card) and become permanent residents before they become eligible for citizenship. In general, US citizenship requires at least 5 years of permanent residence and passing a citizenship test. Although, as there is no official confirmation, the specific path for Gold Card Visa holders is still unclear.
US Gold Card Visa Compared to Gold Card Visas in Other Countries
Many countries around the world offer visa programs for foreign investors, such as Golden Visas, including Greece, Malta, Portugal, and Spain. The US Gold Card Visa will require a payment of $5 million and offer immediate permanent residency with a pathway to citizenship. The program is not yet active, but it has been proposed to replace the existing EB-5 visa program.
Greece Golden Visa
Investment Requirement:
To obtain the Greek Golden Visa, investors are now generally required to invest €400,000 to €800,000 in real estate, depending on the property's location. However, a lower threshold of €250,000 still applies to specific investment categories, such as the restoration of listed buildings or conversions, subject to certain conditions.
Benefits:
The benefits of this visa are residency without a minimum stay requirement and access to the Schengen Area.
Program Status:
The program is currently active and consistently a popular choice among wealthy foreigners.
Malta Golden Visa
Investment Requirement:
The Malta Golden Visa requires a combination of government contributions, property purchase or rental, and investment in government bonds. The total cost of these investments must be approximately €880,000.
Benefits:
Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa include permanent residency and eligibility for citizenship after 12 months of residency.
Program Status:
The Malta Golden Visa is currently active.
Portugal Golden Visa
Investment Requirement:
As of 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa requires a minimum investment starting from €250,000 in eligible areas such as cultural heritage preservation, or €500,000 in investment funds or scientific research. Real estate is no longer a qualifying investment option.
Benefits:
With a Portugal Golden Visa, you can obtain Portuguese residency with minimal stay requirements and eligibility for citizenship after five years.
Program Status:
The Portugal Golden Visa program is currently active with recent adjustments to investment thresholds.
Spain Golden Visa
Investment Requirement:
To qualify for the Spain Golden Visa, you must invest a minimum of €500,000 in real estate. Alternatively, you can invest €1 million in Spanish company shares or funds, or €2 million in Spanish government bonds.
Benefits:
With the Spain Golden Visa, you gain residency with no minimum stay requirement and a pathway to citizenship after ten years.
Program Status:
The Spain Golden Visa program is currently active, but under review with potential changes in the future.
The US Gold Card Visa requires a significantly higher investment compared to European programs but it offers immediate permanent residency and a direct path to citizenship. European Golden Visas typically grant residency with varying paths to citizenship over time. European programs often provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area, enhancing travel flexibility within Europe.
Countries that Allow UAE Residents Visa-Free Access
Foreigners with UAE residency, including UAE Golden Visa holders, may enter the following states (Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Montenegro, Uzbekistan, and Guatemala) without a visa, simply owing to their being residents of the United Arab Emirates.
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