Investment immigration has always been a popular way to get residency or citizenship abroad. Programs like the U.S. EB-5 visa have traditionally provided this path by requiring applicants to create jobs and stimulate economic development.
Now, a new proposal could reshape the landscape: the Gold Card Visa offers a faster, more streamlined path to permanent residency in exchange for a significant financial investment. In this article, we’ll explore what the Gold Card Visa is, how it compares to the EB-5 and other global programs, its key features, and what it could mean for the future of immigration and the global economy.
Understanding the Gold Card Visa
The Gold Card Visa is a type of residency-by-investment program designed for high-net-worth individuals. It offers a pathway to permanent residency — and in some cases, citizenship — in exchange for a large financial investment in the host country. While the concept isn’t entirely new (often referred to as a “Golden Visa”), the Gold Card Visa specifically targets ultra-wealthy investors looking for fast-tracked immigration benefits.
What sets it apart from standard visas is its streamlined application process and a range of exclusive perks. These may include tax incentives, the ability to include immediate family members and a clear path to citizenship or long-term residency.
The U.S. Gold Card Visa Proposal
In February 2025 the president, Donald Trump, called for the replacement of the current EB-5 investor visa with a Gold Card Visa plan. In this proposal, the minimum financial contribution requirement would go up to $5 million, and barriers, such as the job-creation requirements, would be eliminated.
In return, those who participate would get long-term residency with the option to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. This proposal serves two purposes: to attract the super-wealthy from around the globe and to create billions of dollars in income for the U.S. government to help lower the national debt. The government would receive revenue directly from the financial contributions of these ultra-wealthy individuals, which gives the initiative both financial appeal and economic strength.
Key Features of the U.S. Gold Card Visa
While still in the proposal stage, the U.S. Gold Card Visa is expected to offer:
Minimum Investment:
A $5 million investment in the U.S. economy, potentially through real estate, business ventures, or government bonds.Permanent Residency & Citizenship Pathway:
Approved applicants would receive a green card for themselves and qualifying family members, with the ability to apply for citizenship after a certain period.Family Inclusion:
Spouses and dependent children may be included in the same application, offering them identical residency rights.Potential Tax Advantages:
Depending on financial structuring and residency laws, visa holders might benefit from favorable tax treatment.
Comparing the Gold Card Visa and the EB-5 Visa
The current EB-5 visa requires a minimum investment of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a targeted employment area), along with proof that the investment creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
In contrast, the proposed Gold Card Visa would remove the job creation requirement and raise the minimum investment to $5 million. While this would simplify and speed up the application process, it also means the program is accessible only to the ultra-wealthy.
Golden Visas Around the World
The concept of granting residency for financial contributions isn’t exclusive to the U.S.; many countries offer Golden Visa’s at different financial investment levels and with different benefits.
Portugal:
Provides residency for a €500,000 investment in real estate, with the ability to travel visa-free across the Schengen Area.
Greece:
Allows foreign nationals to obtain residency while investing only €250,000 in property. Like Portugal, it offers access to the broader European Union.
Cyprus:
Issues residency to investors with a minimum investment of €300,000 in real estate or another qualifying venture.
United Arab Emirates:
Continues to offer long-term residency for investors who invest notable amounts of capital, particularly in fields such as real estate and innovation.
These have proven effective in generating foreign capital, increasing property prices, and helping regional economies grow, and a U.S. Gold Card Visa could do much the same, only on a larger scale.
Potential Benefits of the Gold Card Visa
If put into action carefully, the Gold Card Visa could have a range of positive effects for both investors and the host country:
Economic Growth:
Investment on a large scale can lead to improvements in public services, growth in business, and other aspects of economic activity.
Revenue Generation:
Unlike the EB-5, which often involves indirect economic benefits, the Gold Card Visa brings in direct capital, some of which could be used to reduce national debt.
Attracting Global Talent:
Wealthy people often bring not only funding, but also business experience, innovation, and global networks. This can lead to a more competitive and wide-ranging environment for economic growth.
Criticisms and Considerations
Despite its benefits, the Gold Card Visa faces notable criticisms:
Accessibility Issues:
The $5 million requirement limits access to only the ultra-wealthy, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity.No Job Creation Requirement:
Critics argue that removing this component may reduce the program’s long-term economic contribution compared to the EB-5.Ethical Concerns:
Some believe selling citizenship undermines the integrity of national immigration policies and makes entry into a country dependent on wealth alone.
Final Thoughts
The proposed Gold Card Visa has the potential to reshape investment-based immigration in the U.S. It offers a streamlined, lucrative option for the super-wealthy while promising significant financial benefits to the country. However, for it to be successful and well-regarded, it must strike a balance between economic efficiency, ethical considerations, and public value.
If you’re considering investment-based immigration and want to know whether the Gold Card Visa is right for you or your family, contact us today. Our expert immigration lawyers will guide you through the available options and help you make a smart, secure move toward global residency.
