The US President, Donald Trump, introduced a new path to permanent residency called the “Gold Card” in the Oval Office on February 25, 2025. According to this, the US will begin issuing Gold Cards to non-Americans in exchange for economic contributions, with a minimum of $1 million. In other words, it will be an alternative to EB-1 or EB-2 Visas.
The Gold Card offers different options for both individuals and corporations. For individuals, there are the Trump Gold Card and Platinum Card. On the other hand, businesses can go for the Trump Corporate Gold Card for a $2 million contribution. In this article, we will guide you through the revealed details about Trump’s Golden Visa. We will keep you informed as new breakdowns arise.
What You Will Find In This Article
- Trump Gold Card in a Nutshell
- What is The US Gold Card?
- Eligibility Criteria for the Gold Card Visa Program
- Can You Include Your Family Members?
- Key Benefits Of The US Golden Visa Program
- How Does Trump’s Gold Card Visa Work For Foreign Investment?
- Types of Trump Gold Card
- The Trump Gold Card Cost
- How to Apply for a Trump Gold Card? 3 Basic Steps
- The Processing Time for the Trump Gold Card
- Tax Considerations for the US Gold Card
Trump Gold Card in a Nutshell
- The Gold Card, also known as the Trump Gold Card, is a lawful permanent resident status for non-American investors that requires a minimum investment of $1 million.
- Its benefits include permanent residency, a pathway to citizenship, business opportunities, economic growth, and the attraction of capital to the US.
- The primary aim of President Donald Trump’s Gold Card is to reduce the international debt by attracting high-net-worth individuals.
- The processing time is expected to be quick because individuals do not need to handle the heavy paperwork, thanks to reduced bureaucracy.
- The cost of the Trump Gold Card program is expected to start at $1 million and a $15,000 DHS processing fee, depending on the path you choose.
- It requires wealth-based investment, unlike EB-5 investor visas, which are based on job creation.
- When it comes to tax implications, if you have a Trump Platinum Card and live in the US for up to 270 days in a tax year, you will be exempt from US taxes on non-US income.
What is The US Gold Card?
According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, there is a transition in US investment immigration policy from job creation to wealth-based. Thereby, the US Gold Card is an investment-based immigration program aimed at high-net-worth foreign investors. Accordingly, foreign nationals are expected to make a substantial benefit to the US government in exchange for permanent US residency.
Unlike traditional investor visas, it does not require job creation, making the process simpler and faster. Its main objective is to attract foreign capital and generate revenue while offering investors a clear path to long-term residence in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria for the Gold Card Visa Program
To apply for US citizenship, here are some of the key qualifications you need to know:
- Applicants must be eligible to apply for one of the US Immigration categories such as EB‑1A (extraordinary ability) or EB‑2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
- Being a non-American citizen, regardless of the country of origin
- Making a minimum investment of minimum $1 million or $5 million for individuals or $2 million for businesses, no need to create jobs
Note that the information is limited, and we will keep you updated as the announcement comes.
Can You Include Your Family Members?
Under the Trump Gold Card, you or your corporate sponsor can include your family members in your initial application, including:
- Your spouse
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age
However, you have to pay a $15,000 DHS processing fee and a $1 million gift for each member.
Key Benefits Of The US Golden Visa Program
The proposed $5 million Gold Card visa program provides an easy route to citizenship. Let’s now look at how:
- Like Green Cards, it guarantees permanent residency in the US, and a possible path to US citizenship.
- It is intended to reduce the US’s international debt by attracting investment from high-net-worth individuals and creating more job opportunities.
- Investors can take advantage of being free from external income tax via the Trump Platinum Card.
- An easy and direct option for oligarchs and high-net-worth individuals to get residency in the US.
- The process will be quicker and more direct than other immigration investment options.
How Does Trump’s Gold Card Visa Work For Foreign Investment?
Despite the announcement of the Gold Card Visa, there is actually less information about it. The US president cannot eliminate the EB-5 program and lawfully propose a citizenship investment option. But Trump told reporters that Gold Cards will not require Congressional approval.
Nevertheless, the recent details are revealed below:
- Think of a Gold Card Visa as a pay-to-play system.
- There are no capacity limits as President Donald Trump speaks; he plans to sell one million Green Cards.
- There is no need to create 10 American jobs or make an enterprise.
- All you need to do is make a 5-million-dollar financial investment. Then, you can get permanent residency.
Types of Trump Gold Card
In simple terms, the Trump Gold Card, also known as the Golden Card, is available in two types of use: for individuals and businesses. The individual card has two different options: the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card. In the meantime, businesses can opt for the Trump Corporate Gold Card.
Trump Gold Card: $1 Million Contribution
This fast-track option for individuals requires the minimum contribution amount for the Trump Gold Card. You only need to make a $1 million contribution, along with a $15,000 DHS processing fee.
Trump Platinum Card: $5 Million Contribution
The Platinum Card program is for wealthy foreigners who wish to get tax advantages, along with residency benefits. Similar to the first option, you need to pay a $15,000 DHS processing fee. However, the contribution amount increases to $5 million.
Once acquired after passing background checks, you can benefit from a specific tax exemption. You can spend up to 270 days in the US, yet you do not need to pay taxes on the foreign income. Moreover, if you have ever been subject to US tax on foreign income, you are not eligible to apply for the Trump Platinum Card.
Although it has not launched yet, foreign nationals can enroll and get their places on the waiting list.
Trump Corporate Gold Card: $2 Million contribution
In exchange for a 2 million contribution, you can get fast-track US residency with the Corporate Gold Card for your employees, which will substantially benefit the United States. As part of your application process, you must pay a $15,000 DHS nonrefundable processing fee and undergo background checks.
Once you receive your Trump Corporate Gold Card, you can reassign access from one employee to another for a small 5% transfer fee. This includes the cost of a DHS background check. Moreover, you need to pay an annual 1% maintenance fee.
The Trump Gold Card Cost
| Program / Card Type | Contribution | DHS Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trump Gold Card | $1 Million | $15,000 |
| Trump Platinum Card | $5 Million | $15,000 |
| Trump Corporate Card | $2 Million | $15,000 |
* The US Government can request additional fees depending on your circumstances.
How to Apply for a Trump Gold Card? 3 Basic Steps
Now that we know the eligibility requirements and available Trump Gold Card options, it is time to proceed with the application process.
1. Submit Your Application
Initially, from the official Trump Gold Card website, you must submit your application by paying a non-refundable processing fee. Once you submit your application, you will receive an email from USCIS that directs you to create a myUSCIS.gov account. Then, you can check out the status of your application from there.
2. Undergo an Examination
The second step includes a careful consideration of your application by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services facilities, in other words, by the Department of Homeland Security. They will basically make an in-depth background check.
3. Get Your Approval
After a successful vetting process, you need to submit a gift to the US to demonstrate your eligibility to make a substantial contribution. After receiving your EB-1 or EB-2 visa, you will gain lawful permanent resident status, which will be valid in all 50 states and territories, according to the US Department of Homeland Security.
The Processing Time for the Trump Gold Card
The program is introduced as a fast-track residency option for the US; therefore, it is claimed to take a few weeks after the application and payment of the fees. During this process, the applicant may be required to attend a visa interview and submit additional documents.
The Payment Process for the Trump Gold Card Program
The Trump Gold Card requires you to make your payments as stated below:
- The initial $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee requires you to make your payment via Credit Card (US and international) or ACH debit (US bank accounts only)
- For the gift payment (depending on your Gold Card category), you must contact your bank to arrange an ACH debit or SWIFT Wire Transfer to a US-based or international bank account.
- For your visa-related fees, wait for information from the US Department of State. They will describe how to submit the visa application fee or payment for the required medical examination.
Tax Considerations for the US Gold Card
Holding a Trump Gold Card does not exclude you from paying taxes in the US, regardless of your income source. However, holding a Trump Platinum Card will provide you with a tax exemption on foreign income, provided you meet a residency requirement of 270 days per year in the US.
How is a Gold Card Different from the EB-5 Program?
The concept of the Gold Card Visa is to replace the existing EB-5 investment program by giving the privileges of the Green Card program. Based on Howard Lutnick’s statements, the minimum wage for foreign investment under EB-5 is too low. Thus, it generates no income for the federal government.
Although the Gold Card and EB-5 offer American citizenship, they differ in their investment options. Here you can see how:
| Feature | Trump Gold Card | EB-5 Program |
|---|---|---|
| The Investment Amount | $5 million | Minimum $800,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Target Audience | High-net-worth individuals prioritizing wealth-based entry. | Mostly entrepreneurs, promoting job creation in the American market. |
| Capacity Limit | Limitless, as Trump plans to sell one million. | Less than 10,000 annually. |
| Taxes | Free from external income tax, responsible for internal income tax. | Responsible for both internal and external income tax. |
| Economic Growth | Less options. | More options. |
| Process | Expected to be quick thanks to less bureaucracy. | Takes 6-12 months. |
| Family Inclusion | Anticipated to include immediate family members, but official immigration policy details are pending. | Includes the investor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old. |
| Renewal/Validity | Expected to grant permanent legal residency. | Provides conditional US residency for two years, after which investors can apply for permanent legal residency. |
| Processing Fees | No specific information about additional processing or administrative fees. | Involves government filing fees and possible administrative fees, depending on the investment project. |
How Does the Trump Gold Card Compare to Other Countries’ Golden Visa Programs?
Recent immigration statistics show that countries around the world offer Golden Visa programs to attract foreign investors. Trump’s Gold Card program, while still uncertain, appears to differ in key ways from established programs in nations like Portugal, Greece, and Italy.
Most investor visas grant global mobility in exchange for investment in real estate, business, or government bonds. This allows capital appreciation, whereas the Trump Gold Card adopts a “contribute and forget” approach. For example, Portugal Golden Visa program offers funding investment, cultural donation, and job creation options to provide EU citizenship. Similarly, Greece offers investment opportunities in real estate and government bonds, granting investors visa-free access to the Schengen area. On the other hand, the Trump administration seems more focused on attracting foreign investors who desire to get rid of the worldwide taxation burden.
Another significant difference is the approval process. Many countries have clear legal frameworks and pathways for applicants, whereas the Gold Card program may face legal challenges and require Congressional approval. Additionally, while most Golden Visa holders enjoy a smooth transition to citizenship, it remains unclear if the new program would provide a similar pathway. Therefore, as new updates come from the White House, we will update this article to keep you informed.
Get Golden Visa: Your Guide to Residency & Citizenship by Investment
Since 2014, Get Golden Visa, the investment migration advisory firm, has been helping investors worldwide become global citizens. With our offices in Lisbon, Athens, London, and Istanbul, our team assists you in finding the best investment opportunities that align with your goals.
To start your investment journey today, fill out the contact form below, and we will introduce you to the best citizenship and residency-by-investment programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Trump Gold Card
Can your Gold Card status be revoked?
Yes, as stated on the official website, it is a “visa”; therefore, it can be revoked at any time due to national security and significant criminal risks.
How much will the Gold Card cost?
It actually depends on your case. If you choose the Trump Gold Card route, be ready to pay at least a $1 million gift and a $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee. On the other hand, you can pay around $2 million for a gift for the Trump Corporate Gold Card, with additional processing fees and 1% annual maintenance fee.
