Trump’s $5M ‘Golden Visa’ Is Back: In 2025, Donald Trump reintroduced a premium immigration pathway called the Trump Gold Card—an elite version of the traditional “Golden Visa.” For a $5 million direct investment to the U.S. Treasury, wealthy foreigners can secure permanent residency (Green Card) for themselves and their families, with a fast track to citizenship and favorable tax treatment.
Designed to replace the EB-5 investor visa, this program eliminates complex hurdles like job creation while providing what many global elites want: a simplified path to living in the United States.
Trump’s $5M ‘Golden Visa’ Is Back
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Trump Gold Card |
| Minimum Investment | $5 million (non-refundable, direct to U.S. government) |
| Residency Status | Immediate Green Card for applicant and family |
| Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years of continuous U.S. residency |
| Job Creation Requirement | None |
| Tax Benefits | Taxed only on U.S.-sourced income, not global income |
| Official Website | trumpcard.gov (launching soon) |
| Projected Revenue Goal | Up to $5 trillion if 1M cards are issued (critics call this unlikely) |
The Trump Gold Card is poised to become one of the most elite investor visa programs in the world. While its $5 million price tag sets a high bar, the benefits—residency, tax advantages, and simplified processing—will likely attract global elites.
Still, investors must proceed with caution, consult legal counsel, and consider the long-term implications before applying. Whether this program becomes a success story or a political flashpoint remains to be seen—but it’s already making waves in the world of global mobility.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card is a new type of investor visa program aimed at ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking U.S. permanent residency without the usual red tape. Unlike the EB-5 visa, which requires both investment and job creation, this program only requires a one-time $5 million payment to the federal government—no business setup, no job creation, no risky regional centers.
It’s one of the most expensive golden visas in the world but offers unmatched simplicity and speed.
Why Now? The Economic and Political Context
According to the U.S. Treasury, the national debt surpassed $34 trillion in early 2025. In response, the Trump administration is positioning this visa as a revenue-generating solution, with the goal of attracting up to 1 million foreign investors, potentially bringing in $5 trillion in federal funds.
Though this projection has drawn skepticism from economists (Axios), the potential for high-value inflow is real if the program attracts even a fraction of this target audience.
How Trump’s $5M ‘Golden Visa’ Works
Step 1: Pre-Register
Applicants will register at trumpcard.gov and submit interest along with preliminary financial documentation.
Step 2: Document Submission
Applicants must provide:
- Valid passport
- Proof of legal source of funds
- Police clearance certificate
- Financial disclosures
Step 3: Transfer Investment
Make a $5 million non-refundable transfer directly to a government account (details TBA on the official website).
Step 4: Residency Issuance
Once approved, the applicant and immediate family receive 10-year renewable Green Cards.
Step 5: Citizenship Pathway
After 5 years of legal residency, applicants may apply for citizenship through naturalization, subject to standard eligibility rules.
Benefits of the Trump Gold Card
Immediate U.S. Residency
Live, work, and study in the U.S. with full Green Card rights.
Family Coverage
Spouses and children under 21 are included in the application.
No Job Creation Requirement
Unlike EB-5, there’s no need to start a business or hire U.S. workers.
Tax Efficiency
Cardholders pay taxes only on U.S.-sourced income. Global earnings remain untaxed by the U.S.
Case Scenario: Who Would Benefit?
- Maria, a tech founder from Brazil, wants her kids to attend U.S. schools and avoid high taxation back home. The Trump Gold Card offers a legal and strategic solution.
- Arjun, an Indian investor, has $30M in offshore assets. With the Gold Card, he gains U.S. residency without triggering global tax obligations.
How It Compares Globally
| Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Timeline | Job Creation Required | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA (Gold Card) | $5M | Immediate | No | After 5 years |
| Portugal | €500,000 | 6 months | No | After 5 years |
| Greece | €250,000 | 2 months | No | After 7 years |
| UAE | $2M | 1–3 months | No | Limited |
| UK Investor | £2M | 3 months | No | After 5 years |
Legal & Political Considerations
Legal experts warn that changing federal immigration and tax laws requires Congressional approval. If this visa program bypasses standard legal routes, it could face lawsuits or be revoked by a future administration.
Expert Insight
“The Trump Gold Card is innovative but legally shaky. Congress may intervene if revenue promises fall flat or if public backlash grows.”
— Dr. Linda Paredes, Immigration Policy Analyst, Brookings Institution
Risks and Concerns
- Non-refundable investment: No money back, even if the visa is denied.
- High political risk: Future administrations could amend or cancel the program.
- Potential for abuse: Could attract bad actors trying to “buy” legitimacy without oversight.
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FAQs About Trump’s $5M ‘Golden Visa’ Is Back
Is the Trump Gold Card active now?
The program is expected to launch in late 2025. Monitor trumpcard.gov for updates.
Can I bring my entire family?
Yes, your spouse and children under 21 will receive Green Cards too.
Will I lose my money if I’m denied?
Yes. The $5 million is non-refundable and considered a contribution, not an investment.
What if I want to work in the U.S.?
You’re allowed to work, study, or retire with no restriction under the Green Card.
How is this taxed?
You’ll only pay U.S. income tax on money earned inside the U.S.—not on your global income or offshore assets.
