As nations compete for the ultra-rich, the U.S. throws its hat into the ring with a high-stakes offer.
On February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a controversial immigration initiative: the “Gold Card” program, allowing wealthy foreigners to obtain U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship with a $5 million contribution.
This new program replaces the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, which was established in 1992 to grant green cards to foreign investors who injected capital into U.S. projects that created at least ten jobs. Under EB-5, minimum investments ranged from $800,000 in economically distressed regions to $1.8 million in other areas. The gold card shifts the focus from job creation to direct financial contributions, aligning with the administration’s objective to streamline revenue generation.
Applicants must demonstrate liquidity of $5 million, undergo financial and security vetting, and submit formal petitions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Successful candidates receive residency rights akin to a green card, with an expedited route to citizenship contingent on congressional approval.
Unlike the EB-5 program, the gold card does not mandate job creation, though Trump asserted that cardholders would “employ many people” through voluntary business investments. The administration plans to launch sales within two weeks.
The gold card introduces stricter vetting to ensure applicants are “world-class global citizens”. This includes enhanced background checks targeting financial integrity, criminal history, and potential ties to adversarial governments.
The Trump administration estimates that selling one million gold cards would generate $5 trillion, with 10 million sales potentially yielding $50 trillion—a figure exceeding the current $35 trillion national debt.
The Trump administration estimates that one million gold cards sold could generate $5 trillion, with ten million sales potentially yielding $50 trillion—exceeding the current $35 trillion national debt. Proponents highlight the program’s potential to infuse large amounts of capital directly into federal coffers, offering a faster, more centralized way to fund public initiatives and reduce the deficit. The higher investment threshold may also draw applicants with established financial records, potentially fostering a stable pool of investors.
Emerging economies, particularly China, India, and the Middle East, are expected to drive much of the demand, given their growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking secure and prestigious residency options.
Trump specifically mentioned Indian tech entrepreneurs and top graduates from elite universities as ideal candidates, underscoring the administration’s vision of attracting global talent. Early feedback from immigration attorneys suggests significant pent-up interest, especially among those looking for expedited access to the United States.
The Trump Gold Card is entering the competitive residency and citizenship by investment market alongside established programs from Europe, the Caribbean, and other regions. By setting a $5 million threshold and emphasizing direct contributions to the U.S. Treasury, it distinguishes itself from lower-cost alternatives.
It aims to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking an exclusive and efficient pathway to U.S. residency and citizenship. This initiative adds a new, premium option to the evolving landscape of investment migration, challenging traditional models and expanding the range of choices for global investors.
For prospective investors, the gold card represents a streamlined route to U.S. residency and a potential path to citizenship. By offering a clear, financially driven option, the program may appeal to those who value both efficiency and global mobility.
If you are considering this opportunity, it may be prudent to consult legal and financial experts to ensure a thorough understanding of the requirements and benefits, especially once all the details are confirmed.
At Arton Capital, we understand that navigating the complexities of investment-based residency programs can be challenging. Our team of global mobility experts provides personalized guidance, from assessing eligibility and strategizing your application to ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Whether you’re considering the Trump Gold Card or exploring other premium residency options, we’re here to help you unlock your path to global mobility.
Register your interest today. We will get back to you once the program is officially launched.
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