Trump’s Gold Card: A $5M Waiting Game vs. an Investor Visa That Works Right Now

What you should know before betting on a proposal - and the real investor visas that can get you into the U.S. today.

What Is the Trump Gold Card?

In early 2025, former President Donald Trump announced a new immigration concept dubbed the "Trump Gold Card." It’s marketed as a fast-track to U.S. permanent residency for wealthy foreign nationals who pay $5 million. The promise? Obtain a Green Card and eventually citizenship without the usual employment or family sponsorship hurdles - all in exchange for a big investment.

Sounds enticing, right? But here’s the catch:

The Trump Gold Card is still just a proposal. It has not been implemented, there’s no official application process, and key details like eligibility, timelines, or legal framework remain unclear.

What We Know - and What We Don’t

• Investment Amount: The proposed price tag is $5 million.

• Residency Benefits: Permanent residency leading to citizenship.

• Tax Perks: Suggested exemption from U.S. taxes on foreign income.

• No Job Creation Requirement: Unlike other visas, the program doesn’t specify a need to create U.S. jobs.

What’s missing?

• Official launch date or government approval

• Clear eligibility rules

• Details on how investments will be structured or managed

• Legal and tax implications fully confirmed

Experts and immigration attorneys recommend caution. It’s exciting, but the Trump Gold Card isn’t a reality you can rely on - yet.

The Investor Visas That Are Real Today

If you’re ready to move to the U.S. through investment, there are established programs available now with clear rules and proven success. Here are the most relevant:

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

• Investment: $800,000 to $1.05 million (depending on the project location)

• Job Creation: Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs

• Residency: Get a Green Card for you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21

• Role: You can invest passively through Regional Centers - no need to run the business yourself

• Processing Time: Typically 18-24 months, sometimes faster with premium processing

The EB-5 is the most direct route to a Green Card through investment, widely used and respected by immigration authorities.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (Non-Immigrant)

• Investment: Varies, no fixed minimum (usually $100,000+)

• Job Creation: No formal requirement but must be a real, active business

• Residency: Temporary visa renewable indefinitely as long as business operates

• Role: You must actively manage the business

• Processing Time: Often under 3 months

The E-2 visa is perfect if you want to start or buy a business in the U.S. and live there while managing it - though it does not directly lead to a Green Card.

Why Wait for a Gold Card That Might Never Arrive?

The Trump Gold Card sounds like a dream ticket, but it’s a waiting game with an uncertain future. If you’re serious about moving to the U.S. as an investor, it’s safer and smarter to consider the visas that already exist, with clear guidelines and government backing.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you want to learn more about the EB-5 or E-2 visas, or assess which option fits your situation best, reach out to our team of U.S. immigration experts. We offer personalized guidance and can help you navigate the process - no guesswork, just clear, reliable advice.

Don’t wait on promises. Invest in your American dream with the visas that work today