This program is intended to replace the current EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which had a lower investment requirement and included specific job creation conditions.
Trump’s $5 Million Gold Card Visa: A Game-Changer for Wealthy Investors
Imagine being able to secure a path to U.S. residency with a single, bold investment. That’s the promise of the new “Gold Card” visa, a flashy initiative from the Trump administration set to launch soon. With a price tag of $5 million, this program is aimed at ultra-wealthy foreigners looking to plant roots in the U.S. while boosting the economy. Let’s break down what this is all about, why it’s making waves, and what it means for investors.
What’s the Gold Card Visa All About?
The Gold Card visa is like the VIP pass of immigration programs. Unlike the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which asks for a more modest $900,000 to $1.8 million investment, this new initiative raises the stakes to a cool $5 million. In return, you get a shot at permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. It’s a premium deal for those with deep pockets who want to call the U.S. home.
Here’s what stands out about the Gold Card:
- Big Investment, Big Reward: You’ll need to pour $5 million into the American economy to qualify.
- Green Card and Beyond: Successful applicants get permanent residency and a path to citizenship.
- Tough Vetting Process: The program promises stricter checks to weed out fraud.
- Elite Audience: This is designed for the world’s richest, not your average investor.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently spilled the beans at an Axios event in Washington, D.C., saying a dedicated website—possibly called “Trump card dot gov”—should be live within a week. That’s where applicants can start registering, so the clock is ticking for those interested.
Why Ditch the EB-5 Program?
The EB-5 program, around since 1990, was meant to spark economic growth by luring foreign investors to create jobs in the U.S. But it’s had its share of problems—think fraud and mismanagement. Even with a 2022 overhaul called the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, critics say it’s still clunky. Enter the Gold Card, which Trump and Lutnick are pitching as a cleaner, high-roller alternative.
By jacking up the investment to $5 million, the administration hopes to attract serious players who can make a real economic impact while sidelining shady applicants. It’s a bold move to streamline things and bring in bigger bucks.
Will It Actually Work?
Here’s where things get tricky. The Gold Card sounds exciting, but there’s a catch: the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) doesn’t currently allow for such a program. For this to become reality, one of two things needs to happen:
- Congress Steps In: Lawmakers would need to rewrite the INA to greenlight the Gold Card.
- Trump Goes Solo: The administration could try to push it through without Congress, but that’s likely to spark legal battles.
Given Trump’s history of shaking things up, it’s anyone’s guess whether this will sail through or get tangled in court. Investors might want to hold off on popping the champagne until the legal dust settles.
Why Would Anyone Pay $5 Million?
You might be wondering who’d fork over that kind of cash. The answer? Plenty of ultra-wealthy folks. The U.S. is a magnet for the world’s rich, boasting 34% of global liquid wealth and over 6 million millionaires, according to Henley & Partners’ 2025 wealth report. From 2014 to 2024, the number of millionaires here grew by a whopping 78%. For high-net-worth individuals, $5 million could be a small price to pay for the security and prestige of U.S. residency.
The Trump administration is betting big, hoping to sell up to a million of these visas. If they pull it off, that’s billions of dollars flowing into the economy. Not a bad deal—if it works.
What Should Investors Do Next?
If you’re eyeing the Gold Card, here’s how to get ready:
- Watch for the Website: Keep an eye out for the official “Trump card dot gov” site, expected to launch soon.
- Get Your Paperwork Ready: You’ll need to prove you’ve got the funds and meet the program’s strict requirements.
- Stay Informed: Legal or congressional changes could make or break this program, so follow the news closely.
Don’t Forget About EB-5
While the Gold Card is stealing the spotlight, the EB-5 program isn’t going anywhere just yet. It’s authorized through September 30, 2027, and anyone who applies before September 2026 will be protected by grandfathering rules, no matter what happens next. So, if $5 million feels too steep, EB-5 might still be a solid option.
Trump has hinted that the Gold Card comes with “green card privileges, plus,” but what that “plus” means is anyone’s guess. Extra perks? Faster processing? We’ll have to wait and see.
Final Thoughts
The Gold Card visa is a bold, flashy move to attract the world’s richest to the U.S. It’s got big potential but comes with big questions—legal hurdles, high costs, and uncertainty about what sets it apart from EB-5. For now, it’s a shiny new idea that could reshape wealth migration to the U.S., but only if it clears the obstacles ahead.
If you’re an investor with millions to spare, this could be your golden ticket. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and maybe start checking your bank account.
