U.S. Gold Card Could Become One of the World’s Most Exclusive Golden Visas

Could the U.S. Gold Card Be the Most Exclusive Golden Visa Ever?

The world of Golden Visas and investment-based residency programs is evolving, with some countries setting extremely high entry prices for wealthy investors seeking second citizenship or permanent residency. Now, with former U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a $5 million U.S. Gold Card, it raises the question: Is this the most exclusive Golden Visa ever?

How the U.S. Gold Card Stands Among the World’s Most Expensive Visas

The U.S. Gold Card, if approved, would set a new standard in the world of residency-by-investment programs. The current top-tier Golden Visa programs include:

• Austria (€10 million minimum investment)

• Switzerland (CHF 1 million+ lump-sum taxation)

• New Zealand Investor Visa ($3 million+ USD investment)

• Singapore Global Investor Program (S$2.5 million minimum investment)

At $5 million, the U.S. Gold Card would rank among the most exclusive options, surpassing:

✔ The EB-5 visa ($800,000–$1.05 million minimum investment)

✔ Most European Golden Visa programs (Portugal, Greece, Spain, Malta, etc.)

✔ Several Caribbean citizenship-by-investment options, which typically range from $100,000 to $250,000

This price point suggests that the U.S. is targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, setting a new standard for elite residency programs.

What Benefits Could the U.S. Gold Card Offer?

Although the official details of the U.S. Gold Card have not yet been revealed, potential benefits could include:

✔ Permanent residency with a fast-track pathway to U.S. citizenship

✔ Fewer restrictions on employment, business ownership, and travel

✔ A direct path to U.S. investment opportunities

If structured similarly to EB-5 and other high-tier investment visas, the Gold Card could appeal to investors seeking:

• A secure financial future in the U.S.

• Tax-efficient business opportunities

• Greater global mobility

However, some critics argue that a $5 million threshold is too high, limiting its attractiveness to only the top 1% of global investors.

How Would the U.S. Gold Card Change the Golden Visa Industry?

With several European countries phasing out or restricting Golden Visa programs, the introduction of a high-cost U.S. investment visa could signal a shift toward ultra-exclusive residency programs.

A Global Trend Toward High-Net-Worth Residency

• Portugal and Spain are tightening their Golden Visa rules, moving away from real estate-based residency.

• Austria and Switzerland continue offering some of the most exclusive investment visas, catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

• The U.S. could redefine its residency-by-investment landscape by positioning the Gold Card as a luxury residency option.

If approved, the U.S. Gold Card would reshape the investment migration market, creating a new benchmark for elite global residency programs.

The U.S. Gold Card, at $5 million, could become one of the most elite Golden Visa programs in the world. While its full benefits remain unclear, this proposal suggests that the future of residency-by-investment is shifting toward ultra-wealthy applicants.