President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration initiative—the “Gold Card” visa program—offering wealthy foreign nationals a pathway to U.S. permanent residency and eventual citizenship for a $5 million investment. The official registration portal, TrumpCard.gov, is set to launch within a week, allowing interested applicants to express their interest in the program.
What Is the Trump Gold Card?
Announced in February 2025, the Trump Gold Card is designed to supplement the existing EB-5 investor visa program. While the EB-5 requires a minimum investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million in U.S. businesses and mandates the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs, the Gold Card simplifies the process by requiring a direct $5 million payment to the U.S. government without specific job creation obligations.
Key features of the Gold Card include:
- Permanent U.S. residency: Holders gain the right to live and work in the United States.
- Pathway to citizenship: The program offers a route to U.S. citizenship over time.
- No specific investment projects: Unlike the EB-5, there’s no requirement to invest in particular businesses or regions.
- Potential tax benefits: Reports suggest possible exemptions from U.S. taxes on foreign income, though details remain unconfirmed.
How to Register
The TrumpCard.gov website is expected to go live within the next week. Initially, it will allow prospective applicants to register their interest in the program. Further details regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, and program specifics will be released in the following weeks.
Global Interest and Criticisms
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated strong international interest in the Gold Card, noting that some cards have already been sold in the Middle East. The administration projects that up to one million cards could be sold, potentially generating $1 trillion in revenue aimed at reducing the national debt.
However, experts express skepticism about the program’s appeal. Dominic Volek of Henley & Partners points out that the $5 million price tag may deter many potential applicants, especially considering U.S. tax policies that tax global income. He estimates that fewer than 100,000 individuals worldwide might be eligible or interested.
Additionally, the program’s legality is under scrutiny. Introducing a new visa category or replacing an existing one like the EB-5 requires Congressional approval. As of now, no such legislation has been passed, raising questions about the Gold Card’s legal standing.
What’s Next?
As the Trump administration prepares to launch the Gold Card program, potential applicants should stay informed about forthcoming details and legal clarifications. Given the complexities of U.S. immigration law, consulting with immigration attorneys or experts is advisable for those considering this pathway.
For the latest updates and to register your interest, visit TrumpCard.gov.
