What is Trump's $5 million Gold Visa Program?

Former President Donald Trump has introduced proposal called the “Gold Card” visa, designed for wealthy international investors. This program is intended to replace the EB-5 investor visa and offers a direct path to U.S. citizenship for those willing to contribute $5 million to the government. According to Trump, the goal is to generate substantial federal revenue — potentially trillions — to help reduce the national debt while simultaneously attracting successful individuals who can positively impact the American economy. In addition to traditional government structures, the program has drawn attention due to its technical backend reportedly being developed by the Dogecoin Foundation, associated with Elon Musk’s influence in the cryptocurrency space.

The announcement was made from the , with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick naming the initiative the “Trump Gold Card.” Trump emphasized that ideal candidates would be affluent and accomplished individuals expected to invest, pay taxes, and stimulate job creation in the U.S.

This proposal signifies a major change in U.S. immigration policy by creating a straightforward option to buy residency. Trump also mentioned the potential for up to one million of these visas to be issued, though no specific timeline or detailed rollout plan has been released yet. 

US Gold Card Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the proposed applicants must contribute $5 million in exchange for the chance to secure permanent residency in the United States. This marks a notable increase from the financial threshold required under the existing EB-5 investor visa.

Unlike traditional investor visa programs that mandate job creation as part of the approval process, the Gold Card scheme does not include any employment or economic activity conditions. Instead, it adopts a simplified model focused solely on monetary contribution.

The program is designed to welcome affluent individuals from around the world, without restricting eligibility based on nationality. In contrast to other U.S. immigration options, there are no national quotas or participation limits, making it accessible to an unrestricted number of applicants globally.

President Trump also suggested that the initiative could accommodate as many as 10 million applicants, highlighting the program’s scale as potentially far larger than any current investor visa framework.

Technology Behind the Trump Gold Card

The Trump Gold Card infrastructure is reportedly being developed in partnership with the Dogecoin Foundation. According to , software is being built to enable blockchain-based visa token issuance and automatic application approvals within 30 days. Elon Musk is indirectly associated through his involvement in the Dogecoin ecosystem, positioning this initiative as one of the first major immigration processes to utilize cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies.

US Gold Cards Benefits

US Gold Card holders would receive permanent residency in the United States, granting them the legal right to live and work indefinitely—similar to traditional Green Card holders. Key advantages include:

• A pathway to U.S. citizenship, setting it apart from temporary residency programs (though specific naturalization details are yet to be announced).
• Economic opportunities for cardholders through access to the American market for business and investment.
• Positive impact on the U.S. economy, with benefits such as increased tax revenue and consumer spending.
• The program is projected to stimulate the economy beyond the initial $5 million investment per participant through taxation, business development, and discretionary spending.

How is the Trump Gold Card Investor Visa Different from other USA Investor Visa Programs?

The proposed Trump Gold Card Visa offers a new pathway to U.S. permanent residency, distinct from existing programs like the EB-5 and E-2 visas. Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires a minimum investment of $800,000 and the creation of at least 10 U.S. jobs, the Gold Card Visa involves a direct $5 million payment to the U.S. government without any job creation mandate. This approach aims to streamline the process, potentially granting permanent residency within a month. However, the tax implications remain unclear; while there are discussions about exempting foreign income from U.S. taxation for Gold Card holders, such a provision would necessitate changes to the. In contrast, EB-5 investors are subject to U.S. taxes on worldwide income. The Gold Card Visa is currently a proposal and would require legislative action for implementation. The following table outlines the key differences among the visa programs.

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US Gold Card Residency and Citizenship

The US Gold Card would grant immediate legal residency to eligible applicants, providing a defined pathway to full citizenship. This represents a significant improvement over many existing visa categories, which often involve long waiting periods or lack a clear route to citizenship.

The program is designed to attract “high-level people” who would receive legal residency in exchange for an investment. However, the specific timeframe for transitioning from Gold Card residency to full citizenship has not yet been clearly defined.

There are still unanswered questions about whether Gold Card holders would be subject to the same requirements as other immigrants pursuing citizenship, such as physical presence mandates and civics exams. Legal experts point out that the creation of a new immigration pathway like this would require congressional approval, which raises additional concerns about how feasible the program’s implementation may be.

US Gold Card Consultation

As of April 2025, the Trump Gold Card remains a proposal. While software development and promotion have begun, the program has not yet been formally enacted into law. 

While the Trump Gold Card Visa remains a proposal requiring legislative approval, ��ɫ��ҹ���� is well-positioned to assist clients in preparing for such opportunities. ​We are a boutique immigration consultancy specializing in global mobility solutions, including citizenship, residency, and investor visa programs. With a presence in both the United States and Europe, we offer personalized services tailored to high-net-worth individuals seeking efficient and secure pathways to residency or citizenship.​ Our services encompass:

• Personalized Consultation. Assessing individual eligibility and aligning investment strategies with potential visa requirements.
• Documentation and Compliance. Guiding clients through the preparation of necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
• Financial Structuring. Advising on wealth management and tax implications related to U.S. residency.
• Post-Move Support. Providing assistance with relocation, including housing, education, and integration into the U.S. community.​

��ɫ��ҹ����' commitment to a personal touch and long-term focus ensures that clients receive top-tier service tailored to their unique needs. Our internal KYC/due diligence department provides enhanced assurance of a positive outcome before application submission. ​