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NRIPage | Articles | Trump's $5 Million 'Gold Card' Visa: How It Compares to Golden Visa Programs Worldwide | Get Education & Training Articles. Empowering Lifelong Learning around the world - NRI Page
In a major immigration reform move, US President Donald Trump has proposed a new visa scheme that offers a 'gold card' residency permit to foreigners willing to invest $5 million in the United States. This initiative aims to attract “brilliant, hardworking, job-creating people” while generating significant government revenue to balance the federal budget. Described as “like the green card, but better and more sophisticated,” the gold card program is among the world's most expensive residency schemes. While the initiative targets high-net-worth individuals, several other countries offer Golden Visa programs with significantly lower investment thresholds.
How Does the US 'Gold Card' Compare to Other Golden Visa Programs?
Many countries worldwide offer Golden Visa programs that grant residency (and in some cases, citizenship) in exchange for investments in property, government bonds, or businesses. Here’s a comparison of notable golden visa programs that require smaller financial commitments than the proposed US 'Gold Card'.
1. Greece
Investment Requirement: €250,000 (approx. $262,800) in real estate.
Benefits: Permanent residency with renewal every five years; popular among European investors.
2. Malta
Investment Requirement: Purchase property worth €350,000 (approx. $370,000) or maintain annual rental income of €12,000. Additional financial criteria include €500,000 in total net worth.
Benefits: Strong European access with flexible investment options.
3. Italy
Investment Requirement: €271,000 (approx. $295,000) for startups or public interest initiatives.
Benefits: Offers a two-year investor visa with a path to 10-year citizenship.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Investment Requirement: Minimum property investment of 2 million AED (approx. $550,000).
Benefits: Offers a 10-year golden visa, tax incentives, and no minimum stay requirements.
5. Cyprus
Investment Requirement: €300,000 (approx. $320,000) in residential real estate or investment in Cypriot businesses.
Benefits: Residency includes visa-free EU access and the ability to extend residency rights to family.
6. Portugal
Investment Requirement: Minimum €271,000 (approx. $295,000) in low-density area investments.
Benefits: Citizenship eligibility after five years with minimal residency requirements.
7. Spain
Investment Requirement: Minimum €500,000 (approx. $535,000) in real estate.
Benefits: Provides fast-track residency, includes family members, and allows visa-free Schengen travel.
8. Latvia
Investment Requirement: Only $54,000 in business investments.
Benefits: One of the most affordable options; grants a five-year residency permit with minimal stay conditions.
9. Dominica
Investment Requirement: Minimum $200,000 investment in the country’s economy.
Benefits: Offers full citizenship with visa-free access to over 140 countries.
Benefits: Provides visa-free access to major destinations like China, Singapore, Russia, and the UK.
11. Thailand
Investment Requirement: Only $20,000 for a 20-year residency visa.
Benefits: Flexible lifestyle options, ideal for retirees or digital nomads.
12. Switzerland
Investment Requirement: Annual tax payment of $300,000 - $1.2 million in lieu of direct investment.
Benefits: Access to Schengen travel, a robust financial system, and premium living standards.
Is Trump's 'Gold Card' Worth It?
While Trump's $5 million gold card is a premium residency option, it’s significantly more expensive than most global golden visa schemes. Countries like Portugal, Greece, and Latvia provide similar residency privileges at a fraction of the cost. However, for ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking residence in the United States, the 'Gold Card' may appeal to those interested in securing long-term residency with fewer restrictions and faster processing than traditional Green Card programs. With growing interest in investment-based immigration, Trump's visa reform introduces a unique opportunity for foreign investors looking to establish roots in the US while contributing to its economy. Whether you’re seeking the flexibility of a European Golden Visa or considering a premium option like the US Gold Card, each residency program offers distinct benefits that cater to different financial capabilities and lifestyle preferences.
