A new immigration proposal from the United States has captured the attention of the global investment-by-residency ecosystem: the so-called “Trump Gold Card,” which would offer permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million investment. Although it is not yet an official or legislated measure, the initiative has already sparked intense debate in specialized circles.
What Does the Trump Gold Card Propose?
According to statements by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, the proposal would allow foreign investors to obtain a Green Card through a direct investment, without the obligation to create jobs or actively participate in a business. Lutnick mentioned that, in just one day, investment commitments of $5 billion were generated from 1,000 interested investors.
There is even talk of developing a digital application platform, possibly driven in collaboration with Elon Musk.
However, the proposal still requires legislative and regulatory approval before becoming a reality.
Proposed Benefits of the Trump Gold Card:
Permanent residency in the United States.
Exemption from the obligation to create jobs.
Territorial taxation (pending confirmation).
Possibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after the required period.
Type of Investment Amount USD Type Requirements EB-5 Regional Center 800,000 Passive Create 10 direct/indirect jobs EB-5 Direct Investment 1,050,000 Active Approved business plan, 10 direct jobs
Comparison With the EB-5 Program: Investment or Purchase?
The well-known EB-5 program, in effect since 1990, requires an investment of $800,000 (through regional centers) or $1,050,000 (direct investment), along with the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs.
The essential difference is that the Trump Gold Card is proposed as a “direct purchase” of residency, without the business and employment requirements that characterize the EB-5 program.
How Does This Proposal Position Itself in the Global Context?
The “Trump Gold Card” does not emerge in a vacuum. There are already residency and citizenship by investment (RCBI) programs with even higher thresholds in markets such as Austria, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
| Rank | Country | Program Name | Minimum Investment (USD) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austria | Citizenship by Exceptional Merit | $3–10 million+ | Citizenship |
| 2 | Singapore | Global Investor Program | $7.78 million | Permanent Residency |
| 3 | United States | “Trump Gold Card” (unofficial) | $5 million | Permanent Residency |
| 4 | Hong Kong | Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | $3.84 million | Permanent Residency |
| 5 | New Zealand | Active Investor Plus Visa | $3.12 million | Residency |
| 6 | Bermuda | Economic Investment Certificate | $2.5 million | Permanent Residency |
| 7 | Samoa | Citizenship by Investment | $2.44 million | Citizenship |
| 8 | Saudi Arabia | Premium Residency | $1.13 million | Residency |
| 9 | Seychelles | Permanent Residency | $1 million | Residency |
| 10 | El Salvador | Freedom Passport Program | $1 million | Citizenship |
Strategic Analysis: Migration and International Image
From my perspective as an international advisor on investment migration programs, I believe that the proposal is not scandalous in its content, but rather in its public presentation.
Compared to already existing programs in Austria or Singapore —much more costly and structured— the difference lies in the style. While other jurisdictions maintain discretion and institutional rigor, Trump’s communication approach favors spectacle.
This strategy, although effective at attracting headlines and funds, runs the risk of politicizing a migration tool that has traditionally been managed with prudence and geopolitical strategy.
In the world of investment migration, the way a program is communicated also defines its legitimacy and international perception.
The “Trump Gold Card,” although still at the conceptual stage, represents a shift in narrative within the global mobility universe for high-net-worth individuals. The United States, with its possible formal entry into this space, could redefine the rules of the game —not because of the investment amount, but due to the symbolic impact of its immigration policy.
For global investors, this new scenario will demand not only capital, but also strategic vision, specialized advice, and deep understanding of the international migration map. Because in today’s world, mobility is the new power.
The Author: Juliana Cloutier is an expert in investment migration and founder of Alta Invest Advisory. With over 17 years of international experience and a background in private banking at HSBC (United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Canada), she advises high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility strategies and wealth planning. She is an active member of the Investment Migration Council (IMC) and Invest in the USA (IIUSA).
(5) JULIANA CLOUTIER | LinkedIn
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