The United States has entered a new era in investment migration with the Trump Card finally making its debut. As a residency-by-contribution program, the program has been designed as a ticket for high-net-worth individuals to gain US permanent residency. With its official unveiling on 11 December 2025, it signaled the shift from traditional US investor visas, such as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has been in operation for over 30 years.
One key difference between the EB-5 Visa and the new Trump Card is that the Trump Card is entirely contribution-based, shifting from other economic factors, such as targeted areas of employment and creating jobs, making the whole process a lot faster and simpler.
From a global mobility perspective, this new program is another example of an advanced economy recognizing the importance of wealth-based residency options to attract foreign capital. At the same time, it brings some legal and policy concerns to the table.
Key Features of the Trump Card
Under the new Trump Card, high-net-worth foreign nationals qualify for US permanent residency by making defined financial contributions rather than investing in commercial enterprises.
Main features include:
- A minimum contribution of $1 million to qualify as a single applicant, plus a $15,000 processing fee
- The opportunity for companies to sponsor employees with a $2 million contribution per individual
- Allowing spouses and unmarried children under 21 to apply alongside the principal applicant, subject to additional fees
- A proposed Platinum tier, expected to require a $5 million contribution and offer additional benefits
By removing requirements such as job creation targets and investment in targeted employment areas, the Trump Card significantly lowers administrative complexity for investors compared to the EB-5 Visa.
Why the Program Matters
Trump’s Gold Card is designed to serve multiple policy objectives. For one, it serves as a mechanism for the US government to attract global capital quickly, lifting uncertainty around a country that investors viewed as increasingly restrictive. Contributions will generate substantial public revenue, and for investors, the program offers a direct and streamlined route to a Green Card and US citizenship after five years.
Even as immigration rules have tightened, the route to citizenship and a US passport — ranked 4th for investment on the 2025 Global Passport Index — has never been easier for investors.
Because the United States does not form part of a multinational travel area (like the Schengen Zone in Europe), the mobility benefits for Trump Gold Card holders are primarily tied to the right to US permanent residency and eventual citizenship, instead of visa-free access across other regions. The Trump Card enables holders who complete the US citizenship requirements to obtain a US passport, affording extensive global mobility. Those who pursue citizenship by holding one gain access to over 180 US passport visa free countries.
The option clearly suits individuals with the capital to invest quickly without accepting prolonged EB-5 timelines.
How the Trump Card Compares to EB-5
While both programs target high-net-worth individuals, their structures differ fundamentally. The EB-5 Visa requires capital to be placed in job-creating enterprises, with residency tied to economic outcomes. The Trump Card, by contrast, is purely contribution-driven, removing operational and performance requirements entirely.
As a result, the Trump Card will appeal to investors seeking a more Golden Visa-style model that centers around speed, predictability, and simplicity. The EB-5 may continue to attract those who prefer to stick with tried-and-tested investment opportunities with a clearer statutory foundation.
Future Outlook for Investors
President Trump’s new “Gold Card” is set to mark a significant departure from the standard employment-based and business investment immigration rules. While it ticks all the boxes for ultra-wealthy investors, with some arguing that it does little to directly address the ongoing talent shortages, it is poised to be crucial to innovation, funding startups, and supporting economic growth across key sectors.
Nevertheless, the Trump Card is a valuable tool for obtaining US permanent residency for those who prioritize certainty and speed over traditional business investments. With the option to get a US passport and access its wide network of visa-free countries, the Trump Card proves to be an advantage for US residency and broad international travel access.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
