The U.S. “Gold Card” is Calling!

President Donald Trump has unveiled an exciting new “Gold Card” visa initiative, offering wealthy foreign investors an exclusive pathway to U.S. citizenship for a USD 5 million fee. This game-changing program is set to replace the EB-5 visa, which required investors to invest at least USD 1 million into U.S. businesses and create a minimum of ten jobs—a process often bogged down by bureaucracy and fraud concerns. By eliminating the cumbersome job creation requirement, Trump’s Gold Card is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals eager to live in the U.S. while simultaneously boosting national revenue.

This streamlined visa program aims to make U.S. residency and the path to U.S. citizenship more accessible for global elites, with a thorough vetting process to ensure applicants are “world-class global citizens.” Unlike the EB-5, the Gold Card will be a straightforward, investment-based pathway with far fewer hurdles. Trump envisions the program’s success, suggesting that selling one million Gold Cards could generate USD 5 trillion, making a serious dent in the national debt. Best of all? The administration plans to launch this program within weeks—no congressional approval needed.

The U.S. is now positioning itself alongside other nations that offer “golden visa” programs, granting residency or citizenship in exchange for significant investment. While some European countries, such as Portugal and Ireland, are scaling back their golden visa offerings due to inflationary real estate pricing, the U.S. is taking a different approach—actively expanding efforts to attract the world’s wealthiest. Trump’s proposal underscores his administration’s strategy of leveraging private wealth to supercharge the economy and reduce public debt.

No U.S. taxes on overseas income?

In a major departure from previous U.S. immigration programs, Trump has said that the Gold Card will not subject holders to U.S. taxes on their foreign income. Traditionally, U.S. residents are taxed on worldwide earnings, but this new initiative makes American residency more competitive with tax-friendly jurisdictions like the UAE and Singapore. By sidestepping standard U.S. tax residency rules, which typically require individuals to report and pay taxes on their global assets, the Gold Card could make the U.S. a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals looking to access the American market—without the downside of worldwide taxation. However, the finer details, particularly in relation to tax treaties and IRS enforcement, are yet to be fully clarified.

Navigating global wealth as a U.S. tax person: Switzerland and our affiliate Alpen Partners International

For those considering U.S. residency, it’s important to think ahead about global asset management. Becoming a U.S. tax person can present significant challenges when holding assets abroad. Due to the complexity of U.S. tax and reporting laws—especially under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act)—many international banks and financial institutions refuse to work with American clients and U.S. tax persons. This can severely limit banking and investment opportunities, making it difficult for U.S. taxpayers to manage wealth outside the U.S.

Expert guidance in citizenship and residence planning

In addition to traditional wealth management services, Alpen Partners offers expert guidance in citizenship and residency planning, helping our clients secure alternative residency and second citizenships in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Whether you’re looking to apply for the U.S. Gold Card or explore golden visa and investor residency programs in Europe, the Caribbean, or other preferred jurisdictions, our team provides tailored solutions to match your financial and lifestyle goals. With a deep understanding of global immigration frameworks and extensive partnerships with top-tier legal and financial experts, we streamline the application process for a smooth and efficient pathway to residency or citizenship while optimizing your international wealth strategy.

The views expressed in this article reflect our opinions, estimates and expectations based on available information and are not guarantees of future outcomes or investment performances. Actual outcomes may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties.

All investments involve certain risks. All investments carry the potential for financial loss, including the loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance should not be viewed as an indicator of future results.

Market conditions and broader economic factors can significantly impact the value of investments. Investments in international markets are subject to additional risks, such as currency exchange fluctuations, political or economic instability, and variations in accounting practices. Alternative investments, including but not limited to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, may be illiquid, speculative, and are not suitable for all investors.

The above information should be considered before making any investment decisions.

All posts and publications are for your information only and are not intended as an offer, promotion, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument or perform any other financial transactions. All information and opinions expressed in posts and publications reflect our current views as of the date of the publication and may be liable to change without notice.