A Window of Opportunity: Why the US EB-5 Program Deserves a Fresh Look — Before the Trump Gold Card Arrives

As an independent Swiss financial advisor and global wealth planner, Alpen Partners International works closely with international families navigating complex cross-border decisions. With growing interest in US residency options — particularly following the announcement of the proposed Trump Gold Card — many forward-thinking investors are reevaluating their long-term strategies.

The Trump Gold Card, which may introduce a significantly higher investment threshold of USD 5M, is already gaining momentum among global investors. In response, it could be worthwhile to revisit the current US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which offers an accessible route to US permanent residence starting at USD 800,000.

The EB-5 program offers an established pathway to a US Green Card for investors and their families, with the goal to open doors to elite education, world-class healthcare, and significant business and lifestyle opportunities in the world’s largest and most dynamic economy.

Before changes come

If the Trump Gold Card or similar high-threshold programs are implemented, the current EB-5 route may no longer be available under today’s conditions. Acting now may give qualified investors a window to secure US residency at a fraction of the potential future cost, and it could be wise to take this into consideration now.

Plan before you leap: The tax and banking implications

As interest in the Trump Gold Card initiative continues to grow, savvy investors may take this moment to reevaluate their financial structures, global tax exposure, and long-term residency plans. Under current US tax law, US persons are taxed on their worldwide income—regardless of where they live.

If implemented with favorable provisions, the Trump Gold Card could potentially exempt holders from US tax on their foreign income, though the details remain uncertain. It’s important to note that acquiring US tax status carries significant reporting obligations and can restrict access to many international banks, as numerous institutions choose not to onboard US-linked clients due to the heightened compliance burden.

Additionally, most international wealth managers are not registered with the SEC, which legally prevents them from advising US persons. For these reasons, it can be important to plan ahead — checking if investments are properly structured and managed through banks and advisors who are qualified to serve US taxpayers before taking on a Trump Gold Card and assuming US tax residency.

This is not just about meeting immigration requirements — it’s about preserving wealth, maintaining global banking access, and staying compliant in a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape.

A coordinated approach

At this critical juncture, families need both residence planning and global wealth structuring expertise. That’s why we aim to ensure that clients’ financial structures are optimized for their new tax and legal realities. Together, we support:

• Cross-border tax planning and compliance
• Pre-immigration wealth structuring
• Education, healthcare, and lifestyle transition planning
• Long-term multigenerational legacy strategies

The US EB-5 program represents a rare and time-sensitive opportunity. As the global regulatory environment tightens — and as higher-threshold programs like the Trump Gold Card loom on the horizon — investors would be wise to act in a timely manner.

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.