President Donald Trump is shaking up the global immigration game with the launch of the new “Gold Card”, presented as “The Trump Card”, a high-stakes visa program offering wealthy foreign nationals an elite, expedited path to US citizenship. For a cool USD 5 M investment, global elites can bypass red tape and land in the heart of the American dream—minus the bureaucracy and job-creation hurdles of the now-outdated EB-5 visa.
The EB-5 program demanded investors pump at least USD 1 M into US businesses and generate 10 jobs—often tying up applications in endless paperwork and fraud investigations. Trump’s Gold Card flips the script: no job quotas, no red tape—just pure investment power.
And the ambition? Massive. Trump envisions issuing up to one million Gold Cards, generating a staggering USD 5 T in revenue—a figure that could chip away at America’s national debt while transforming the US into the ultimate destination for ambitious high-net-worth individuals, described by Trump as “brilliant, hardworking, job-creating people”.
Golden visas, American-style
The US is boldly leaning in, joining the ranks of countries like the UAE, Singapore, Malta, and other destinations that have long courted the wealthy with “golden visa” schemes. Set to launch within weeks, the Gold Card doesn’t need Congress to sign off—making it fast, flexible, and ready to compete globally.
The tax game-changer
In an unprecedented twist, Trump’s proposal claims that while Gold Card holders will be taxed on their US earnings, they won’t be taxed on foreign income. This would mark a major departure from standard US tax policy, which currently taxes residents on worldwide earnings. If true, this exemption could make the US not just an appealing lifestyle destination—but a tax-competitive haven alongside favorites like the Cayman Islands or Monaco.
Still, tax experts are watching closely. The IRS hasn’t fully clarified how this policy would align with existing treaties or enforcement mechanisms. As always with US taxation, the devil will be in the (unwritten) details.
Managing global wealth as a US tax person: It can be tricky
Even with potential tax exemptions, US residency or citizenship means navigating the complex maze of global compliance. Under regulations like FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), many banks and financial institutions worldwide have restricted access to American clients. This can hinder the ability to manage offshore wealth efficiently and legally.
Enter Alpen Partners International in Switzerland
Alpen Partners International, a Swiss-based independent financial advisor and global wealth planner registered with the SEC in the United States as an investment advisor, is uniquely positioned to guide high-net-worth individuals through the task of suitably structuring and managing foreign-held assets. We specialize in international wealth planning for US tax persons—offering customized solutions that integrate investment options, private banking, tax compliance, and estate planning.
Working with elite Swiss private banks and our network across Liechtenstein, Monaco, and the US, we can unlock access to premier custodian accounts and tailored portfolio strategies, so your global wealth can stay compliant.
Imagine pairing the new US Gold Card with the ultra-exclusive American Express Centurion Card— known globally as the “Black Card.” This is more than a credit card; it’s a passport to a curated life of luxury, offered by invitation only to the world’s financial elite. By engaging Alpen Partners International, we help navigate the process of meeting eligibility criteria for the Centurion Card; approval, however, is ultimately at American Express’s discretion.
Going beyond traditional global wealth management services: Citizenship and lifestyle planning
If you’re considering the US Gold Card, Alpen Partners International offers more than traditional global wealth management services—we deliver comprehensive, end-to-end guidance for citizenship and residency planning. We collaborate with legal and immigration experts to craft a tailored, streamlined strategy to assist you in securing the Gold Card, aiming to achieve your long-term global mobility goals.
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