U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed replacing the existing EB-5 immigrant investor program with a new “gold card” golden visa system, allowing foreign investors to obtain American citizenship by making a $5 million payment.
The EB-5 visa program, which currently grants U.S. permanent residency to individuals who invest at least $800,000 in job-creating projects, has long been a pathway for wealthy investors seeking U.S. citizenship.
Trump’s new proposal would significantly raise the financial threshold while offering a more direct route to American nationality.
Global Golden Visa Programs
The concept of securing residency or citizenship through investment is not unique to the U.S. Many countries offer “golden visas” or similar schemes to attract foreign capital. Below are some of the most notable programs worldwide:
Europe
Greece – Introduced in 2013, Greece’s program grants permanent residency to individuals who invest a minimum of €250,000 ($262,800) in real estate. Residency permits are renewable every five years.
Malta – Foreign nationals can acquire citizenship by contributing at least €600,000 to Malta’s economic development, with a required residence period of at least 36 months.
Italy – Italy’s golden visa grants residency to investors contributing between €250,000 and €2 million, with visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
Cyprus – Requires a minimum investment of €300,000 for foreign nationals seeking residency.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates – Investors who contribute at least 2 million dirhams ($544,602) to the UAE economy can qualify for a long-term residence permit, commonly known as the UAE golden visa.
Caribbean
Several Caribbean nations offer citizenship in exchange for economic contributions:
Dominica – A minimum investment of $200,000 secures citizenship for applicants and their families.
Grenada – Requires an investment of at least $235,000 and grants visa-free travel to several countries, including China, Russia, and the Schengen Area.
St. Kitts and Nevis – One of the oldest programs, established in 1984, requires a $250,000 contribution in exchange for full citizenship.
Saint Lucia – A minimum investment of $240,000 grants full citizenship, subject to due diligence checks.
Antigua and Barbuda – Citizenship is granted to applicants over 18 who invest at least $230,000.
Asia
Thailand – The Thailand Privilege Residence Program offers residency for up to 20 years with a minimum investment of 650,000 baht ($19,299). Additionally, a Long-Term Residence Program provides 10-year visas for investments starting at 50,000 baht.
Indonesia – Launched in 2024, Indonesia’s program offers a 10-year visa to foreign investors contributing up to $10 million, granting them access to the country’s economic opportunities.
Trump’s proposed “gold card” initiative would place the U.S. among the nations leveraging investment-based immigration to attract high-net-worth individuals. While details of the plan remain unclear, the proposed cost of $5 million is significantly higher than similar programs in other countries.
(Vanguard)
