What to Know About Trump’s New ‘Gold Card’ Visa Program

The United States joins a global trend of offering residency in exchange for large capital contributions.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office on Sept. 19, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office on Sept. 19, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Applications opened on Dec. 10 for the Trump administration’s new Gold Card program that expedites visas for wealthy individuals.

The program, initiated by President Donald Trump, will fast-track those whom the administration believes will be an asset to the United States’ economy.

Here’s what to know about the program.

How the Program Works

The program, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, will offer expedited permanent residency for noncitizens if they donate $1 million to the country, pass a background check, and pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security.

The program accepts individual applicants and includes a corporate component. Businesses that wish to participate in the program would be required to donate $2 million to the United States and pay the $15,000 processing fee.

“It’ll take in, we think, probably billions of dollars that will go to the Treasury of the United States, that will go to an account where we can do things [that are] positive for the country,” Trump said during a roundtable meeting with business leaders on Dec. 10.

After five years, a Gold Card holder is eligible to gain U.S. citizenship.

The Gold Card differs from the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa, in which foreign investors are asked to invest about $800,000 to $1.05 million into a U.S.-based business to create at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers.

The EB-5 grants a pathway to a green card and, eventually, citizenship. However, it is tied more closely to job creation and investments, versus the Gold Card program, which is more straightforward about financial contributions.

How to Apply

In order to be considered for the Gold Card program, applicants must visit trumpcard.gov and submit an application with the nonrefundable processing fee.

After that, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will undertake a background check to vet the applicant.

Successful applicants will receive lawful permanent resident status equal to an EB-1 or EB-2 visa.

Gold Card holders will be able to use the card throughout all 50 states and territories.

For the corporate version of the Gold Card, businesses will have to pay a 1 percent annual maintenance fee, or $20,000 per year.

Regular visa terms apply, and a Gold Card can be revoked over national security or significant criminal activity issues.

According to the program website, a Platinum Card will be launched soon for individuals who want the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income. That card will cost $5 million.

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, tens of thousands had already signed up for the $5 million program by mid-June.

Similar Programs

Similar programs have been used in countries in Europe, as well as in the UK and some smaller nations such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

In Portugal, foreigners can invest in real estate with funds amounting to roughly $580,000. Similarly, Greece offers residency for real estate investment starting at about $300,000.

The Trump administration also announced the creation of a sovereign wealth fund soon after he was inaugurated in January. The fund will be a government-owned and operated investment fund.

In his Feb. 3 order to create a plan for the fund, Trump noted that other nations have used the tactic successfully and that the United States could top even Saudi Arabia’s fund, which totals $925 billion.

The president pointed out that the UK announced plans for a similar fund and said the United States would “lead the way in long-term wealth generation.”

“The United States can leverage such returns to promote fiscal sustainability, lessen the burden of taxes on American families and small businesses, establish long-term economic security, and promote U.S. economic and strategic leadership internationally,” Trump said in his order.

Other Visa Changes

In early November, the Trump administration revoked 80,000 visas for reasons including support for terrorism, “actual terrorism,” criminal activity, public safety threats, and overstays.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a post on X, said the State Department “will always put the safety and interests of the American people first.”

Among the revocations, 16,000 were because of driving under the influence of alcohol, 12,000 were revoked for assault, and 8,000 were revoked for theft.

“The Trump Administration will not hesitate to revoke visas from foreigners who undermine our laws or threaten our national security,” Tommy Pigott, the State Department’s principal deputy spokesperson, said in a Nov. 5 post on X.

Additionally, the administration invalidated visas for several foreign nationals who celebrated the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

“The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans,” the State Department posted on X.

In September, Trump also announced an additional $100,000 fee for new applicants to the high-skilled labor H-1B visa program.

Jacki Thrapp contributed to this report.