What is the Trump Gold Card and How to Buy It for $5 Million?

What is the Trump Gold Card and How to Buy It for $5 Million? In February 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled a bold new immigration initiative.

The Trump Gold Card, often referred to simply as the “Golden Card.” This proposed U.S. residency visa aims to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor program, offering wealthy individuals a direct path to permanent residency—and potentially citizenship—for a hefty $5 million price tag. Touted as a revenue-generating solution to tackle the U.S. national debt (currently over $36 trillion), the Trump Gold Card has sparked curiosity, debate, and skepticism. But what exactly is it, and how can you buy one? This article breaks it all down.

What is the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card is a premium immigration visa designed to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals from around the globe. Announced alongside Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, it promises permanent U.S. residency (akin to a green card) with a streamlined process and an expedited route to citizenship. Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires investments of $800,000 to $1.05 million in job-creating businesses, the Gold Card demands a flat $5 million payment directly to the U.S. Treasury—no business ventures or job creation required.

Trump has pitched the program as a financial windfall for the U.S., suggesting that selling 1 million cards could raise $5 trillion, or 10 million could generate $50 trillion. While these figures are ambitious, the initiative’s core appeal lies in its simplicity: pay $5 million, pass a background check, and gain the right to live, work, and travel freely in the United States.

Key Features of the Trump Gold Card

Cost: $5 million upfront.
Benefits: Permanent residency, unrestricted U.S. work and travel rights, and a faster citizenship track (specific timeline TBD).
Eligibility: Open to wealthy individuals or corporations purchasing cards for skilled employees, subject to vetting.
Purpose: To inject billions into the U.S. economy while attracting “world-class global citizens,” as Trump described.

The program’s legal status remains uncertain, as immigration policies typically require Congressional approval. Critics question whether the administration can unilaterally replace the EB-5 or launch this visa without legislative backing, adding a layer of complexity to its rollout.

How Does the Trump Gold Card Differ from the EB-5 Visa?

The EB-5 visa, introduced in 1990, allows foreign investors to gain residency by investing in U.S. businesses that create at least 10 jobs. While effective for some, it’s been plagued by fraud, bureaucratic delays, and a lower entry cost ($800,000-$1.05 million). The Trump Gold Card, by contrast, eliminates the investment middleman, requiring a direct payment to the government. It’s marketed as a hassle-free alternative for the ultra-wealthy who don’t want to navigate complex business deals.

However, the $5 million price—nearly five times the EB-5 maximum—has raised eyebrows. Experts note that other countries offer cheaper residency options, like Portugal’s Golden Visa (€500,000) or the UAE’s ($550,000), making the Trump Gold Card one of the priciest citizenship-by-investment programs globally.

How to Buy the Trump Gold Card for $5 Million

As of April 4, 2025, the Trump Gold Card isn’t fully operational, and the purchase process remains in development. Here’s what we know so far about how to secure one, based on Trump’s statements and updates from Commerce Secretary Lutnick.

Step 1: Confirm the Program’s Launch

Trump announced in February 2025 that sales would start “in about two weeks,” pointing to a mid-March timeline. Lutnick later claimed on the All-In Podcast (March 24, 2025) that 1,000 cards were “sold” in a day, raising $5 billion. However, no official program exists yet, and immigration experts suggest these may have been pre-commitments rather than finalized sales. Elon Musk is reportedly building software to streamline applications, with a tentative launch in late March or early April 2025. Check official U.S. government sources like USCIS.gov for confirmation.

Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you’ll need:

Funds: At least $5 million in liquid assets, ready to transfer to the U.S. Treasury.
Vetting: A background check to ensure you’re a “world-class” candidate. Trump hinted that even controversial figures (e.g., Russian oligarchs) might qualify if they’re “nice people” with the cash, though specific criteria are unclear.

Step 3: Apply Through the Official Channel

Once launched, applications will likely be processed via a digital platform (possibly Musk’s software). You’ll submit:

Proof of funds.
Personal documentation (e.g., passport, financial records).
Payment details for the $5 million fee.

After vetting, successful applicants receive the Gold Card, granting immediate residency.

Step 4: Monitor Updates

With no formal process in place yet, stay informed through:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announcements.
Reputable news outlets covering immigration policy.
Consult an immigration attorney to navigate uncertainties.

Is the Trump Gold Card Worth $5 Million?

The value proposition depends on your goals. For billionaires seeking U.S. residency without business hassles, the Gold Card offers simplicity and prestige. Trump has hinted at potential tax perks for overseas earnings (unconfirmed), which could sweeten the deal. However, drawbacks include:

High Cost: Far exceeds other global residency programs.
Tax Implications: U.S. citizens pay taxes on worldwide income, unlike tax havens like Monaco.
Uncertain Demand: A Forbes poll of 18 billionaires found most uninterested, citing existing pathways like the EB-5 or O-1 visas.

Challenges Facing the Trump Gold Card

The program’s future hinges on several factors:

Legal Authority: Immigration experts argue Congressional approval is needed, which hasn’t materialized by April 2025.
Implementation: Delays in launching the application platform could stall progress.
Public Perception: Critics call it a “pay-to-play” scheme, potentially fueling political backlash.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Trump Gold Card?

The Trump Gold Card is an ambitious, polarizing idea—part immigration reform, part economic strategy. At $5 million, it’s a luxury reserved for the world’s richest, promising a golden ticket to the American Dream. But with its rollout still in limbo as of April 2025, prospective buyers should proceed cautiously. Prepare your funds, watch for official updates, and consult experts to weigh the risks and rewards.

For now, the Trump Gold Card remains a high-stakes experiment. Will it reshape U.S. immigration or fizzle out? Only time—and perhaps Congress—will tell.