US moves closer to launch Trump's Gold Card for permanent residency

The Trump Gold Card offers U.S. residency to individuals who make substantial investments demonstrating exceptional business ability and national benefit. Applicants are required to contribute financially to the Department of Commerce, and the program is intended to attract high-impact investment while boosting commerce and generating revenue for the United States.

Both individuals and corporations can apply under the Gold Card program. Individuals must make a minimum contribution of $1 million, while corporations can sponsor employees with a $2 million contribution per person. All applicants must undergo a background check and pay a $15,000 vetting fee, which is part of the evaluation process for eligibility.

The program also includes a Platinum Card option, which requires a $5 million contribution. Platinum Card holders can stay in the United States for up to 270 days annually, and foreign income may be exempt from U.S. taxation. Approval for the Platinum Card also requires Congressional consent, making it a more exclusive and higher-tier option for investors seeking U.S. residency.

Applications for the Trump Gold Card are managed by the Secretaries of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security. Contributions are used as proof of exceptional business ability and the potential benefit to the United States. The program is set to be implemented within 90 days of September 19, 2025, and the Department of Commerce will announce the official submission dates for gifts and visa applications.

The Gold Card program is expected to replace the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories for individuals with extraordinary ability. Other green card categories may be temporarily suspended once the program becomes fully operational. This initiative shifts the focus from traditional employment-based visas to attracting high-net-worth and high-impact investors.

The main purpose of the Trump Gold Card program is to attract top-tier investors, boost commerce, and generate revenue for the United States. However, there are limitations. Approval depends on a thorough review of the application, as well as considerations of public safety and national security. The program does not create a legally enforceable right to residency and remains subject to executive and congressional oversight.

The Trump Gold Card opens a new route for wealthy investors seeking U.S. residency. Both the Gold and Platinum tiers provide opportunities for extended stays and tax advantages, while contributing to national economic growth. The program is expected to reshape the U.S. visa landscape for high-skilled and high-net-worth applicants, providing an alternative to traditional green card pathways.