Trump’s Gold Card Launches at Reduced $1 Million Price
President Donald Trump has officially launched the “Trump Gold Card” visa program through an executive order signed in September 2025. The program drastically reduces the Gold Card’s price from the initially announced $5 million to $1 million, immediately positioning it as one of the most competitively priced golden visa options globally. The Gold Card promises “record time” residency approval in the United States, targeting affluent investors seeking expedited access to U.S. residency benefits including education, healthcare, and financial markets. The initial launch excludes the $5 million Platinum Card, which was mentioned previously but is yet to be formally introduced.
Rising Global Demand Among Wealthy Investors
Immigration attorneys report a surge in interest from wealthy families, particularly from China and India, following the price cut. At a recent family office conference in Singapore, multiple inquiries were received from affluent individuals eager to apply once the program becomes operational. Reaz Jafri of Withers law firm highlighted that the Gold Card’s $1 million price is exceptionally low for the comprehensive benefits it provides, describing it as “almost too cheap.” The U.S. offering undercuts comparable investment visas such as Singapore’s $8 million program and New Zealand’s $3 million threshold.
Program Structure and Legal Complexities
The Gold Card will be available for up to 80,000 applicants, with the government expecting combined revenues of $100 billion from the Gold Card, the future Platinum Card, and increased H-1B visa fees raised to $100,000. However, the program currently lacks an application mechanism, and early registrants have not received updates. Its legal foundation, created via executive order, leverages existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa frameworks but bypasses congressional legislation, raising questions about its sustainability amid potential litigation and congressional pushback.
“Because immigration law is set by Congress, the president created the Gold Card through several legal workarounds, including using the existing EB-1 and EB-2 programs,” explained legal experts.
Visa Backlogs and Regional Limitations
Applicants from China and India, the primary target markets, face significant backlogs under the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, potentially limiting their ability to access the Gold Card swiftly. This bottleneck may deter some wealthy investors unless the system prioritizes Gold Card holders, which could trigger legal challenges from existing applicants. Dominic Volek of Henley & Partners anticipates a cautious market, with most clients preferring to observe the program’s rollout and initial approvals before committing financially.
The Platinum Card: Tax Benefits Without Green Card Pathway
The Platinum Card, priced at $5 million, aims to attract ultra-wealthy individuals seeking to minimize U.S. tax liabilities. It allows holders to reside in the U.S. for up to 270 days annually without incurring taxes on overseas income, contrasting with the standard substantial presence test. However, the Platinum Card does not confer green card status or citizenship, limiting its appeal. Industry experts predict its uptake will be modest compared to the Gold Card, appealing primarily to billionaires focused on tax optimization rather than residency.
Context: Global Wealth Migration Trends
The Gold Card program arrives amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, prompting wealthy individuals worldwide to seek alternative residencies as a hedge. An estimated 142,000 millionaires are expected to relocate internationally in 2025, with the U.S. ranking second only to the UAE as a preferred destination. The offering appeals particularly to the younger generation of wealthy families aiming to access U.S. education and job markets, positioning the Gold Card as a strategic tool for long-term migration and career development.
Limitations and Potential for Expansion
Unlike other golden visa programs, the Gold Card’s $1 million payment is non-refundable and does not constitute an investment generating returns. Moreover, the U.S. taxes residents on worldwide income, a factor that may reduce its attractiveness compared to jurisdictions with territorial tax systems. Experts suggest that the White House could further capitalize on the program’s popularity by introducing a premium “Black Card” priced at $20–25 million, potentially offering estate tax exemptions and attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The Trump Gold Card program’s price reduction to $1 million significantly enhances its competitiveness in the global golden visa market. It offers wealthy investors a fast-tracked pathway to U.S. residency with broad access to education and financial systems, at a price point well below alternatives.
- Opportunities: Captures strong demand from global high-net-worth individuals seeking U.S. residency and education access.
- Revenue Potential: Could generate up to $100 billion through visa fees and associated programs, bolstering federal finances.
- Market Differentiation: Competitive pricing and expedited processing offer a unique value proposition versus traditional golden visas.
- Expansion Potential: Introduction of premium tiers (e.g., Black Card) could further monetize ultra-wealthy clientele.
- Risks: Legal challenges and congressional opposition may delay or limit program implementation.
- Backlog Constraints: Existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa backlogs could restrict access for key demographics, especially from China and India.
- Taxation Issues: U.S. worldwide income taxation may deter some investors compared to other jurisdictions.
- Initial Adoption Lag: Potential applicants may delay participation until program stability and approvals are demonstrated.
Impact: The Gold Card program is poised to reshape the U.S. immigration investment landscape by attracting significant global wealth, but its ultimate success hinges on overcoming legal hurdles and operational rollout challenges. Investors and policymakers should monitor developments closely as the program evolves.
