The tax benefits of the US Gold Card
The proposal for the so-called Gold Card in the United States, recently announced, has generated a wide debate in international mobility circles, especially because of its attractive tax benefits.
This new immigration instrument, promoted by President Donald Trump, seeks to position itself as a direct alternative to the EB-5 program, offering high-net-worth foreigners a path to US residency (and eventually citizenship) in exchange for a $5 million investment.
Although the regulatory details have not yet been formally published, the first announcements point to a significant tax benefit that could differentiate this visa from any other previous scheme implemented by the U.S.
A new residency by investment scheme
Unlike the traditional EB-5 program —criticized for its administrative complexity and long waiting times— the Gold Card is presented as a quick and easy way to access the US immigration system.
Its main appeal is simplicity: no job creation or business operation is required, only a substantial financial contribution.
This approach seeks to attract high-net-worth individuals who, for reasons of efficiency or privacy, do not wish to be actively involved in the operational economy of the host country, but simply obtain the rights associated with legal residency.
Differentiating tax aspects
One of the most debated aspects of the program is the potential preferential tax treatment its beneficiaries would receive. Currently, those who obtain a traditional green card must pay taxes on their global income, meaning not only on income earned in the U.S., but also on any income earned abroad.
However, according to preliminary statements, the Gold Card scheme could establish an exceptional regime whereby holders would only pay taxes on income generated within the United States.
If confirmed, this point would represent a fundamental change in US tax policy regarding permanent residents and a considerable advantage for international investors with diversified global income structures.
This type of tax treatment is not available even to US citizens, which would position the Gold Card as a fiscally strategic option for individuals with high international exposure who seek a base in the United States without assuming the entire global tax burden.
International comparison and challenges
The Gold Card doesn't exist in a competitive vacuum. Multiple residency and citizenship-by-investment programs exist with significantly lower prices and more favorable tax conditions.
For example, Malta allows you to obtain citizenship with an investment of around 1 million euros, while countries like Greece offer residency through real estate investment starting from 250.000 euros.
In this context, the high price of the Gold Card could limit its adoption, despite the tax benefits it promises. International mobility experts point out that, historically, programs with investment requirements exceeding $3 million have had low adoption rates, even in developed economies like Australia or the United Kingdom.
AIM Global, expert consultancy in international mobility
Although the tax advantages promised by the Gold Card are certainly interesting, the lack of clarity in its application and the high amount of investment required generate uncertainty.
In contrast, the EB-5 visa continues to be an attractive and established alternative for many investors seeking to settle in the United States through regulated and proven pathways.
At AIM Global, we offer expert legal advice for those interested in applying for the EB-5 visa, providing comprehensive support throughout the immigration planning and regulatory compliance process.
Schedule a meeting with us now and start reviewing the most convenient options for you and your family.
