The US introduces the Trump Gold Card investment programme

The US government has launched the portal trumpcard.gov, officially rolling out the "Trump Gold Card" programme, which offers an expedited path to permanent resident status in exchange for a significant financial contribution.

The mechanism is based on a simple model — the applicant pays a non-refundable Department of Homeland Security administrative fee ($15,000), undergoes comprehensive vetting, and then contributes $1 million, after which they can pursue an expedited procedure for permanent resident status.

Materials on the portal stress that this status is processed under the EB-1 or EB-2 categories, normally reserved for highly qualified specialists or applicants able to bring "substantial benefit" to the country. The financial contribution is treated as evidence of that value contribution.

The application procedure is split into three stages: submitting the application and making the initial payment, subsequent USCIS review, and then approval, which allows the holder to use the granted status throughout the US.

A programme for business

The president stated that the new format resembles a green card but offers broader opportunities, with all incoming funds going to the government. In parallel, a corporate version is being launched — the "Trump Corporate Gold Card."

A company can arrange permanent residency for a chosen employee by contributing $2 million per candidate and paying the mandatory $15,000 DHS fee.

One of the programme's key features is the ability to reassign an already-made contribution from one employee to another. Such a transfer requires an additional 5% fee and repeat security vetting. An annual payment of 1% of the base contribution is also required.

According to the administration's estimates, this scheme will let international companies quickly strengthen their presence in the American market.

A premium category in development

The site separately mentions another product — the "Trump Platinum Card," currently at the waitlist stage.

With a $5 million contribution, holders will be able to stay in the US for up to 270 days a year without an obligation to pay tax on income earned outside the country. Unlike the "Gold Card," this benefit will only be available to those who were not previously subject to US taxation on foreign income — meaning it excludes US citizens and certain categories of current tax residents.

Prospective applicants are invited to join the waitlist in advance to receive priority consideration once the option officially launches.

Terms for families and tax treatment

Authorities confirm that a spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included in the application. However, each family member requires a separate DHS fee payment ($15,000) and a separate $1 million contribution.

As with other forms of permanent residence status, the "Gold Card" can be revoked for reasons related to security or serious offences.

Unlike the future "Platinum Card," Gold Card holders will be subject to full US tax regulation, including taxation of foreign income.

Reaction and questions

The very fact of launching a visa regime based on a large financial contribution has sparked active debate. Supporters emphasise the ability to quickly mobilise investment and attract economically significant applicants, while critics fear turning the right to reside into a financial trading instrument.

According to official clarifications, processing the full document package after payments should take "several weeks."

The launch of the "Trump Gold Card" shows that the US is moving to a new model of applicant selection, where financial contribution becomes one of the key criteria. Discussion of the political, economic, and ethical implications of this initiative is only just beginning.