GOLDEN VISAS

US President Donald Trump announced the Gold Card visa initiative, proposing a $5 million investment pathway to US citizenship. Unlike the EB-5 program, this innovative golden visa guarantees citizenship, attracting high-net-worth investors. Worldwide, golden visas bypass traditional immigration criteria, boosting host economies through job creation, infrastructure development, and global mobility.

Last Updated on 3rd March, 2025
2 minutes, 52 seconds

Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Context:

US President Donald Trump announced the Gold Card visa initiative, proposing a pathway to US citizenship and permanent residency for wealthy foreign investors who invest $5 million.

About Golden Visas

Golden visas, also known as residency-by-investment programs, allow high-net-worth individuals to get legal residency or citizenship in a foreign country by investment.

It bypasses traditional immigration criteria like education or job offers, prioritizing financial contributions instead. For example: Portugal offers permanent residency for a €250,000 real estate investment.

Why Do Countries Offer Golden Visas?

Economic Stimulus

Many countries introduced golden visas during financial crises. For instance:

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis launched its program in 1984 to offset declining sugar exports .
  • Portugal adopted its scheme post-2008 to revive its real estate market .

Revenue Generation

These programs directly inject capital into host economies. Greece, for example, generated €8 billion from its golden visa program between 2013–2023.

Global Mobility and Talent Attraction

Countries like Australia and Canada use golden visas to attract wealthy entrepreneurs and investors who can boost innovation and job creation.

Pros of Golden Visas

For Investors

  • Global Mobility: Visa-free travel within regions (e.g., Schengen Area for European golden visas).
  • Risk Mitigation: A “backup plan” against economic or political instability in their home countries.

For Host Nations

  • Job Creation: The US’s existing EB-5 program, which Trump’s Gold Card aims to replace, requires investors to create 10 jobs.
  • Infrastructure Development: Caribbean nations use funds to build tourism infrastructure (e.g., eco-resorts).

Trump’s Gold Card

Trump’s proposal sets a $5 million threshold for a pathway to US citizenship, replacing the EB-5 program (which requires $800,000–$1.05 million investments).

Unlike most golden visas, it clearly offers citizenship, not just residency.

Must Read Articles:

H-1B AND L-1 VISA

INDIANS AND H1B VISA PROGRAM

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

 Q. Discuss the implications of Trump’s “America First” trade approach on India’s efforts to diversify its export markets and reduce dependence on the US. 250 words

https://t.me/+hJqMV1O0se03Njk9

Free access to e-paper and WhatsApp updates

Let's Get In Touch!