The Most Expensive Golden Visas: Where the U.S. Gold Card Fits in the Global Landscape
Golden Visa programs provide investors with residency or citizenship in exchange for financial investment, and some of these programs come with extraordinary price tags. With former U.S. President Donald Trump proposing a $5 million “Gold Card” visa, this raises questions about how it compares to the world’s most expensive Golden Visa programs.
The U.S. Gold Card proposal, if enacted, would place it among the highest-priced investor visas globally. But how does it compare to the elite residency programs already in place in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean?
The 10 Most Expensive Golden Visa Programs in the World
Several countries have long offered high-cost residency and citizenship options aimed at ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Some of the most expensive Golden Visa programs include:
1. Austria – €10 million investment requirement
•Austria offers a citizenship-by-investment program requiring a direct investment in the economy rather than real estate.
•This program is among the most selective in the world and requires proof of a strong economic or cultural contribution.
2. Switzerland – CHF 1 million to CHF 6 million
•Switzerland offers a lump-sum taxation residency, requiring a minimum tax payment based on an investor’s lifestyle expenses.
3. United States EB-5 Visa – $800,000 to $1.05 million
• The U.S. already has an investment-based residency route, but the proposed Gold Card would be five times more expensive.
4. United Kingdom – £2 million investment requirement (program closed in 2022)
•The UK previously offered a Tier 1 Investor Visa, which was one of the most expensive in Europe before its cancellation.
5. New Zealand Investor Visa – NZD 5 million ($3 million USD)
• Requires a long-term capital investment in New Zealand and has strict residency requirements.
6. Singapore Global Investor Program – S$2.5 million
•Singapore’s elite investor program provides residency for those who invest in local businesses or the economy.
7. Portugal Golden Visa – €500,000+ (now shifting toward alternative investments)
•Portugal’s residency-by-investment program remains one of the most popular in Europe, despite rising costs.
8. Greece Golden Visa – €500,000 minimum for real estate investments
•Greece recently increased its investment threshold in prime areas, making it one of the most sought-after residency options in Europe.
9. Spain Golden Visa – €500,000 (soon to be phased out)
•Spain’s decision to end its Golden Visa program signals a shift in European investment migration policies.
10. Canada Start-Up Visa – Investment & business creation required
•While Canada does not offer a direct Golden Visa, it has high financial requirements for entrepreneur-based residency programs.
Would the U.S. Gold Card Be Worth $5 Million?
At $5 million, the proposed U.S. Gold Card would be one of the most expensive Golden Visas ever introduced. This would place it:
• Above Switzerland and New Zealand’s investment visas
• Five times the cost of the existing U.S. EB-5 visa
• More expensive than most European Golden Visas
However, details about what benefits it would include remain unclear. If the Gold Card program grants fast-track citizenship, extensive work rights, and global mobility benefits, it may still attract ultra-wealthy individuals looking for permanent U.S. residency.
The introduction of a $5 million U.S. Gold Card visa would redefine the landscape of investment-based immigration. While other countries continue adjusting their Golden Visa policies, the U.S. is positioning itself at the top tier of elite residency programs.
