The Trump Gold Card

IST Hungary’s Guide to the New Frontier of U.S. Residency

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The global landscape for investment migration is witnessing a significant development with the official launch of the U.S. Trump Gold Card program. As a premier international consultancy with deep expertise in international residency and citizenship solutions, IST Hungary provides this comprehensive analysis to guide discerning individuals and corporations through this new opportunity. This program represents a paradigm shift, offering an expedited pathway to U.S. permanent residency through a substantial financial contribution.

Program Overview - a Fast-Track Based on Contribution

Initiated by an Executive Order in September 2025, the Gold Card program is designed to facilitate the entry of individuals who can demonstrate a significant benefit to the United States through a voluntary financial gift. The program is now live, with applications being accepted through the official government portal.

There are two primary tracks for the Gold Card:

01
Individual Gold Card

Requires a $1 million gift to the U.S. Department of Commerce, following a successful background check.

02
Corporate Gold Card

Allows businesses to sponsor key employees or executives. This requires a $2 million gift per employee and includes provisions to transfer the sponsorship to a new employee subject to fees and new vetting.

03
Coming Soon*
Trump Platinum Card

For a $5 million contribution, this card would offer the unique benefit of allowing holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on their non-U.S. income. Interested parties can currently join a waiting list for this premium offering.

Key Benefits and Strategic Advantages

The Gold Card program offers several compelling advantages for qualified applicants:

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Expedited Permanent Residency

The program promises U.S. residency «in record time» with the official website indicating the core process takes weeks once the application and fee are submitted.

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Pathway to Citizenship

Like other permanent residents (green card holders), Gold Card holders are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of continuous residence.

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Comprehensive Lifestyle Access

Card holders enjoy the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the United States and its territories.

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Family Inclusion

The applicant's spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in the application, allowing the entire family to obtain residency simultaneously.

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Schengen Travel Parallel

For our European clients, the benefit of living and working across all 50 U.S. states is analogous to the freedom of movement enjoyed within the European Schengen Area.

The Application Process - a Streamlined Three-Step Journey

The pathway to securing a Gold Card is structured into three clear phases:

01

Application Submission

The process begins with the submission of an online application along with a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security.

02

Comprehensive Vetting

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts an in-depth background check and security vetting of the applicant.

03

Approval and Contribution

Upon approval, the applicant is instructed to make the requisite $1 million or $2 million gift. Following this, they receive lawful permanent resident status, typically under the EB-1 or EB-2 visa classifications.

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Essential Considerations and Requirements

Prospective applicants must be aware of several critical requirements and distinctions:

  • Legal Source of Funds

Applicants must thoroughly document that the funds used for the gift originate from lawful sources. This is a non-negotiable requirement of the application process.

  • Fundamental Distinction from EB-5

It is crucial to understand that the Gold Card gift is not an investment in a job-creating enterprise. Unlike the traditional EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program—which requires a capital investment in a project that creates at least 10 U.S. jobs—the Gold Card contribution is an unrestricted gift to the government with no direct job-creation mandate. The Gold Card gift is not refundable.

  • Eligibility Foundation

The Executive Order stipulates that making the qualifying gift will be treated as evidence of eligibility for existing visa categories, namely the EB-1A (for extraordinary ability) and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver. However, applicants must still be admissible to the United States and meet all standard immigration requirements.

Official Endorsements and Vision

The program is framed by U.S. leadership as a tool for economic growth and a recalibration of immigration priorities.

Donald J. Trump
President of the United States

«They can invest in America. And we can continue to build the greatest economy on Earth.»

Howard W. Lutnick
U.S. Secretary of Commerce

«Our immigration system should put Americans first. That’s exactly why the Trump Gold Card is a major win for our country.»

Kristi Noem
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security

«I think people are going to come because they'll be in the greatest country in the world.»

How IST Hungary Can Guide You

Navigating a new and high-stakes immigration program requires precise expertise and meticulous preparation. The Gold Card application demands rigorous documentation, particularly concerning the source of funds, and an understanding of how it interfaces with existing U.S. immigration law.

IST Hungary offers end-to-end advisory services for the Trump Gold Card program:

  • Eligibility and Strategy Assessment
    Analyzing your profile against the program’s requirements and the underlying EB-1A/EB-2 NIW criteria.
  • Documentation and Source of Funds Preparation
    Guiding you in compiling the necessary legal and financial evidence to create a robust application.
  • Application Management and Liaison
    Providing support throughout the submission and vetting process with U.S. authorities.
  • Comparative Program Analysis
    Offering insights into how the Gold Card compares with other U.S. and global residency options, such as the EB-5 program, to ensure your choice aligns with your long-term goals.

The Trump Gold Card has introduced a new, accelerated channel to U.S. residency for high-net-worth individuals and global corporations. While the opportunity is significant, its novelty and complexity underscore the value of expert guidance.

Contact IST Hungary today for a confidential consultation. Let our expertise help you determine if this program is the right key to unlock your future in the United States.

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