U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced a new initiative aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals through an exclusive residency permit program. This new program, called the “gold card,” will be available for purchase at a price of $5 million per applicant.
The purpose of this initiative is to encourage wealthy individuals to invest in the U.S. economy while also contributing towards reducing the national deficit. Trump highlighted the potential economic benefits of the program, stating that it would help create new job opportunities and stimulate business growth across various sectors.
During a speech at the Oval Office, Trump described the gold card as a premium alternative to the traditional green card, noting that it would serve as a direct pathway for affluent individuals looking to live, work, and establish businesses in the United States. He emphasized that this new residency option would target job creators and investors who could make a positive economic impact.
“This will be a pathway for people with significant financial resources who want to work, invest, and build businesses in the United States,” Trump declared during his address. He added that the gold card would be positioned as an elite residency option for those willing to commit financially to the country’s growth.
Trump revealed that sales of the gold card could begin within the next two weeks, with projections suggesting that up to one million permits could be issued under the program. He further reassured the public that all applicants would be subject to extensive background checks to ensure full compliance with legal and security protocols.
When questioned about the eligibility of Russian oligarchs—some of whom have faced sanctions following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine—Trump did not rule out their participation. “I know some Russian oligarchs who are good people. They’re not as wealthy as they once were, but I think they could afford the $5 million,” he stated, leaving open the possibility of their inclusion in the program.