Gold Card or Tax Card? What Trump’s New Visa Means for Global Investors

What’s official, what’s rumor, and how this “Gold Card” idea fits—or clashes—with the EB-5 investor visa.

In an increasingly globalized world, having a second passport can open up a wealth of opportunities. Whether for personal freedom, business endeavors, or travel flexibility, a second passport provides numerous advantages. It can grant you access to countries with more favorable tax regimes, greater mobility, and political stability.

Reasons to Acquire a Second Passport

Individuals seek a second passport for various reasons, such as expanding business opportunities, ensuring personal safety, and securing a better future for their families. A second passport can also be a gateway to better education and healthcare systems. Moreover, it provides an insurance policy against political or economic instability in one's home country.

What’s actually on the table

The Gold Card program aims to streamline access to U.S. residency under existing employment-based categories (notably EB-1 and EB-2), with the financial contribution treated as proof of “extraordinary ability” or “national interest.”
A government portal, trumpcard.gov, is live and accepting preliminary interest forms, while the Executive Order gives agencies 90 days to finalize application mechanics, fees, and eligibility requirements..

The “tax” element everyone is talking about

Alongside the Gold Card, the White House teased a future “Platinum Card” tier that could allow holders to spend up to 270 days per year in the U.S. without being taxed on foreign income.
This has triggered widespread debate: tax professionals point out that U.S. tax residency is determined by law, not executive order. The IRS and Congress would need to amend the tax code for such an exemption to exist. For now, it’s best viewed as an ambition, not a guarantee.

In contrast, Gold Card holders (if and when approved) will be treated like other permanent residents for tax purposes, meaning worldwide income remains taxable in the U.S.

Who it might appeal to

The Gold Card could suit ultra-wealthy individuals who prioritize speed, simplicity, and guaranteed entry over business returns.
It may also appeal to corporations seeking residency solutions for key executives.
However, nationals from high-demand countries (China, India) may still face visa backlogs, as country caps remain unchanged.

What to watch next

Final DHS, State, and Commerce regulations (expected late 2025).
Clarity on how “gifts” are handled under immigration law.
The IRS response to the Platinum tax proposal.
Legal challenges testing whether an executive order can redefine immigrant eligibility criteria.
EB-5 market reaction—some investors may pause or hedge between both paths.
For now, the safest reading is that EB-5 remains the only legislatively secure route, while the Gold Card is an evolving executive shortcut that could open doors—or trigger courtroom fights—depending on how agencies implement it.

Sources
White House Executive Order, The Gold Card, September 19, 2025 – whitehouse.gov
U.S. Government Portal – trumpcard.gov
Analysis by AILA, American Immigration Lawyers Association – aila.org
Economic Policy Institute commentary – epi.org
KPMG Global Mobility Alert, October 2025 – kpmg.com
Newsweek, “Trump’s Gold and Platinum Card Plan Raises Tax Questions,” September 2025 – newsweek.com

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. The Trump Gold Card and Platinum Card initiatives are recently announced and remain subject to change, interpretation, or legal challenge. Bridgegold provides this summary solely for general understanding of current developments. Readers should consult licensed U.S. immigration attorneys or tax professionals before taking any action.