Trump’s Gold Card Struggles to Match Portugal’s Golden Visa Appeal

The unveiling of the ‘Trump Gold Card’, a high-cost route to US residency, has stirred debate in the global investment migration market.
Announced by US President Donald Trump, the programme requires a hefty contribution to the US government and positions itself as a dramatic—if controversial—alternative to the more established European Golden Visa offerings.

Comparing Trump’s Gold Card with Portugal’s long-standing Golden Visa highlights sharp contrasts in cost, accessibility, and long-term benefits.

The Trump Gold Card Gamble

The Gold Card comes with a formidable entry price: a “gift” of $1 million (€850,000) for individuals or $2 million (€1.7m) for corporations, per employee.

The administration insists the scheme will deliver a financial windfall. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has gone so far as to predict it could generate “well over $100 billion, quickly.”

A more exclusive option—the Platinum Card—requires a $5 million (€4.2m) contribution and offers generous tax breaks on foreign income. Holders may spend up to 270 days per year in the US without being taxed on overseas earnings.

Unlike traditional American investor visas, such as the EB-5, the Trump Gold Card has no requirement for job creation. Instead, it relies on a direct infusion of capital, with the government pitching it as a magnet for the world’s richest individuals who can “affirmatively benefit” the US economy.

Yet critics are unconvinced. The scheme’s steep price point and ethical implications have drawn heavy fire, with detractors warning it entrenches a two-tiered immigration system, widening the gap between wealthy elites and ordinary applicants.

Key details remain unresolved—particularly around residency requirements. Without clarity, the Gold Card may be of limited use as a ‘Plan B’, since holders could be forced into extended stays to maintain status.

Questions also linger over legality, with experts arguing that only Congress has the authority to introduce new immigration categories.

Portugal’s Golden Visa Advantage

By contrast, Portugal’s Golden Visa has earned global recognition for its flexibility and investor-friendly structure.

The most popular route involves a €500,000 investment in qualifying alternative investment funds. The Portugal Future Fund, for example, invests across the country’s growth sectors, reinforcing the programme’s alignment with national development.

Until 2023, property investment was a key option, but this pathway has since been closed.

What makes Portugal’s scheme particularly attractive is its light-touch residency rule: an average of just seven days per year. This makes it highly suitable for investors who wish to secure a second residency without relocating full-time.

After five years, Golden Visa holders may apply for Portuguese citizenship, opening the door to an EU passport and freedom of movement across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area.

The benefits extend to family, too, covering spouses, dependent children, and even dependent parents.

Which Comes Out On Top?

The Trump Gold Card is pitched as a premium product, trading on the prestige of US residency but commanding a price tag that restricts access to the ultra-rich. It faces unresolved legal hurdles and political controversy.

Portugal’s Golden Visa, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of the most effective residency-by-investment programmes. With a lower cost, a clear route to citizenship, and minimal residency demands, it remains the more practical and versatile option for global investors seeking a reliable ‘Plan B’.

At a time when some European nations are scaling back their Golden Visa schemes, Portugal’s shift towards investment funds and job-creation illustrates how such programmes can continue sustainably—benefiting both the country and its investors.

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Contact Portugal Future Fund to invest in Portugal's Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme

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About Portugal Future Fund

The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Future Fund website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice. Portugal Future Fund operates under CMVM regulations but is not directly endorsed by the CMVM or any governmental entity.

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