Latest news with #GoldCard
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can Robinhood Stock Hit $112 in 2025?
Earlier this month, shares of financial technology company Robinhood Markets (HOOD) crossed the triple-digit mark for the first time, hitting a fresh all-time high and turning heads across Wall Street. The rally stemmed from a calculated leap into the world of tokenized assets. Robinhood introduced tokenized stocks for its European clientele, giving them access to more than 200 U.S. securities, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and even private firms like SpaceX. The move signaled a larger shift in Robinhood's strategy to tap into a high-potential, rapidly growing financial frontier. Shopify Stock is a Bargain - How to Make a 3.2% One-Month Yield with SHOP Tariffs, Inflation and Other Key Things to Watch this Week Stocks Set to Open Lower as Trump Ratchets Up Tariff Threats, U.S. Inflation Data and Big Bank Earnings Awaited Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! The company's shift toward next-gen digital products has created fresh momentum, supported by a wave of price target upgrades. Notably, Bank of America analyst Craig Siegenthaler raised his forecast for trading activity related to equity and options across Robinhood's platform. The upgrade followed a sharp rise in dip-buying by retail investors during the second quarter. In this environment, Robinhood has begun to look less like a disruptor and more like a serious contender. Robinhood stands as one of the most closely watched names in the fintech space. With a market capitalization of $87 billion, it has built a product suite that stretches well beyond commission-free trading. Its offerings now span across Robinhood Crypto, Custody, Wallet, Gold, and the newly launched Gold Card, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for modern investors. Over the past 52-weeks, HOOD has delivered a jaw-dropping 346% return, a performance that has turned it into one of the standout movers in the broader market. In just the last three months alone, the stock has surged 125%, handily outperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17% gain during the same period. HOOD stock currently trades at a forward adjusted earnings multiple of 79 times and a sales multiple of 29 times. These figures sit well above industry averages and reflect the market's strong belief in Robinhood's pricing power and growth trajectory. Robinhood revealed its Q1 2025 earnings on April 30, delivering results that topped Wall Street's expectations. The company's robust performance stemmed from rapid product rollouts and increased engagement from its active trader base. Total net revenue jumped 50% year-over-year (YOY) to $927 million, surpassing analyst estimates of $915.7 million. Breaking it down, transaction-based revenues climbed 77% to $583 million. This was fueled by stronger revenues from options, equities, and cryptocurrencies. Net interest revenue climbed 14% to $290 million. Meanwhile, other revenues surged 54% to $54 million, primarily due to a 90% growth in Robinhood Gold subscriptions, which reached 3.2 million during the quarter. Average revenue per user rose 39% to $145, showcasing growing monetization across the platform. Adjusted EBITDA rose 90% to $470 million, reflecting improved operational leverage. Net income also saw a healthy increase of 114% YOY to $336 million. Meanwhile, EPS grew 106% from the prior-year period to $0.37, beating analyst forecasts of $0.33. The strong results were supported by new features aimed at active traders and the rapid growth in Gold subscriptions, which boosted transaction revenues and wallet share. Looking ahead, Robinhood plans to expand its financial ecosystem with upcoming launches in banking, advisory services, and international markets. Analysts forecast Q2 2025 EPS growth of 38%, reaching $0.29. For the full fiscal year 2025, EPS is expected to grow 14% to $1.25. Projections for fiscal 2026 show continued momentum with the bottom line climbing 22% to $1.53. Analysts have responded to HOOD stock's momentum with a slate of optimistic price targets. Citigroup analyst Christopher Allen has placed the stock at $100, while Barclays analyst Benjamin Budish has a $102 target. Will Nance of Goldman Sachs takes it further at $104, and KeyBanc's Alex Markgraff leads the upper tier with a target of $110. Currently, the stock carries a 'Moderate Buy' rating. Of the 21 analysts covering HOOD, 12 have a 'Strong Buy' rating, two recommend a 'Moderate Buy,' six suggest to 'Hold," and one analyst remains bearish with a 'Strong Sell' rating. The stock is already trading above its average price target. However, the Street-high target comes from Bank of America's Craig Siegenthaler, who forecasts the stock climbing 14% from current levels to $112. With growth expectations anchored in both product innovation and rising user monetization, analysts appear confident that HOOD stock's momentum is far from exhausted. On the date of publication, Aanchal Sugandh did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Switching Careers into Electrics: A 2025 Guide from First Screwdriver to NVQ Level 3
Redundancies in retail, the rise of hybrid working, and the unstoppable march of green technology have all pushed adults to rethink their job security. One trade keeps surfacing as both future-proof and well-paid: electrical installation. Yet many would-be learners stall at the starting line because they don't know which electrician course to trust, how long each stage truly takes, or where the on-site experience will come from. Elec Training Birmingham has spent the past two years building a 'classroom-to-career' ladder that answers those questions step by step. Below is a fresh, 700-word overview for 2025 entry—ideal reading if you are starting from scratch, part-qualified, or simply curious whether you could earn a Gold Card before the decade's out. Net-zero deadlines – Every EV charger, heat-pump retrofit, and solar-PV array requires certified sparks. – Every EV charger, heat-pump retrofit, and solar-PV array requires certified sparks. Aging workforce – Almost one-third of UK electricians will reach retirement age by 2032, according to JIB data. – Almost one-third of UK electricians will reach retirement age by 2032, according to JIB data. Regulatory complexity – Each new Amendment to BS 7671 creates compliance tasks that can't be automated or shipped offshore. Result: national job boards now list more electrician ads than there are Gold Card holders to fill them, and day rates continue to tick upwards. Elec Training's pathway is modular; start where it suits your experience and diary: Module Duration Outcome Entry Skills Week 5 days Strip & terminate cables, wire two basic circuits Diploma Block 6 weeks (part-time) City & Guilds Level 2 & foundational regs Advanced Design Block 8 weeks (part-time) Level 3 diploma; ready for on-site role Placement & NVQ 8–10 months Evidence for the nvq level 3 electrical logbook AM2E Test 3 days Competence certificate → ECS Gold Card 2 weeks admin Higher pay + site access Learners may skip Entry Week if they already hold basic hand-skills or have worked as a mate. Colleges often deliver the theory then leave learners hunting for the site evidence that the NVQ demands. Elec Training fixes that with two full-time recruiters whose only task is to match students with vetted contractors: 120+ partner firms in domestic, commercial, and renewables niches in domestic, commercial, and renewables niches Average gap between Level 3 finish and first paid shift: 12.4 days 87 percent of 2024 cohort completed NVQ portfolios in under ten months The placement desk remains at your side: if a firm's workload dries up or evidence variety is lacking, you're moved within seven days so logbook progress does not stall. To gain full status you must show competence in twelve categories: safe isolation, containment, first-fix, second-fix, three-phase terminations, test and inspection, fault rectification, and client hand-over. Evidence lives in a cloud app: Photo or video – demonstrate the task Supporting document – test sheet, risk assessment, permit Supervisor e-signature – authenticates the work Weekly mentor nights review uploads, flagging gaps early. Two assessor visits then confirm authenticity. One tiny grammar error in a note is fine; missing safe-isolation pics is not. Exam nerves fall when nothing on the rig looks new. Elec Training's lab mimics the NET assessment bay—same trunking, same timed fault board. Learners rehearse each section until they can finish with ten minutes spare. 2024 pass rate: 91 percent first attempt, 14 points above the national mean. Role Typical Midlands pay (2025) Gold-Card domestic installer £200–£240 day Commercial site electrician £25–£28 hour Solar-PV & battery specialist £46–£52 k salary EV-charger subcontractor £260 per 7 kW unit Add evening call-outs and small works and a motivated sole trader can surpass £60 k by year three. Interest-free instalments over 12 months. over 12 months. Skills Bootcamp grants up to 100 percent for green-tech add-ons (EV, PV, storage). up to 100 percent for green-tech add-ons (EV, PV, storage). Swap cohorts once per module free—handy for shift patterns or childcare changes. 'You need a van first.' False; borrow centre tools & lift-share during placement. 'Amendments force full retakes.' False; CPD session suffices until a new edition drops. 'I'm too old.' Our oldest 2024 graduate was 52 and now mentors apprentices. Book an open-evening tour—try the safe-isolation simulator. Download the pathway PDF for dates & prices. Choose a start date; intakes cap at 14 to guarantee bench time. Secure funding—speak to advisors about grants or instalments. A skills gap plus rising green-tech demand equals genuine opportunity. Pick a structured electrician course, commit to the nvq level 3 electrical evidence plan, and Elec Training Birmingham will steer you from novice to Gold Card holder before some of your peers finish their second year at university. The market needs sparks; the timeline is clear; your circuit to a new career is ready to close. Plug in and power up. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
From Classroom to Gold Card: How Elec Training Birmingham Streamlines the NVQ Journey
The UK still needs thousands of qualified electricians, and most vacancies specify one credential above all others: the nvq level 3 electrical. At Elec Training Birmingham we meet adults every week who finished their Level 2 and 3 diplomas elsewhere yet remain stuck at 'part-qualified' because no one showed them how to complete a site portfolio. This article explains the full pathway, the pitfalls, and the support systems that turn paperwork into a Gold Card—without stalling your income. Employers, insurers, and scheme providers agree on one thing: theory exams alone can't prove competency. The NVQ gathers real evidence—photos, test sheets, safe-isolation videos—showing you have carried out core tasks under site conditions. Finish it and the ECS Gold Card follows, instantly lifting your day rate by 20 percent in many regions. Skip it and you will often be capped at improver wages. Roadblock Typical cause Elec Training solution No qualified supervisor to sign evidence Small firms can't spare one In-house recruitment desk pairs you with vetted contractors who understand the logbook Poor photo quality or missing test data Learner uncertainty Workshop session on 'evidence that passes first time,' including a checklist app Assessor delays Over-booked freelancers Two staff assessors on payroll, site visits booked at intake It are amazing how many weeks disappear chasing corrections—our system prevents 90 % of re-submissions. Weeks 0–4 – Fast-Track Theory Block Small-group classes cover science refreshers, cable calcs, and 18th Edition updates. Evening revision is online, saving commute time. Weeks 5–6 – Skills Bootcamp Live consumer-unit swaps, fault-finding on three-phase boards, and the first mock AM2 tasks. Week 7 – Placement start Before you leave the building our recruitment desk confirms your first paid site day. Evidence logging begins using the cloud app you practised in class. Weeks 8–32 – Portfolio building Twelve critical tasks: trunking, testing, containment, three fault rectifications, and two final-circuit commissions. Mentors check uploads every Friday. Week 20 – Assessor visit #1 Safe isolation, continuity testing, and RCD auto-sequence witnessed on site. Instant feedback so you know what still needs polish. Week 32 – Assessor visit #2 Final inspection. If all boxes tick, the logbook heads for internal quality-assurance. Week 36 – AM2E exam Three-day competence test at our partner centre. Mock exams and kit practice slash nerves. Week 38 – ECS Gold Card application Admin team scans results, populates your online JIB profile, and hits submit. Typical turnaround: 14 days. Elec Training Birmingham runs monthly clinics on invoicing, VAT thresholds, and late-payment steps, because earning well means keeping cash flowing. Graduates also get six months' free access to our Smart-Home lab, letting you practise Zigbee and EV-charger setups before pitching them to clients. Do I need my own tools to start? No. We provide calibrated testers and hand tools until you're earning enough to invest. Can I keep my day job while training? Yes. Evening theory blocks plus Saturday workshops fit around most nine-to-five schedules. Is prior site experience essential? Helpful but not mandatory. Our placement network includes low-risk domestic rewires for true beginners. How do I actually learn how to get your nvq level 3 electrical portfolio right first time? Start with our free PDF checklist, then follow the evidence templates inside the learning app—every assessor tick box mirrors those forms. Priya, 27, career-changer: 'Finished Level 3 elsewhere, got stuck for months. Elec Training placed me with a local maintenance outfit; portfolio done in five visits and I passed AM2 first go.' Damian, 35, ex-army: 'Fast-track timetable meant I kept my security-guard job at nights. Sixteen weeks later I'm on £180/day and booked solid.' Thousands of electricians hold the theory but not the full NVQ. With structured mentoring, guaranteed site time, and in-house assessing, Elec Training Birmingham collapses that bottleneck. Book a campus tour, test the VR rigs, and see how close you already are to a Gold Card. The trade needs you qualified—let's finish the job together. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Arabian Business
10-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Trump's $5mn Gold Card in question as hefty price tag, tax burden may deter wealthy investors
The Trump administration's proposed $5 million 'Gold Card' residency programme has hit significant hurdles before even launching, with no legislation drafted and experts warning that worldwide taxation requirements could be a 'deal-breaker' for potential wealthy applicants. 'Worldwide taxation is the deal-breaker. Full stop,' Jeffrey Henseler, CEO of Passport Legacy Group, told Arabian Business in an interview. 'For many high-net-worth individuals, especially in the Gulf and Asia, the US is seen as a high-risk tax jurisdiction.' The programme, announced by US President Donald Trump in May, would require applicants to make a non-refundable $5 million contribution to the US government—twenty times higher than some European alternatives that start at just $270,000 (€250,000). Armand Arton, founder of Arton Capital and an advisor to governments on investment migration programmes, confirmed to Arabian Business that despite marketing buzz, the programme is nowhere near implementation. 'I can confirm that it's not yet [launched]. Nothing sold. There's no legislation which is drafted,' said Arton, who has been in contact with Republican senators working on the initiative. He expects more details after meetings with US officials next week. The ' Gold Card ' scheme would require applicants to make a non-refundable contribution unlike the existing EB-5 visa programme, which requires a $1 million investment in job-creating ventures. The Gold Card payment would help 'replace and cancel debt of the government,' according to Arton. However, the programme faces steep competition from established European alternatives. Tax issues, European competition 'The most important question is, are you going to become taxable on worldwide income as a permanent resident of the United States?' Arton said. 'The tax exemption must be there.' European residency programmes offer significant advantages, starting at investment levels as low as $270,000 (€250,000) compared to the $5 million donation required for the Gold Card, Arton noted. He highlighted Italy's programme as particularly competitive, offering a flat tax rate of $216,000 (€200,000) per year for 15 years regardless of worldwide income. 'Even if you take that 15 years of $216,000, that's $3.24 million,' Arton explained. 'People will prefer to say that they're paying $3.24 million over 15 years and they're not taxed for 15 years and have access to a European lifestyle, than paying $5 million to get access only to the US and then being taxable on worldwide income.' Henseler echoed these concerns about the price differential in a separate interview with Arabian Business. 'The US is requesting an investment 20 times bigger than what we know from the EU,' Henseler said. 'A $270,000 (€250,000) investment for a European residency gives access to the EU lifestyle, business climate, and family benefits. Compare that to a $5 million non-refundable contribution – not even an investment – and it becomes clear that this programme is targeting a very specific niche.' Both experts identified worldwide taxation as potentially the most significant obstacle to the programme's success. 'Worldwide taxation is the deal-breaker. Full stop,' Henseler said. 'For many high-net-worth individuals, especially in the Gulf and Asia, the US is seen as a high-risk tax jurisdiction. FATCA compliance, global asset disclosure, and aggressive IRS enforcement don't sit well with families trying to diversify or protect generational wealth.' According to Henseler, the programme would need to 'avoid automatic tax residency' and 'limit or remove global reporting requirements' to be competitive. Ultra-wealthy appeal According to Arton, only individuals with a net worth exceeding $100 million would likely consider the programme, as the $5 million contribution would represent 5 per cent of their personal wealth. 'I don't believe that people with 30 million, 40 million and 50 million will risk, not risk, but will kind of lose 10 to 20 per cent of their personal network just to go to America,' he said. Interest has primarily come from ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Asia, particularly Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, many of whom already have investments in the US or children studying at American universities. 'We have received interest from 70 millionaires,' Arton said, referring to individuals worth more than $100 million. These potential applicants are mainly 'Southeast Asian wealthy families that have kids in the US, have already some investments in the US.' Middle Eastern families with political connections might also apply 'just to please' Trump, Arton suggested. Programme status remains unclear Despite reports that cards have already been sold, Arton, who is in contact with Republican senators working on the legislation, confirmed that the programme has not yet launched and no cards have been issued. 'I can confirm that it's not yet [launched]. Nothing sold. There's no legislation which is drafted,' he said, adding that he expects more information in the coming months. The proposed Gold Card would offer permanent residency rights, similar to a Green Card, with a streamlined six-month application process compared to the years-long waits under the EB-5 programme. However, the path to citizenship remains unclear, including whether physical presence requirements would be waived. Both experts noted the apparent contradiction in right-wing immigration policies. 'It's a very interesting rhetoric that extreme right politicians are going that way—anti-migration, but at the same time very open to the idea of wealthy migrants coming and helping their economic agenda,' Arton said. Henseler offered a similar assessment: 'The right wing wants to attract the wealthy, the left wing wants to attract the poor. Right-wing governments are pragmatic when it comes to capital inflow. They understand that billionaires don't take jobs; they create them.' Gold Card vs. European RBIs According to a comparative analysis of investment migration programmes, the Gold Card faces several structural disadvantages beyond just price. European residency-by-investment programmes start at approximately $270,000 (€250,000) in Greece and around $540,000 (€500,000) in Portugal and Spain, compared to the $5 million non-refundable contribution proposed for the Gold Card. Global taxation represents another significant difference. European programmes typically don't trigger automatic worldwide taxation unless applicants stay more than 183 days per year in the country. By contrast, US permanent residents face taxation on their worldwide income regardless of physical presence. Annual stay requirements also differ dramatically. While some European programmes require as little as zero to seven days per year of physical presence, US residency status typically requires substantial time in-country or risks being lost. Exit options present another contrast. European programmes generally allow investors to easily drop or switch programmes, while the US imposes an exit tax for high-net-worth individuals renouncing residency. Privacy and reporting requirements also differ substantially. European jurisdictions offer varying levels of confidentiality, while the US system requires extensive financial disclosures through FBAR and FATCA compliance. The comparison highlights what Henseler describes as the 'deal-breaker' of worldwide taxation. European programmes like Italy's offer optional flat tax regimes ($108,000 or €100,000 per year) on global income, while the US system offers no such exemptions and requires extensive reporting. Despite the competitive challenges, Arton believes the Gold Card is 'great news for the industry' of investment migration, as it represents a major endorsement from 'the biggest economy in the world.' The comments came amid a global boom in residency and citizenship by investment programmes, which Arton says is growing at approximately 20 per cent annually. He attributes this growth to political uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, which have prompted wealthy individuals to seek 'Plan B' residency options. 'The demand is always increasing by 20 per cent every year,' Arton said. 'I don't see that slowing down anytime soon.'
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa vs. US Trump Card 2025: What they offer and which one is right for you
UAE's golden visa covers talents across 10 categories; the U.S. Trump Card targets only ultra-rich investors./ Image generated using AI for creative and illustrative purposes TL;DR UAE offers a flexible, fast, and renewable 10-year residency visa with broad eligibility across investors, talents, entrepreneurs, and students. The Trump Gold Card is a proposed $5 million investment-based US. residency program promising permanent residence and eventual citizenship, but it is not yet officially launched. UAE's real estate investment threshold is around $545,000 with no job creation required, while the US. program requires a $5 million investment aimed at economic impact without strict project mandates. UAE's visa process is typically faster and less bureaucratic; the US. program involves complex immigration procedures and awaits legislative approval. UAE currently has no personal income tax; the US. tax structure for Gold Card holders is expected to include global income taxation, though specifics are not yet confirmed. As competition among nations for global talent and capital intensifies, the UAE and the United States have taken two starkly different approaches to long-term residency. The UAE has quietly expanded its Golden Visa into one of the most inclusive and flexible programs in the world. Meanwhile, US. President Donald Trump has proposed a high-stakes reboot of American investor immigration: the so-called 'Gold Card', or Trump Card, priced at $5 million and pitched as a fiscal fix for America's mounting debt. Which model better serves the ambitions of global investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals? 1. What each program offers? UAE Golden Visa : A 5- or 10-year renewable residence visa for investors, professionals, academics, creatives, top students, and even humanitarian workers. No sponsor required. Full freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the UAE. Eligible applicants can include spouses, children (regardless of age), and unlimited domestic workers. You can live abroad and retain the visa. Trump's 'Gold Card' (US.) : Announced in 2025 but not yet launched, the Gold Card proposes permanent US. residency for a $5 million direct investment, not tied to any specific business or job creation mandate. Unlike the EB-5 visa, this plan emphasizes economic contribution via capital and taxes, with a pathway to eventual citizenship. Trump claims the program would help the US. reduce its deficit and create jobs indirectly. While the UAE's Golden Visa is fully operational and expanding in scope, the US. Gold Card remains conceptual, and would likely require Congressional approval. Winner: UAE - for certainty, clarity, and diversity of eligibility. US. - still under proposal and subject to legislative hurdles. 2. P roperty-based entry: Which is more accessible? UAE : Invest AED 2 million (~USD 545,000) in property — off-plan, mortgaged, or completed — from approved developers, and you qualify for a 5-year Golden Visa. Co-ownership is allowed. There is no job creation requirement , and mortgages are permitted if sourced from specific UAE banks. US. (EB-5 legacy; Trump Gold Card doesn't mandate real estate) : EB-5 requires $800,000 (in a Targeted Employment Area) or $1.05 million elsewhere, tied to a project that must create at least 10 full-time jobs. The Gold Card, in contrast, does not require investment in real estate or any project at all, the funds would go directly to the government. Winner: UAE - lower threshold, faster approvals, fewer conditions. 3. Efficiency check: who cuts through the red tape? UAE: Application can be submitted digitally via platforms like the Dubai REST App or through the General Directorate of Residency. In-principle approvals sometimes issued within 48 hours. Full process can take as little as 2–4 weeks depending on the emirate. US. Gold Card: Still under proposal. While Trump claims it would be 'faster' than EB-5, no timeline is formalized. Legal experts say it would need legislative backing, and implementation could take months, or longer, post-approval. Winner: UAE - for an existing, fully functioning process. 4. Lifestyle perks and tax burdens: Who has the edge? UAE : No personal income tax. No capital gains tax. No inheritance tax. Residents are not taxed on worldwide income. Highly developed infrastructure, safety, and air connectivity. Strong expat networks, especially for Indian and regional professionals. US. : The Gold Card proposal does not clarify tax obligations. However, US. Green Card holders are typically subject to global income taxation by the IRS. Trump's team has emphasized the tax benefits to the US., suggesting that Gold Card holders will be contributing significant tax revenue. Access to elite healthcare, education, and global markets remains a major pull. Winner: UAE - on taxation and operational clarity. US. - potentially valuable for access to institutions and business scale, but with more fiscal burden. 5. Political intention: What's the bigger picture? UAE : Originally launched in 2019 for real estate investors, the Golden Visa has evolved into a national strategy for talent retention and diversification. Now includes 10+ categories, such as scientists, doctors, engineers, elite students, content creators, humanitarian workers, and more. This marks a deliberate shift toward meritocracy and innovation. US. Trump Gold Card: Described as a revenue-generating mechanism, aimed at high-net-worth individuals who would 'pay taxes, spend money, and create jobs,' not through mandated projects, but via economic presence. Trump has framed it as part of a larger plan to reduce the national debt. However, the plan is tightly linked to Trump's political platform and could face strong scrutiny in Congress. Winner: UAE - neutral, technocratic, future-oriented. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo US. - economically ambitious, but politically entangled. 6. Family benefits and flexibility: Who gives you more freedom? UAE: Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouses, children of any age, and unlimited domestic workers. Importantly, no minimum stay requirement, you can maintain the visa even if living abroad. Family members can remain even if the main holder passes away. US. Gold Card: Includes spouse and unmarried children under 21. Green Card holders can travel abroad, but absences over six months may invite scrutiny, and stays beyond a year can complicate residency status. Winner: UAE, for greater flexibility and peace of mind. 7. Passport power and travel freedom UAE: The Emirati passport ranks among the strongest globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries as of 2025. This includes the entire GCC, much of Europe (Schengen Area), Southeast Asia, and parts of South America, making it a strategic advantage for regional and global mobility. US.: The US. passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 countries, covering most of Europe, the Americas, East Asia, and Oceania. It remains a powerful travel document with high global recognition and ease of movement. Winner: UAE by a narrow margin, both passports are globally respected, but the UAE edges ahead in the latest rankings. 8. Residency rights vs. Citizenship path UAE: Golden Visa is a residency-only program, there is no automatic path to citizenship, even after a decade. Emirati citizenship is rare, granted by exception, usually to extraordinary individuals. Golden Visa holders can reside and work long-term but remain foreign residents. US. Gold Card: Offers a formal pathway to US. citizenship — typically 5 years of permanent residency followed by naturalization eligibility. If approved, cardholders would have full citizen rights, including voting, US. passport, and benefits. Winner: US. - for those seeking second nationality or political participation. UAE - better for those wanting permanent base without nationality change. 9. Eligibility scope and inclusiveness UAE : The Golden Visa now covers over 10 distinct categories, from real estate investors to humanitarian workers, high-GPA students, medical professionals, engineers, content creators, and even e-sports athletes. It reflects the UAE's intent to build a knowledge economy by attracting talent across all layers of society, not just capital. US. Gold Card : Currently positioned exclusively for ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a $5 million threshold. No provisions yet for students, professionals, or talents without capital. The underlying premise is capital injection, not sectoral contribution. Winner: UAE - for broader societal integration and sectoral diversity. Final word: The UAE Golden Visa is an evolving, inclusive, and functioning residency platform, designed to attract not just capital, but global talent across sectors, with speed, tax advantages, and minimal bureaucracy. The US. Gold Card, by contrast, is a bold and untested fiscal concept. While its $5 million price tag signals exclusivity, its real value lies in access to US. institutions and eventual citizenship, if and when it becomes law. In truth, the programs aren't competing for the same person, they're serving different ambitions. The UAE is building a future-ready society. The US., through Trump's lens, is trying to bankroll its present. FAQs: Q What is a golden visa? It is a long-term residency permit for investors, professionals, or talents in a country. Q How long does it take to get residency in UAE and US? UAE residency can be granted within weeks; the US process usually takes several months to years. Q Can I work and study with these visas? Yes, both UAE golden visa and US green card allow work and study. Q Can my family join me? Both programs allow family sponsorship, but eligibility and duration vary. Q Will I have to pay taxes as a resident? UAE currently has no personal income tax; US residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income, though specifics on new visa programs remain unconfirmed.
