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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.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump's $5 million Gold Card in demand! Indian professionals from these sectors show big interest; what happens to EB-5 visa?
Trump Gold Card: It remains to be seen how many preliminary enquiries will result in actual applications. Donald Trump's $5 million Gold card programme, though not officially launched, has already generated a significant interest among Indian professionals. Immigration specialists have noted heightened interest, especially among high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). The proposed $5 million Gold Card visa scheme has received an exceptional response, attracting over 70,000 registrations shortly after the official website launched last month. The initiative specifically targets ultra-wealthy individuals and investors, rather than early-career or mid-level professionals. Trump's Gold Card: Who Is Interested? The programme has garnered particular attention from Indian professionals working in the US across technology, financial services and medical sectors, primarily in the age bracket of 28-45 years, according to an ET report. Whilst exploring existing immigration pathways like EB-5, these professionals are eagerly anticipating details about the Gold Card programme specifics. Also Read | UAE Golden Visa confusion: Has a Rs 23 lakh special visa programme really been launched for Indians? Here's what the official statement says Indian nationals are making enquiries regarding Trump's Gold Card, according to Prachi Shah, who established and leads her namesake legal practice. "Most of the interest so far is coming from professionals in the tech, finance, and healthcare sectors," Shah said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Public Speaking Course for Children Planet Spark Book Now Undo "Nearly 50% of interest is probably coming from the Middle East and a few wealthy countries, many of which are home to sizeable Indian diaspora populations who may also factor into the programme's uptake," Sukanya Raman, country head, Davies & Associates, LLC, an immigration law firm told the financial daily. Whilst initial interest from Indian High Net-worth Individuals appears substantial, it remains to be seen how many preliminary enquiries will result in actual applications, noted Keshav Singhania, who heads the private client division at Singhania & Co, a legal firm. Golden Gate No Official Launch Of Gold Card It is important to note that the Gold Card programme presently lacks legislative support. Experts suggest that the programme's publicity is primarily driven by marketing efforts rather than genuine demand. The current online registration portal appears to collect only basic details without requiring substantial documentation, according to experts. "Without such filters, it is difficult to ascertain whether these registrants are genuinely interested and eligible, or simply curious," Shah said. "We are urging caution to our clients until the legislation framework is in place and full details are made available," said Singhania. The Trump Gold Card website presently displays a notification registration system for those interested in receiving updates about the programme's launch. Alexander Jovy, a lawyer, points out that the United States lacks both a legal structure and an official policy or executive order to initiate a Gold Card immigration programme. "While the idea is gaining traction, it remains a proposal, not a legally recognised immigration pathway," he said. Also Read | Why have H-1B visa applications plunged? Blame it on steep fee hike & Donald Trump's anti-immigration stance With Gold Card, What Happens To EB-5? Speculation suggests that the Gold Card might replace the current EB-5 visa programme, spurring an increase in EB-5 applications due to its lower investment requirements, as previously reported by ET. According to experts, the Gold Card and EB-5 programmes can operate simultaneously as distinct schemes. Whilst people await the official introduction of the Gold Card, numerous individuals are considering well-established alternatives such as EB-5, H-1B, or National Interest Waiver programmes. Rajneesh Pathak, who established Global North Residency and Citizenship, told ET that his firm, which specialises in immigration and investment advisory services, is receiving enquiries from clients regarding how the Gold Card might affect the EB-5 programme's future. "We are advising our clients that at this stage EB-5 is live and kicking ...also Gold Card can be a success only if it comes with no tax on global income," Pathak said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
UAE, US, New Zealand and more — 5 countries that offer golden visa and how much do they cost
The United Arab Emirates government has started a brand new Golden Visa for Indians, which will be based on nomination, as opposed to spending large sums of money on buying a property or investing in the country. India and Bangladesh have been selected for the first phase of testing this visa, and a consultancy named Rayad Group has been chosen to test the initial form of the nomination-based golden visa in India. Golden visas are often popular among those who want to leave their country and settle abroad permanently. A golden visa gives high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) the option of physically relocating to a country of their choice either right away or after their retirement. When they acquire the golden visa, these HNWIs become residents of that state with full legal rights, including the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in that country. In its most basic form, golden visas are associated with residence by investment, and have different names in different countries. Golden visas are offered by a number of countries including the US, UAE, New Zealand and more under different programs. Here are five countries that offer golden visa and their costs: UAE's new golden visa for Indians will be based on nominations. Applicants seeking the UAE Golden Visa under the nomination category may obtain pre-approval from their home country without the need to visit Dubai. Cost: Under the 'new nomination-based visa policy,' Indians can now enjoy the UAE's Golden Visa for life by paying a fee of AED 1,00,000 (around ₹ 23.30 lakh) Donald Trump, following becoming the President of the United States in January, announced the Trump Gold Card golden visa to wealthy individuals wanting to invest in the US in turn of permanent residency. Cost: While the Trump Gold Card visa is placed on hold at the moment, this US golden visa costs $5 million. New Zealand announced its new golden visa — Active Investor Plus Visa — announced in September 2022. It allows applicants to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely, as long as they have met all the investment and time-in-country requirements. Cost: The minimum investment New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa starts at NZD 5 million. Canada's golden visa program is called Canada Start-Up Visa Program. It provides permanent residence to entrepreneurs and active investors in companies and expanding businesses that seek to establish a presence in Canada. Cost: The cost to acquire Canada's start-up golden visa inclusive of all fees is $215,000 to $275,000, depending on the start-up business. Singapore, one of the most popular countries for businesses, has its golden visa program named Singapore Global Investor Program. It is made for foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers who are interested in starting a business or investing in Singapore. Successful applicants receive their permanent residence in 9 to 12 months Cost: The investment cost starts at SGD 10 million and can go up to SGD 50 million depending on the business and its size.
Bloomberg
28-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Wall Street Week: Critical Thinking
This week, how will the United States' involvement in the Iran-Israel war affect markets and hopes for cooperation in the Middle East? And, an interview with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office on the agency's role in predicting the fiscal impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Plus, will President Trump's "Gold Card" attract foreign investment to the US? Later, how Zohran Mamdani's success in the New York City mayoral primary election tells the story of the shift within the Democratic party and what it means for business in the city.
Bloomberg
27-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Middle East Tensions, CBO Track Record, US Gold Card, NYC Mayoral Primary
This week, how will the United States' involvement in the Iran-Israel war affect markets and hopes for cooperation in the Middle East? And, an interview with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office on the agency's role in predicting the fiscal impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Plus, will President Trump's "Gold Card" attract foreign investment to the US? Later, how Zohran Mamdani's success in the New York City mayoral primary election tells the story of the shift within the Democratic Party and what it means for business in the city. (Source: Bloomberg)
