What to Know About Golden Visas

Are you wondering what it takes to obtain permanent residency in another country, also known as a golden visa? For those considering retiring abroad, unhappy with the political climate, or individuals with a second home, the right documentation can make everything significantly easier. 

With the current administration’s proposed ‘Gold Card’ visa that offers a streamlined path to citizenship and tax breaks for wealthy foreigners looking to move to the U.S., many citizens are now curious about their options for leaving the States. 

Below, we explore Trump’s Gold Card visa, touch on a few countries that offer similar programs, and examine a list of common requirements and benefits.

A United States Gold Card Visa and What it Offers

For many foreigners, America is the land of opportunity — if you have the capital to grease the wheels and buy your way in. To capitalize on the possibility of attracting wealthy individuals (and their businesses) stateside, President Donald Trump proposed a Gold Card visa back in February of 2025. In his words: “I think it’s going to sell like crazy.”

The “gold card” for U.S. residency would be one of the most expensive in the world, with a pricetag of $5 million, according to experts. Its high cost, however, would also include a tax loophole that would give the new cardholders a nice, lucrative benefit not available to American citizens — a tax break. Gold cardholders would not be subject to taxes on their overseas income.

So, when will the Gold Card visa become available? Since its announcement, “Two weeks” has been the reply — stay tuned.

Popular Countries with Golden Visas for US Citizens

The concept of a golden visa isn’t new. In fact, more than 30 countries have programs, according to Conde Nast Traveler. Once known as residence-by-investment, golden visas can provide legal residence rights — that is, the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare — to foreign applicants. 

What’s it take? These visas are available to those who make an economic contribution (i.e., investment) to the host country, whether by purchasing real estate, making a philanthropic donation, or making another significant investment. 

If moving abroad permanently appeals to you, this list of countries has programs that can be advantageous to wealthy expats:

• Greece
• Italy
• Portugal
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates

Regardless of where you are going, expect to pay some money. For example, in Singapore, you should expect to pay more than $7 million, but in Greece, around $210,000.

If you’re looking to stay a little closer to home, this list has similar programs as well:

• Costa Rica – Residence by Investment
• Mexico – Citizenship by Investment
• Belize – Qualified Retirement Program
• Canada – Start-up Visa Program

Questions to Ask When Seeking a Golden Visa

Going all in on a golden visa can be more challenging than simply buying a home in a different country. Before you start down the path to securing a golden visa, there are a few things you might want to consider first.

What are the eligibility criteria?
First things first, you must ensure you meet the program’s requirements for noncitizens. You’ll likely also need to verify that you have a clean criminal record and good health history. Be prepared to provide proof of tax compliance in your home country, and make sure you want to meet the investment requirements, which can vary significantly between countries and programs. 

How much time do you want to spend there?
It’s essential to determine whether you are seeking residency rights or a path to citizenship. You’ll also want to understand the residency obligations of the program, which may include minimum stay requirements. Additionally, ensure that the program allows for family inclusion, including spouses, children, and sometimes parents. 

What are the investment requirements/options?
For example, many programs allow for real estate purchases, often with a minimum value threshold. Some programs offer investment in government bonds, which may be a lower-risk option. Additionally, investing in local businesses or creating new enterprises can also qualify. And finally, some programs accept substantial capital transfers into a national bank account. 

What benefits and risks are associated with the program? 

Golden visas often facilitate global mobility, offering access to new markets and opportunities. And, some countries even offer special tax benefits or favorable tax regimes to golden visa holders (you still need to make sure you are handling your US tax obligations). You’ll also want to make sure you have access to quality education and healthcare systems.

Enlist Professionals When Facilitating Your Golden Visa

If you are serious about moving abroad, it will be well worth your while to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney. They can help you navigate the application process and understand the program’s specific requirements.

Naturally, this is a conversation you will want to have with your financial advisor. As soon as you start thinking about obtaining a golden visa, your advisor can help you understand how it fits into your broader financial plan and the income and tax implications — both abroad and in the U.S. Additionally, a financial advisor can assist you with navigating the various investment opportunities to ensure you select a program that fits into your life stage. 

With the current political environment, the team at Northern Lights Advisors knows the appeal of obtaining a golden visa. Whether you’re considering moving abroad for a little or a long while, we’d love to help talk you through the financial implications. Simply reach out and put some time on our schedule today.

Northern Lights Advisors is a fiduciary, fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm based in Seattle, Washington. The information in this article is not intended as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Read the full disclosure here.