Program Overview

Golden Visa
USA

Obtain residency in the USA through a selection or investor visa options.

Discover Your USA Residency by Investment Options With La Vida

At La Vida, we specialise in guiding global investors through the world’s leading residency and citizenship programs – and the United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations. The U.S. offers several residency-by-investment options to suit different investor profiles, including the well-established EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, the popular E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, and the newly launched Trump Gold Card initiative. Each route offers distinct benefits, from a path to permanent residency to more flexible, renewable stays tied to investment. With over a decade of experience and clients in more than 160 countries, La Vida provides expert, end-to-end support to help you navigate the U.S. investment solutions with confidence and clarity.

One Investment – Unlimited Possibilities

La Vida’s trusted solutions open doors to global residency, lifestyle advantages, world-class education, and international business opportunities.

Trump Gold Card Visa

Donald Trump has announced the launching of a US Gold Card Visa nicknamed the Trump Gold Visa. Investment is likely to be set at around $5million and the Gold Card will also offer a route to American citizenship as well as Green Card privileges. Trump has also stated that he aims to end the USA EB5 programme although any closure is likely to take some time requiring congressional approval. We will publish further details of this programme as soon as they become available.

USA EB5 Investor Visa

The EB-5 visa gives permanent U.S. residency to those investing into government-approved projects across the United States. This investment visa is popular because it allows access to the U.S. education system, the right to live, retire, work, and study in America, and the ability to receive your investment back upon project completion. Residency also extends to the investor’s spouse and children under 21. To maintain your residency, you must reside in the USA for at least six months each year.

$500,000-E2 $800,000-EB5

EB5 & E2 Investments

Residency

Full family

Live, Work, Study

EB-5 Investment Requirements and Process

To qualify for the EB-5 visa, investors must contribute at least $800,000 into a government-approved project. Applicants must prove their funds are legally acquired, the investment is “at risk,” and they have no prior criminal record. A major advantage of the EB-5 Regional Centre Program is the ability to pool applications into large infrastructure or real estate projects.
This structure allows investors to take a passive role, while the Regional Centre manages job creation and other requirements.

EB5 Regional Center

A new Regional Center Program for EB5 was signed into law by President Biden on March 15, 2022. The program will be in effect for over five years through to September, 2027. The new legislation is under consideration by USCIS and we hope to have guidance and importantly new EB5 Regional Center investments for client by mid 2022. The EB5 investment amount will start from $800,000.

As with the previous Regional Centre Program, proof of the funds being legally acquired must be given, the investment must be “at risk” and the investor must have no prior criminal record. A key advantage of the EB5 Regional Centre Program was the pooling of a number of applications into an infrastructure or real estate project that allowed investors to take a passive investment with the Regional Centre managing the necessary requirement such as job creation.

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USA Investor Visa Resources

USA E2 investor visa

Certain countries such as China, India and Vietnam now face lengthy retrogression delays through EB5. An effective alternative to the EB5 is the E2 visa. Investment must be “substantial” but in practice is far less than the EB5. The E2 can only be obtained by citizens of countries holding an E2 treaty with the USA. This includes options such as Grenada and Turkey. By obtaining citizenship in an E-2 treaty country and residing there for at least three years, you can apply for an E-2 visa to the USA.  La Vida can facilitate both steps for our clients. The timescale can sometimes be quicker than the EB5 route for countries facing retrogression (typically China, India and Vietnam) and the investment is typically around $500,000 covering both the second citizenship and the US residency.

E-2 Visa Benefits and Limitations

The E-2 route to residency can be faster and less expensive than the EB-5 in some cases. A key difference is that the E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, so it does not lead to a Green Card or citizenship directly. However, it still allows you and your family to live, work, and study in the USA.

E2 Treaty Countries

The E2 visa remains an effective alternative to EB5 and can be obtained in a two step process by first obtaining citizenship in an E2 treaty country, residing in that country for three years, then applying for an E2 visa through investment in the USA. La Vida can facilitate both steps for our clients. The timescale can sometimes be quicker than the EB5 route for countries facing retrogression (typically China, India and Vietnam) and the investment is typically around $500,000 covering both the second citizenship and the US residency.

Green Card Investment

The EB5 visa is essentially a green card through investment. Investors are rewarded with a green card (after two years), although these are limited to 10,000 applicants per year with 5,000 of this total reserved for regional centres. Success rates for the Eb-5 can vary and will depend on the investment type, personal situation, legal representation, regional centre and other factors. The E2 visa offers residency through substantial investment in a business.

US Citizenship by Investment

Neither the EB5 nor E2 are themselves a citizenship by investment programme. However after obtaining a Green Card via the EB5 route applicants can apply for USA citizenship after a period of five years of Permanent Residency. A process known as Naturalization.

USA Passport and Visa-Free Travel

The US passport is one of the most powerful in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. This global mobility makes US citizenship highly desirable for investors and frequent travellers from countries with more limited travel options. Whether for business, leisure, or family visits, a US passport opens doors to almost every corner of the globe, making it a top choice for those seeking maximum travel freedom.

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Retire in Europe 2025

Retire in Europe from the USA

Retiring in Europe is the ultimate aspiration for many Americans seeking a blend of culture, comfort, and opportunity. La Vida has seen a growing demand from US clients who want to diversify their residency options and secure a lifestyle abroad. If you are considering retiring outside the USA, our team can guide you through the best European programmes.

EB5 Investment Visa Options

We offer a choice of several investment options for the USA EB5.

Chicago EB5 Project
Chicago EB5 Project
Chicago EB5 Project
USA
$800,000
EB5 Visa

This fantastic EB5 Investment project is a luxury hotel, situated in the heart of Chicago’s financial district.

Commercial, EB5, Property
View Investment
One&Only Moonlight Basin (1)
One&Only Moonlight Basin
One&Only Moonlight Basin
USA
$800,000
EB5 Visa

This incredible new EB5 investment project is a six-star luxury resort situated in the heart of Montana. Located in the…

EB5, Property, Resort
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USA Investor Visa FAQ’s

What is the USA Golden Visa?

Although not specifically a Golden Visa the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, is a U.S. immigration program that allows foreign nationals to obtain a green card (permanent residency) by investing in a U.S. business that creates or preserves 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

How much does a US EB5 Investor Visa cost?

The US EB-5 Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA), or $1,050,000 elsewhere. In addition, budget at least 10% extra for administrative and legal fees. These costs can vary depending on your chosen project. Both options require you to create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. To explore current EB-5 investment opportunities, see our list of available EB5 investments here.

Can you get US citizenship by investment?

Yes, you can get U.S. citizenship through investment, but it is not a direct or immediate process. Obtaining U.S. citizenship by investment typically involves obtaining a green card (permanent residency) through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, and then meeting the eligibility requirements to apply for naturalization after a certain period of time.

To obtain a green card through the EB-5 program, foreign investors must make a substantial investment in a U.S. business that creates or preserves jobs for U.S. workers. After holding a green card for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen), you may be eligible to apply for naturalization, which is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Naturalization requires passing a U.S. civics and English language test, demonstrating good moral character, and meeting other eligibility requirements. The process of obtaining U.S. citizenship through investment can take several years and requires careful planning and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

What are the requirements for a Trump gold card?

Aside from a donation of $5 million little details have been released yet about the Trump Gold Card. However we can expect a high degree of due diligence of applicants common with most programs.

What are the requirements for a US investor visa?

The requirements for the U.S. EB-5 Investor Visa Program, are as follows:

  1. Investment: The foreign national must make a minimum investment of $1.05 million (or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area), in a new commercial enterprise in the United States.
  2. Job Creation: The investment must result in the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, excluding the investor and their immediate family members.
  3. Business Plan: The investor must have a credible business plan and demonstrate that the investment will benefit the U.S. economy.
  4. Source of Funds: The investor must prove that the funds used for the investment were legally obtained.
  5. Criminal Background Check: The investor must undergo a background check and must not have a criminal record or pose a security threat.
  6. Adjudication Process: The investor’s application will be reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the investor may be required to attend an interview.
  7. Maintenance of Status: The investor must maintain their immigration status and comply with all U.S. immigration laws.

Citizenship and Residency Programs

A selection of alternative countries for residency and citizenship investment programs to consider.

Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal

From €500,000 + costs
Private Equity Investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Explore
Antigua Citizenship by Investment

Antigua & Barbuda

Minimum $230,000 Donation
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 161 Countries
EU Schengen Zone & UK

Explore
Canada Golden Visa

Canada

From $260,000
Business Investment
Canadian Permanent Residency
Apply Citizenship 5 years

Explore

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