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Many investors searching for a US Golden Visa are surprised to learn that the United States does not officially offer one. However, the EB-5 Investor Visa provides a pathway to US residency and eventual citizenship through investment, making it the closest equivalent. In this guide, we explain the reality behind the so-called “American Golden Visa” and how investors can navigate the EB-5 program.
What is a Golden Visa Program?
A Golden Visa (also known as visa golden) is an immigration program offered by several countries that grants residency or citizenship in exchange for investment.
How Golden Visas Work Globally
- Investors make a qualifying investment in real estate, business, or government bonds.
- Residency or citizenship is granted based on meeting investment and eligibility requirements.
- Some countries allow Golden Visa holders to apply for citizenship after several years of residency.
Key Benefits of Golden Visas
- Legal right to live, work, and study in the country.
- Access to healthcare, education, and social services.
- Potential visa-free travel to other countries.
- Pathway to permanent residency or citizenship.
Residency vs Citizenship Golden Visa
Golden Visa programs can either provide residency or citizenship, depending on the country.
Residency Golden Visa
- Legal Status: Grants temporary or permanent residency to live, work, and study.
- Rights and Benefits: Healthcare, education, and limited travel freedom.
- Path to Citizenship: Citizenship may be possible after meeting residency requirements.
Citizenship Golden Visa
- Legal Status: Grants full citizenship with all rights, including voting and passport access.
- Permanent Status: Citizenship is permanent and may be inherited by future generations.
- Travel Freedom: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to multiple countries.
Does the US Have a Golden Visa?
The United States does not have a program officially called a “Golden Visa.”
Understanding the EB-5 Investor Program
The EB-5 visa is the closest US equivalent. It allows foreign investors to obtain lawful permanent residency (green card) through investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
EB-5 Visa Investment Requirements
- Minimum investment: $800,000 in a targeted employment area or $1.05 million in other areas.
- Investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
- Conditional green card issued for 2 years, followed by permanent residency upon meeting requirements.
EB-5 Pathway to US Citizenship
- Hold permanent residency for 5 years.
- Spend at least 2.5 years physically in the US during that time.
- Apply for naturalization and US passport.
EB-5 Benefits Compared to Other Golden Visas
Feature | EB-5 (USA) | Portugal | UAE |
Investment Amount | $800K+ | €280K+ | Varies |
Residency Granted | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Citizenship Eligibility | Yes (after 5 yrs) | Yes (after 5 yrs) | No |
Family Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Visa-Free Travel | Moderate | High | Moderate |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, the US does not have a program officially called a Golden Visa. The EB-5 visa is the closest alternative.
A Golden Visa is a residency or citizenship program offered by countries in exchange for investment, often with benefits like travel freedom, work rights, and healthcare access.
Not officially, but it serves a similar purpose by granting residency and a path to citizenship through investment.
The EB-5 investment ranges from $800,000 to $1.05 million, depending on the location of the investment.
Yes, after holding permanent residency for 5 years and fulfilling physical presence requirements, investors can apply for naturalization.
Countries like Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta, and the UAE offer official Golden Visa programs.
It depends on your goals. UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency but does not lead to citizenship, while EB-5 provides a path to US citizenship.
Consultants and marketers use the term “US Golden Visa” as a reference to EB-5 to attract investors familiar with Golden Visa programs in other countries.
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