United States residency by investment
Introduction
The United States residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports investors in obtaining a Green Card through two main pathways: the EB-5 programme and the Trump Gold Card — a route to investment-based United States permanent residency without the need for employer sponsorship.
The EB-5 programme has been operating since 1990, requiring a minimum investment of US$800,000 in a TEA, which is potentially refundable, and includes the family in a single application. The Trump Gold Card was launched in December 2025, requiring a US$1,000,000 contribution to the United States government, offering fast processing with no job creation requirement. Both pathways pave the way for United States citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency.
Programme Overview
Investment level
EB-5 from US$800,000 (TEA) or US$1,050,000. Gold Card US$1,000,000 + US$15,000 fee.
Processing time
EB-5: conditional Green Card for 12–24 months. Gold Card: faster processing, from a few weeks to a few months.
Benefits
Green Card for the whole family — live, work, and study in the United States without time limits, renewable upon expiry.
Job creation
EB-5: minimum of 10 full-time jobs for United States workers. Gold Card: not required.
Family
EB-5: spouse and children under 21 included at no extra cost in the same application. Gold Card: US$1,000,000 per additional person.
Citizenship
Eligible to apply for United States citizenship after 5 years of holding a permanent resident Green Card
United States permanent resident benefits
Direct Green Card
Both EB-5 and Gold Card grant a Green Card without the need for employer sponsorship or a job offer. Investors submit their own applications and have full control over their immigration pathway.
Live and work
Permanent residents can live, work, and study in any United States state without restriction. Access to world-leading education, healthcare, and business opportunities.
Citizenship roadmap
After 5 years of holding a Green Card, investors are eligible to apply for United States citizenship through naturalisation. A United States passport provides visa-free access to over 180 countries.
EB-5 investment return
EB-5 investment capital may be returned after receiving a permanent Green Card, depending on the project terms. Many Regional Center projects have clear capital repayment strategies. The Gold Card is a non-refundable contribution.
TEA processing priority
EB-5 applications investing in rural TEA areas are prioritised for the fastest processing — some I-526E applications have been approved within 29 days. Gold Card processing is fast but subject to visa quotas.
No professional requirements
EB-5 does not require specific educational qualifications, business experience, English proficiency, or a maximum age. The Gold Card requires eligibility for EB-1A or EB-2 NIW.
Residency by investment pathway
EB-5 Regional Center
Minimum investment of US$800,000 (TEA) in a USCIS-approved Regional Center project. The investor acts as a limited partner and does not need to manage the business directly. Jobs are calculated indirectly through an economic model. Capital may be returned after receiving a permanent Green Card. Includes spouse and children under 21. Accounts for over 94% of EB-5 applications.
EB-5 Direct Investment
Minimum investment of US$800,000 (TEA) or US$1,050,000 (non-TEA) in a new commercial enterprise. The investor directly manages or participates in the operation. Must create 10 full-time direct jobs (W-2 employees). Suitable for investors who want full control over their United States business operations.
Trump Gold Card
Contribution of US$1,000,000 (non-refundable) to the United States government plus a US$15,000 processing fee. No job creation required, faster processing than EB-5. The investor must be eligible for an EB-1A (extraordinary ability) or EB-2 NIW (national interest waiver) visa. Each family member must contribute an additional US$1,000,000 plus a US$15,000 fee. The programme is based on Executive Order 14351 (09/2025) and has not yet been legislated by Congress.
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Programme requirements
Lawful source of funds
Proof of the lawful origin of all investment capital or contributions is required. USCIS requires a minimum of 5–7 years of financial records, including income, business, asset sales, or inheritance.
Investment level
EB-5: US$800,000 (TEA) or US$1,050,000 (non-TEA). Gold Card: US$1,000,000 + US$15,000 fee. EB-5 inflation adjustment expected 01/2027.
Job creation (EB-5)
Minimum of 10 full-time jobs for United States workers, maintained for at least 2 years. Regional Center counts indirect jobs, direct investment counts direct jobs. Gold Card does not require this.
Expertise (Gold Card)
The Gold Card requires eligibility for EB-1A (extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics) or EB-2 NIW. EB-5 does not require specific expertise.
Education and language
Neither EB-5 nor Gold Card requires English proficiency, academic degrees, or a maximum age limit. EB-5 does not require business experience.
Background
No serious criminal record. Must pass USCIS security and medical checks. Not subject to United States entry bans. Applies to both EB-5 and Gold Card.
Implementation process
Obtain a United States Green Card for your entire family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.
Consultation and selection
PLI specialists assess financial eligibility, personal profiles, and family size. We provide advice on selecting the most suitable pathway: EB-5 Regional Center, EB-5 direct investment, or the Trump Gold Card. We prioritise rural TEA areas for EB-5 to leverage processing priority.Timeframe: 2–4 weeks.
Prepare documentation and submit application
PLI works with United States immigration attorneys to prepare the documentation proving the lawful source of funds and supporting papers. Submit I-526E (EB-5 Regional Center), I-526 (EB-5 direct) to USCIS, or I-140G (Gold Card) via trumpcard.gov.Timeframe: 4–8 weeks.
Approval and receipt of conditional Green Card
USCIS reviews and approves the application. Upon approval, the investor files for adjustment of status (I-485 if in the United States, EB-5 only) or consular processing (DS-260). Receive a 2-year conditional Green Card for the whole family.Timeframe: EB-5 12–24 months (Rural TEA is fastest). Gold Card: a few weeks to a few months, depending on visa quotas.
Removal of conditions (I-829)
During the final 90 days of the 2-year conditional period, the investor files Form I-829 to prove that the investment (EB-5) or contribution (Gold Card) has been maintained and programme requirements have been met. USCIS approves and issues a 10-year permanent Green Card.Timeframe: 22–48 months.
Apply for United States citizenship (optional)
After 5 years of holding a Green Card (calculated from the date of receiving the conditional Green Card), the investor is eligible to apply for naturalisation (N-400) to become a United States citizen. A United States passport provides visa-free access to over 180 countries.
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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.
Transparency
Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.
Professionalism
The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are common questions from clients regarding the United States residency by investment programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
What is the minimum investment level for EB-5?
US$800,000 for projects in a TEA (rural or high unemployment) area, or US$1,050,000 for standard areas. The investment amount is scheduled for an inflation adjustment in January 2027. Programme conditions are as announced byUnited States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How does the Trump Gold Card differ from EB-5?
- The Gold Card requires a US$1,000,000 non-refundable contribution to the United States government, does not require job creation, and is processed faster. However, investors must qualify for EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, each family member must contribute an additional US$1,000,000, and the programme is based on an executive order, meaning it could be changed or cancelled.
- EB-5 has a more robust legal foundation (federal law since 1990), capital is potentially refundable, family members are included at no extra cost, and no special expertise is required.
How long does it take from filing the application to receiving a green card?
- EB-5: A conditional green card is typically received in 12–24 months, with Rural TEA applications processed the fastest. The entire process to a permanent green card takes 3–5 years.
- Gold Card: The petition is processed faster (a few weeks), but the actual timeline depends on visa quotas based on nationality.
Can family members be included in the application?
- EB-5: One application includes the primary investor, spouse, and all unmarried children under 21 — with no additional investment costs.
- Gold Card: Each family member must contribute an additional US$1,000,000 and pay a separate US$15,000 processing fee.
Is EB-5 investment capital refundable?
By law, EB-5 capital must be “at risk” — there is no guarantee of capital return. However, many Regional Center projects have strategies for capital repayment after the investor receives their permanent green card, subject to contract terms. The Gold Card is a non-refundable contribution in all cases.
Do investors need business experience?
- EB-5 does not require business experience, educational qualifications, English proficiency, or a maximum age — only proof of legal source of funds.
- The Gold Card requires the investor to qualify for EB-1A (extraordinary ability) or EB-2 NIW (national interest waiver).
What is a TEA and why is it important?
A TEA (Targeted Employment Area) is a rural area or one with an unemployment rate of at least 150% of the national average. Investment in a TEA requires only US$800,000 (instead of US$1,050,000), receives priority processing, and has a separate visa quota — with Rural TEA currently being the fastest to process.
After receiving a green card, can one apply for United States citizenship?
Yes. After 5 years of holding a green card (calculated from the date of receiving the conditional green card), the investor is eligible to apply for naturalisation to become a United States citizen. This applies to both EB-5 and the Gold Card, provided residency requirements and other naturalisation standards are met.