Golden visa for the USA: Requirements and benefits

You don’t always need a job offer, scholarship, or family sponsorship to obtain U.S. residency. If you have enough money and are seeking a legal way to settle in the country, there’s another option: the so-called U.S. “golden visa,” officially known as the EB-5 visa.

This program is an investor visa. It brings foreign money into U.S. projects that create jobs. In exchange, applicants can get a Green Card (permanent residency) for themselves, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21.

The main difference is that this golden visa doesn’t require a U.S. job, job offer, or sponsor. You just need to meet the investment rules, prove your funds come from lawful sources, and put it into a project that creates the required jobs.

That said, the U.S. “golden visa” shouldn’t be seen as a simple way to buy residency. There are minimum investment amounts, additional costs, immigration requirements, waiting times, and other obligations you need to carefully review before getting started.

In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies for the U.S. EB-5 “golden visa,” how much you need to invest, which projects are eligible, the benefits of the program, and how to apply in 2026.

What is the U.S. Golden Visa?

In the U.S., the “golden visa” isn’t its official name. It’s called the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, and it was created by Congress in 1990 with a clear goal: to attract foreign investment and create local jobs.

It’s administered by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the country’s immigration authority) and is one of the few programs in the world that offers a direct path to permanent residency without needing an employer or a job offer.

How does the U.S. Golden Visa work?

On paper, the process is simple: you invest a minimum amount in a new business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. In return, you receive a two-year conditional residency for yourself, your spouse, and your unmarried children under 21.

After two years, if the project meets the job requirements and your investment is still active, you can apply for permanent residency. Then you get your full Green Card.

There are two ways to invest:

• Direct investment: You start or buy a business in the U.S. and hire employees directly.
• Regional Center: You invest through a fund that pools money from multiple foreign investors to finance larger projects like hotels, real estate developments, or infrastructure, and the jobs created can be indirect.

Most EB-5 investors go through Regional Centers because it’s easier, doesn’t require managing the business day to day, and offers more approved project options.

Initial duration of the permit

Once your petition is approved, you receive a two-year conditional residency. That means you can live, work, and study anywhere in the U.S., but you’ll need to show before it expires that your investment created the required jobs.

Renewals and the path to permanent residency

Before the two years end (within the last 90 days), you file Form I-829 to remove the conditions. If everything is approved, you get a permanent Green Card.

From that point on, once you’ve held permanent residency for 5 years (including the conditional period), you can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Benefits of the Golden Visa in the U.S.

This is where many investors ask: “What’s the point of this beyond just living in the U.S.?” There are several key benefits, but here are the ones that matter most.

Full right of residence

A Green Card isn’t a tourist visa or temporary work permit. It’s permanent residency. You can live anywhere in the U.S., change jobs, start a business, or not work at all.

International mobility

With a Green Card, you can freely enter and leave the U.S. In addition, many countries make it easier to get visas if you’re a U.S. permanent resident.

Inclusion of family members

The investor visa includes the main applicant, their spouse, and their unmarried children under 21. Everyone is covered under the same application, without needing extra investment for each person.

Access to education and services

Your children can attend public universities at in-state tuition rates, which are much lower than what international students pay. You also gain access to financial services on the same terms as U.S. citizens.

Possibility of permanent residence and citizenship

This is what makes the EB-5 different from most other visas: it can lead to citizenship. After 5 years with a Green Card (including the conditional period), you can apply for U.S. citizenship and later get a U.S. passport with strong travel benefits.

Who is eligible to apply for the Golden Visa in the U.S.?

One of the best things about the EB-5 program is that it doesn’t depend on nationality, age, education, or business experience. Anyone over 18 with legally obtained funds can apply, no matter where they’re from.

That said, there are certain types of applicants who tend to benefit most from this program:

• Wealthy investors: Someone with assets (like real estate, stocks, businesses, or inheritance) who wants to diversify in the U.S. while also building an immigration path for their family.
• The entrepreneur targeting the U.S. market: Entrepreneurs who are already planning to expand and see the EB-5 as a dual-return investment: financial and immigration benefits.
• The family with college-age children: Many families apply to get access to U.S. universities at in-state tuition prices. Long-term planning is key.
• The professional already living in the U.S.: If you already have a visa like an F-1, H-1B, or L-1 and have the funds to invest, you can apply for the EB-5 and use concurrent filing to move through the process faster.

What every applicant does need to show is that their money comes from a legal source and that they don’t have a serious criminal record.

Requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa in the U.S.

You already know who is eligible to apply. Now let’s look at the specific requirements you’ll need to meet.

Required documentation

The list of required documents is extensive but very clear about what is needed. Most importantly:

• Valid passport
• Bank statements from the past 5 to 7 years
• Personal and business tax returns (from the past 5 to 7 years)
• Financial statements for any company you own
• Documents proving the source of the funds: Deeds, sales contracts, dividends, inheritances, donations, loans

Any documents not in English must be translated and certified.

Financial requirements

The minimum amount you must invest depends on the location of the project you choose.

• $800,000 if you invest in an area designated as a priority by the U.S. government, such as rural areas or regions with high unemployment rates.
• $1,050,000 if the project is located outside those areas.

These amounts only cover the required investment. If you invest through a Regional Center, you’ll also pay extra fees, usually between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on the project.

For this reason, it’s important to budget not only for the investment itself, but also for the legal, administrative, and application costs that come with the process.

Background and security checks

USCIS reviews your criminal record in every country where you’ve lived. You can’t have serious criminal convictions or be on international sanctions lists. If this applies to you, it’s best to speak with an immigration lawyer before applying.

Maintenance of the investment

Your investment must remain “at risk” throughout the process, meaning it can’t be guaranteed or protected from loss. The investment is typically required to remain at risk for at least two years.

Requirements during renewals

When filing Form I-829, the petition to remove conditions, you must demonstrate that:

• You made the full investment
• The business created or retained at least 10 full-time jobs for authorized workers

Requirements by country of origin

The EB-5 program requirements are the same for everyone. However, there are a few specific details worth knowing:

• Colombia: There are no special restrictions or visa wait times, so the process isn’t delayed by nationality. The main requirement is proving where your money comes from, especially if it comes from local assets.
• Mexico: Mexican applicants also don’t face waiting times in the EB-5 reserved categories (Rural, HUA, Infrastructure), so the process can move forward without nationality-related delays. When it comes to documentation, it’s common to provide proof of income, dividends, or property sales.
• Argentina: There are no special restrictions or visa wait times. Since many Argentine investors hold assets abroad or in U.S. dollars, tracking the source of funds can be more complex and usually requires careful documentation.
• Spain: There are no specific restrictions for Spanish citizens either. Many Spanish applicants living in Europe use the EB-5 as a way to diversify their immigration options.

Types of investments for the U.S. Golden Visa

One of the most important decisions is where to invest your money. The EB-5 visa only allows investments in projects that meet U.S. government rules.

The good news is that foreign investors have several options. Some allow you to qualify with the lower $800,000 investment and may also lead to faster processing times. Others give you more control over your investment, but require a higher financial commitment and a more active role in the business.

Comparison table of EB-5 investment options

Investment in rural areas (Rural TEA)

This category covers projects located outside major metropolitan areas in the United States. The U.S. government encourages these types of investments because they help boost economic growth and create jobs in less populated regions.

This category usually includes hotels, resorts, real estate projects, warehouses, and agriculture or local industry projects. It’s also one of the most popular EB-5 options because of the benefits it offers in the immigration process.

Investment in areas with high unemployment

It’s also possible to invest in projects located in areas with above-average unemployment. The goal is to attract private investment to regions that need more jobs and stronger economic development.

Many of these projects are developed in urban or suburban areas and include hotels, residential buildings, shopping complexes, or large-scale commercial developments.

Investment in public infrastructure

This option allows investors to take part in projects that improve essential infrastructure in the country, such as roads, ports, airports, transport systems, and public services.

Although less common within the EB-5 program, these projects are often backed by public or government entities and can be attractive if you’re looking to invest in initiatives with a large economic impact.

Direct investment in a company or your own business

Unlike the previous options, this approach allows investors to start a company from scratch or acquire an existing business in the United States.

This option is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to be actively involved in managing their investment. However, it also comes with more responsibility, since meeting the program requirements depends directly on how well the business performs and grows.

Taxes for holders of a U.S. investor visa

Becoming a permanent resident in the U.S. is not just an immigration decision, it’s also a tax decision. And it’s best to know this in advance.

Tax residency vs. immigration residency

They are two different things. While your EB-5 application is being processed, you remain a tax resident of your home country. But once you receive your Green Card, you become a U.S. tax resident, and that changes everything.

Income tax

As a permanent resident, you must file taxes in the U.S. on your worldwide income, not just what you earn in the U.S. This includes salaries, dividends, rental income, and capital gains from anywhere in the world.

The tax system is federal, but there are also state taxes that vary depending on where you live. For example, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, while California does, and it can be quite high.

Investment taxes

Capital gains, in the U.S. or abroad, are taxed. If you hold an asset for more than a year, the tax rate is usually lower. When you sell your EB-5 investment, you may also have to pay tax on the profit.

Property taxes

If you own property in the U.S., you pay an annual property tax, which varies by state and local area. You also have to report any properties you own outside the country.

Tax considerations to evaluate before implementation

• Double taxation treaty: Colombia, Mexico, and Spain have relevant tax treaties or agreements with the U.S. Argentina, however, does not have a full double taxation treaty, which can mean you may end up paying tax on the same income in both countries.
• FBAR and FATCA: As a resident, you must report foreign bank accounts that exceed certain thresholds. Failure to comply results in heavy fines.
• Advance planning: It’s best to review your taxes before getting a Green Card, not after. There are legal ways to plan ahead during the transition.

Costs of the Golden Visa in the U.S.

Getting U.S. residency through the EB-5 program requires a large investment. Besides the money you invest in the project, you also have to pay for the visa application, legal help, and other processing fees. These are the main costs to consider before you start.

Capital Investment

• $800,000 if you invest in a project located in a rural area, an area with high unemployment, or an approved infrastructure project.
• $1,050,000 if the investment is made in a project that does not fall into any of these categories.

It’s important to note that this money isn’t paid to the U.S. government, it’s invested in a business project instead. Depending on the terms, you may recover part or all of your capital later, but there are no guarantees.

Government fees (USCIS)

In addition to the investment, you must pay the immigration fees required by U.S. authorities to process your application.

• Form I-526E: Approximately $4,675
• Form I-829 (Removal of Conditions on Residency): Approximately $3,750
• Biometric data: Approximately $85 per person
• Immigrant visa at the U.S. consulate: Additional fee depending on the country of application

These amounts may change over time, so it is advisable to check the official rates before submitting your documents.

Legal costs

Most applicants hire an immigration attorney to prepare and oversee the entire process.

Fees usually range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on how complex the case is and what services are included. It’s a significant cost, but having expert guidance can help avoid mistakes and delays in the process.

Regional Center administrative fees

If you choose to invest through a Regional Center (the most common option among EB-5 investors), you will be required to pay an additional administrative fee.

This fee is usually between $50,000 and $80,000 and is generally non-refundable. The exact amount depends on the project and the managing entity you choose.

Summary of estimated costs (Regional Center and TEA project)

Before you start, it’s best to plan a full budget, including the investment and all fees. This helps you understand how much money you really need for the EB-5 program.

How do I apply for a U.S. Golden Visa?

The process has clear steps. It takes about 2.5 to 5 years to get a permanent Green Card, but each stage is easy to follow.

Step 1: Preparing the investment

Before submitting any forms, you need to have the investment ready:

• Select the project (in consultation with your attorney, although the final decision is yours)
• Document the origin of all funds, from the original source to the account from which you will make the transfer
• Transfer the capital to the project fund

Step 2: Gathering documents

Once you’ve chosen the project, put together the application package:

• Tax returns (5 to 7 years)
• Bank statements
• Deeds, contracts, proof of inheritance, or any document that substantiates the source of the funds
• Passports, marriage certificates, and birth certificates of family members applying with you
• Business plan for the project (usually provided by the Regional Center)

Step 3: Filing the application

You submit Form I-526E (for regional center investments) or Form I-526 (for direct investment). This includes all supporting documents in your application file, along with the required filing fees.

You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt from USCIS (Form I-797C) in approximately 10 days. The date on that acknowledgment is your “priority date.”

Step 4: Review by USCIS

Processing times vary depending on the type of project:

• Rural projects: 5 to 12 months on average (priority processing)
• Other reserved projects: 12 to 24 months
• Non-reserved projects: 24 to 36 months or more

If you are already in the U.S. on a valid visa, you can file Form I-485 at the same time. This lets you get a work permit and travel document while your case is being processed.

Step 5: Obtaining conditional residency

Once your I-526E is approved and a visa number is available, you move on to the consular interview (if you’re outside the U.S.) or adjust your status (if you’re already in the country). You then receive a 2-year conditional Green Card.

Step 6: Removal of conditions and permanent Green Card

Within 90 days before your conditional Green Card expires, you file Form I-829 to show your investment was completed and 10 jobs were created. If approved, you get a permanent Green Card.

Something new you should know about: The Gold Card

In September 2025, the Trump administration introduced the Gold Card Program through an executive order as a new pathway to residency. It requires a non-refundable $1 million donation per person to the U.S. Department of Commerce, rather than an investment.

Unlike EB-5, the Gold Card was not approved by Congress, which creates legal uncertainty. The money is non-refundable, and the program could be changed or cancelled by a future administration. It also becomes very expensive for larger families, since the $1 million applies to each person.

EB-5, on the other hand, has been legally established since 1990 and remains the most stable and predictable path to U.S. permanent residency. In 2026, both options still exist side by side.

How can I get internet access when I arrive in the U.S.?

When you move to another country, the first days are full of tasks like meetings, paperwork, and bank accounts. Having internet right when you arrive is not a luxury, it’s essential.

For short stays, like traveling to explore investment projects, attend meetings, or handle specific paperwork, a daily Holafly eSIM for the U.S. can be enough. You choose how many days you need, and it gives you unlimited data at 5G/4G speeds across the country.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to stay for several weeks or start a longer relocation, Holafly’s monthly plans are a better fit. It works like a monthly subscription, with coverage in over 160 destinations, unlimited data, and the option to share internet depending on your plan.

This can help during your first weeks in the U.S., when you don’t have a local phone plan yet but still need internet for emails, USCIS, maps, appointments, and calls.

Frequently asked questions about the U.S. Golden Visa

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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