EU Golden Visa Programs Attract More Global Investors Than New $5M U.S. Gold Card

While the United States launched its new $5 million “Gold Card” residency-by-investment program, experts report that European Golden Visa programs still draw more interest from global investors, particularly wealthy individuals outside the EU.

Programs offered by Greece, Malta, Hungary, and Portugal remain the most searched and applied to, even after Trump’s announcement in February.

The U.S. Gold Card, pitched by President Donald Trump as a “bargain” despite its $5 million threshold, has been met with scepticism. Critics argue that the pricing is out of reach for most eligible investors.

Though early government figures claimed 1,000 Gold Cards were sold on launch day, search interest in the program dropped rapidly, shifting users' attention to more affordable and established programs in Europe.

One of the biggest draws of European programs is cost-efficiency. For example:

• Hungary offers residency starting from €250,000
• Greece’s program starts at €250,000 but can go up to €800,000 in high-demand zones
• Malta offers citizenship for around €1 million, with naturalization possible in under two years
• Portugal continues to allow investment-based residency, though real estate is no longer an option

Even Spain’s Golden Visa program, recently abolished as of April 3, 2025, offered residency for €500,000, far below the U.S. Gold Card price tag.

Greece’s Golden Visa Rises in Popularity Among Young Americans

According to Denis Kravchenko, Business Development Director at Ashtons (Cyprus), Greece’s Golden Visa program is now leading the pack. In 2024 alone, the country received 9,289 applications, with a noticeable spike driven by younger American investors seeking flexibility and EU access without uprooting their lives.

Kravchenko noted that with EU citizenship or long-term residency on the table for much lower investment levels, many view the U.S. Gold Card as overpriced and underwhelming.

Plus, European programs often come with visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, a perk increasingly valued by location-independent entrepreneurs and investors.

While U.S. officials claim the Gold Card could help reduce national debt, industry insiders remain sceptical. Unless pricing or terms change, they argue, Europe’s Golden Visas will continue to dominate investor interest, especially as affordability, mobility, and legal simplicity remain key decision factors.