Other U.S. routes
| Route | Capital | Status | Key requirement | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-5 investor | $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000, at risk | Green card (family) | Lawful source of funds; 10 jobs created | Families with capital who want permanent residence regardless of education or career |
| EB-1A extraordinary ability | None | Green card (family) | National or international acclaim in your field | Accomplished entrepreneurs, academics and artists |
| EB-2 NIW national interest waiver | None | Green card (family) | Advanced degree or exceptional ability; work in the U.S. national interest | Researchers, doctors and professionals; subject to EB-2 backlogs |
| L-1A manager / EB-1C | Set up and run a related U.S. company | L-1A nonimmigrant; EB-1C green card | At least a year as a manager or executive at a related company abroad | Owners of operating businesses expanding to the U.S. |
| E-2 treaty investor | "Substantial" investment; no statutory minimum | Nonimmigrant, renewable | Treaty-country passport: Taiwan qualifies; Hong Kong SAR and PRC passports don't | Taiwan passport holders willing to run a U.S. business |
EB-1A and NIW need no investment but depend on personal achievements, so outcomes are harder to predict. E-2 doesn't lead directly to a green card, and children lose dependent status at 21. For families who want permanent residence but don't fit a talent category, EB-5 is usually the most certain route.
The U.S. Gold Card
The "Gold Card" program was created by executive order in September 2025 and began taking applications in December 2025. Applicants pay a nonrefundable $15,000 fee and a $1 million "gift" to the U.S. government, and are then processed in the EB-1 or EB-2 NIW category.
- The payment is a gift, not an investment, and isn't returned
- The program's legal basis is being challenged in court, and very few approvals had been reported as of mid-2026
- It doesn't change EB-1 or EB-2 backlogs
Until its legal status and approval record are clearer, we don't recommend the Gold Card in place of a reviewed EB-5 project.
European golden visas
| Program | Main investment options | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal Golden Visa | €500,000 in a qualifying fund (residential property no longer qualifies) | Residence permit, path to permanent residence and citizenship | Citizenship timing rules are being amended |
| Greece Golden Visa | Property: €800,000 in prime areas, €400,000 elsewhere; €250,000 for conversions or restorations | Residence permit | No residence requirement, but no direct EU work rights |
European golden visas give residence and a second home base, but not U.S. domestic-student status for children or U.S. tax residence. Many families plan both together.
How to choose
- Goal is a U.S. green card and education: check whether EB-1A or NIW is realistic first; if not, EB-5 is the most certain route
- An operating business expanding to the U.S.: L-1A leading to EB-1C may suit better than EB-5
- Taiwan passport, want to operate in the U.S. first: E-2 can bridge, but it won't lead directly to a green card
- Want European residence or a backup status: golden visas cost less and ask less residence, but serve a different purpose
Global Immigrate handles all of these routes, so we compare them rather than pushing one.