US Green Card By Investment: EB-5 And Gold Card Options For Middle Eastern Investors

[Editor2]

Investment-based immigration is increasingly attractive to high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term security, enhanced global mobility, and diversified business opportunities. For investors from the Middle East, these pathways offer a compelling alternative to employment-sponsored visas by allowing self-sponsorship, greater flexibility, and alignment with broader family, education, and succession planning goals.


Two key options currently shape the US investment immigration landscape: the long-established EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the newly launched Gold Card Program. Each serves a different profile of investor and risk appetite.

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: A Proven Pathway to US Permanent Residence​

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains one of the most established and predictable routes to US permanent residence for qualifying investors. The program allows individuals to obtain a green card by contributing capital that supports US job creation, either directly or indirectly.


Most applicants invest through the EB-5 Regional Center Program, which channels funds into government-approved projects. When the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area, the minimum required investment is $800,000. The investment must result in the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.


Key features include:

• Reduced government filing fees, recently lowered to $3,675
• Historically favorable visa availability for nationals of many Middle Eastern countries
• The ability, for eligible applicants already in the US, to file adjustment of status applications concurrently when visa numbers are available
• Faster access to work authorization and international travel while the green card application is pending

For investors seeking a clearly defined, investment-to-residency structure, EB-5 continues to be viewed as a reliable option.

The Gold Card Program: A New Premium Fast-Track Option​

In September 2025, a new Gold Card Program was introduced as a premium pathway aimed at high-net-worth foreign nationals. The program is now open, with applicants beginning the process by registering as foreign investors and paying a $15,000 government processing fee per applicant.


Unlike traditional investment programs, the Gold Card operates as an expedited mechanism rather than a project-based investment route. Applicants are required to make a $1 million contribution to the United States per individual. Successful applicants obtain lawful permanent residence through existing immigrant visa categories, such as EB-1 or EB-2, provided they meet eligibility and admissibility requirements and visa numbers are available.


Additional features include:

• The option for companies to apply on behalf of individuals through a $2 million contribution
• Flexibility to change the designated investor-recipient in corporate filings

As a newly launched initiative, the Gold Card involves a higher level of uncertainty. Eligibility standards, adjudication timelines, and long-term implementation practices are still being closely observed. In addition, the government is expected to conduct rigorous source-of-funds reviews, requiring detailed documentation tracing the origin and movement of assets.


For these reasons, careful preparation and professional guidance are essential for interested applicants.

Why These Pathways Appeal to Middle Eastern Investors​

Several factors make EB-5 and Gold Card options particularly attractive to investors from the Middle East:

Lifestyle and Family Opportunities​

Many investors seek a second residence to support their children’s education, career prospects, and long-term stability. US permanent residence also provides a pathway to citizenship, with US passport holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 150 countries.

Limited Visa Backlogs​

Middle Eastern nationals currently benefit from minimal or no visa backlogs in the EB-5 category, allowing qualified applicants to proceed without extended waiting periods. This contrasts sharply with employment-based categories that often involve lengthy delays.

Ease of Capital Transfers​

Most Middle Eastern countries permit international fund transfers without strict outbound capital controls. While certain nationalities or free-zone structures may require additional documentation, fund mobility is generally less restrictive than in many other regions.

Self-Sponsorship Flexibility​

Both EB-5 and the Gold Card allow investors to apply independently, without a US employer, job offer, or labor certification. This autonomy is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and individuals with diversified global interests.

Choosing the Right Pathway​

Each investment-based option serves a different objective:

• EB-5 is well suited for investors seeking long-term stability through a structured, investment-driven route to permanent residence.
• The Gold Card may appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a premium, expedited process and who are comfortable with higher costs and regulatory uncertainty.

Final Thoughts​

Investment-based immigration offers a powerful alternative to traditional employment-sponsored visas. With careful planning, transparent financial documentation, and informed decision-making, eligible investors can align their capital with long-term residence, business, and family goals in the United States.

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Pros and Cons Summary​

Pros​

• Self-sponsored pathways with no employer or job offer required
• Clear route to US permanent residence
• Favorable visa availability for many Middle Eastern nationals
• Flexibility for families, education planning, and global mobility
• EB-5 offers a well-established, predictable framework

Cons​

• High capital requirements
• Extensive source-of-funds documentation
• Gold Card program carries regulatory and practical uncertainty
• Processing timelines and outcomes may vary by category and nationality

 

[petter]

From a jurisprudential and capital mobility perspective, the EB-5 remains the more jurisprudently stable vehicle. Its statutory scaffolding has endured decades of adjudicative precedent. The Gold Card, while alluring, is still embryonic and therefore exposed to procedural volatility. Investors from the Gulf with generational wealth structures typically favor predictability over velocity.

 

[jennifer.javier]

From a jurisprudential and capital mobility perspective, the EB-5 remains the more jurisprudently stable vehicle. Its statutory scaffolding has endured decades of adjudicative precedent. The Gold Card, while alluring, is still embryonic and therefore exposed to procedural volatility. Investors from the Gulf with generational wealth structures typically favor predictability over velocity.

This is interesting. So if someone already has the money ready, would you still say EB-5 is safer even though Gold Card is faster? Also how long are people actually waiting these days for EB-5 approval?

 

[adamhholmes]

This is interesting. So if someone already has the money ready, would you still say EB-5 is safer even though Gold Card is faster? Also how long are people actually waiting these days for EB-5 approval?

EB-5 is objectively safer, yes. Processing times depend on the regional center and country of chargeability, but for most Middle Eastern nationals there’s little to no backlog. Job creation requirement is 10 full-time positions, minimum $800k in a TEA, and concurrent filing can get you work and travel authorization quickly. Gold Card is basically paying a premium for speed with less historical data. From a risk standpoint, EB-5 wins.

 

[koechamos]

I kinda like the Gold Card idea tho If someone has $1M+ just sitting, why not go fast and skip project risks? Less headache maybe? But yeah the uncertainty part sounds scary lol

 

[nickdev]

I kinda like the Gold Card idea tho If someone has $1M+ just sitting, why not go fast and skip project risks? Less headache maybe? But yeah the uncertainty part sounds scary lol

Do we know what “uncertainty” really means here? Like can they reject people after taking the $15k fee? And how strict is the source of funds review? Would business income from multiple countries complicate things?

 

[mattm]

I went through EB-5 with my family back in 2019, different time but similar structure. Honestly the predictability mattered more than speed for us. The regional center handled most reporting, and once we got the combo card we could travel freely. If I had to choose today, I’d still pick EB-5 unless the $1M was pocket change. Immigration stress isn’t fun.

 

[williamson1996]

So basically it’s like economy class vs first class. Both land in the US, one just costs way more and gives you extra peanuts I’ll stick with the cheaper seat unless they start serving gold-plated coffee.