U.S. Gold Card vs. Malta Residency & Citizenship: Which is the Best Investment?

Published: April 02, 2025

• U.S Gold Card
• MPRP
• Malta CBI
• Comparative Analysis
• Advantages/Disadvantages

In an increasingly globalized world, many high-net-worth individuals are seeking new residency and citizenship options to expand their mobility, business opportunities, and lifestyle choices. The United States and Malta both offer attractive residency and citizenship programs for wealthy investors: the newly introduced U.S. 'Gold Card' visa and Malta’s refined Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and NESDI program.

In this article, we will compare these programs, examining their financial requirements, residency benefits, pathways to citizenship, and overall attractiveness for global investors.

U.S. Gold Card Visa

The United States has long been a desirable destination for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. In February 2025, the U.S. government introduced the "Gold Card" visa, which aims to replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program with a more streamlined and lucrative option for the government. 

Key Features of the U.S. Gold Card

• Investment Requirement: Applicants must make a direct, non-refundable payment of $5 million to the U.S. government. This replaces the previous EB-5 visa, which required a lower investment in job-creating projects.

• Residency and Path to Citizenship: The Gold Card grants immediate permanent residency (Green Card) status, with a pathway to U.S. citizenship. Trump stated, “It’s going to give you green card privileges plus it’s going to be a route to American citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card.”

• No Job Creation Requirement: Unlike the EB-5 visa, which required investors to create at least 10 jobs, the Gold Card simply requires a direct payment to the government.

• Economic Contribution Focus: The program is designed to bring in significant revenue while attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals who can contribute through consumer spending, taxes, and investment in the U.S. economy.

• Processing Time: Expected to be significantly faster than the EB-5 program, with approvals anticipated within months.

While the Gold Card offers an expedited route to U.S. residency, critics argue that it may increase wealth inequality and make citizenship accessible only to the super-rich. Additionally, questions remain regarding how the government will ensure transparency and ethical considerations in the program.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta has been a leader in offering residency-by-investment programs, attracting individuals seeking access to the European Union (EU) and its many benefits. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has undergone several revisions, with the latest changes taking effect in 2025.

Key Features of Malta’s MPRP

• Administrative Fee: Increased to €50,000 per application. 

• Property Investment Options: 

• • Purchase: Investors must buy a property worth at least €375,000 OR 

• • Rental: The minimum annual rent requirement is €14,000. 

• Government Contribution: 

• • With Property Purchase: €30,000 contribution. 

• • With Property Rental: €60,000 contribution. 

• Net Worth Requirement: Applicants must have assets worth at least €500,000, with at least €150,000 in financial assets or show that they have capital assets of not less than €650,000 of which €75,000 must be in the form of financial assets. 

• Dependent Fees: An additional €10,000 per dependent (spouses, children, parents, and grandparents). 

• Residency and Citizenship: The MPRP grants permanent residency but does not directly lead to citizenship. However, Malta’s separate Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services program allows individuals to apply for citizenship after one to three years under strict conditions. 

Unlike the U.S. Gold Card, Malta’s program does not require a single large government payment. Instead, it offers a combination of property investment and government contributions, providing more flexibility for investors. 

For more information, read this article.

Malta Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program

For investors looking for a direct route to EU citizenship, Malta also offers a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, officially known as the "Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment" program or NESDI. 

Key Features of Malta’s CBI Program

• Investment Requirement: 

• • Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF): 

• • • €600,000 for a citizenship application after 3 years of residency. 

• • • €750,000 for an expedited application after 1 year of residency. 

• Real Estate Requirement: 

• • Purchase a property worth at least €700,000 or rent a property for at least €16,000 per year for a minimum of five years. 

• Philanthropic Donation: 

• • A mandatory donation of €10,000 to an approved Maltese charity. 

• Due Diligence: 

• • A stringent four-tier due diligence process ensures only reputable individuals are granted citizenship. 

• Pathway to EU Citizenship: 

• • Successful applicants gain a Maltese passport, providing visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including the EU, UK, and Schengen Zone. 

The Malta CBI program remains one of the most reputable and secure investment-based citizenship programs, offering a solid alternative to the U.S. Gold Card for those seeking EU citizenship rather than just residency.

For more information, read this article. 

Comparative Analysis: U.S. Gold Card vs. Malta MPRP & CBI

Financial Commitment

Residency and Path to Citizenship

Comparative Insights: Advantages and Disadvantages

U.S Gold Card

Advantages of the U.S. Gold Card 

• Provides immediate U.S. permanent residency. 

• Fast-track to U.S. citizenship in five years. 

• No requirement to create jobs or manage investments. 

• Access to one of the world’s largest economies. 

Disadvantages of the U.S. Gold Card

• High investment requirement ($5 million). 

• No access to EU travel benefits. 

• Potentially higher tax obligations in the U.S. 

Malta’s MPRP & CBI Programs

Advantages of Malta’s MPRP & CBI

• MPRP provides affordable access to EU residency. 

• CBI program offers direct EU citizenship with a strong passport. 

• No requirement to live in Malta for MPRP. 

• Favorable tax environment. 

Disadvantages of Malta’s MPRP & CBI

• Higher due diligence requirements for CBI. 

• Citizenship requires a residency period under CBI. 

Which Program is Right for You?

The decision between the U.S. Gold Card and Malta’s programs depends on individual priorities: 

• • If you are looking for a fast-track to U.S. citizenship, the Gold Card is a straightforward option provided you can afford the $5 million price tag. 

• • Alternatively, if you prefer a cost-effective way to gain EU residency, Malta’s MPRP is a more flexible and affordable choice. 

• • Furthermore, if you want immediate EU citizenship, Malta’s CBI program is one of the best options, providing a strong passport and business opportunities in Europe.

Conclusion

Both the U.S. Gold Card and Malta’s residency and citizenship programs provide exclusive opportunities for affluent individuals seeking alternative residency and citizenship options. Investors should carefully evaluate their financial capacity, long-term goals, and tax implications before choosing the best program. Whether you seek the economic powerhouse of the U.S. or the cultural and business advantages of the EU, these programs provide compelling pathways to a global lifestyle. 

If you’re interested in exploring Malta MPRP or CBI, contact us today at Endevio. Agenzija Endevio Ltd is authorized to act as an Accredited Agent by Agenzija Komunita Malta through license number AKM-AGEN.