USA Golden Visa for Retirees: The Complete Guide to EB-5 Investment
Introduction
For many international retirees, the United States represents the ultimate retirement destination with its world-class healthcare, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities. However, unlike many countries that offer specific retirement visas, the US doesn’t have a dedicated “retirement visa” program. This leaves many wondering: how can I spend my golden years in America?
The answer lies in what’s commonly referred to as the USA Golden Visa – officially known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This pathway has become increasingly popular among retirees worldwide who dream of US residency. While not specifically designed for retirees, the EB-5 program offers a straightforward route to obtaining permanent residency through investment, making it particularly attractive for those with retirement savings looking for a new chapter in America.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the EB-5 program works as a de facto retirement visa, its requirements, benefits, and everything you need to know to determine if this path is right for your retirement plans.
What is the USA Golden Visa?
The term “Golden Visa” isn’t an official US government designation but rather a colloquial term used internationally to describe residence-by-investment programs. In the United States, this refers to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, established by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the US economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors.
The EB-5 program enables qualified foreign investors to obtain lawful permanent resident status (a green card) by investing a specific amount of capital in a US business that creates or preserves jobs for American workers. For retirees, this program offers a clear path to US residency without the need for employment sponsorship or family connections.
How the EB-5 Program Works for Retirees
The EB-5 program is particularly well-suited for retirees because:
- It doesn’t require you to work or be employed
- There’s no age limit for applicants
- You don’t need to have specific skills or education
- Family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can be included
- It provides a direct path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship
As Henley & Partners notes, “Golden visa programs give high-net-worth individuals the option of physically relocating to a more favorable jurisdiction and accessing full residence rights, including the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in that country.”
Investment Requirements for the EB-5 Visa
To qualify for the EB-5 program, you must make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. As of 2025, the investment requirements are:
- Standard investment: $1,050,000
- Targeted Employment Area (TEA) investment: $800,000
A Targeted Employment Area is either a rural area or an area with high unemployment (at least 150% of the national average). Many retirees opt for TEA investments because of the lower threshold and the potential for greater economic impact.
According to Get Golden Visa, “To get an EB5 visa, you must invest at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area to finance a business that employs at least 10 American workers.”
Job Creation Requirement
Beyond the financial investment, the EB-5 program requires that your investment creates or preserves at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying US workers within two years of your admission to the United States as a Conditional Permanent Resident.
For retirees, this job creation requirement might seem daunting, but there are two main investment approaches:
- Direct Investment: Establishing your own business or purchasing an existing one
- Regional Center Investment: Investing through USCIS-approved Regional Centers that manage the job creation aspect
Most retirees prefer the Regional Center option as it allows for a more passive investment approach. Regional Centers are organizations designated by USCIS that sponsor capital investment projects for EB-5 investors. They handle the business operations and ensure compliance with the job creation requirements, making the process much simpler for retirees who don’t want to actively manage a business.
Benefits of the EB-5 Visa for Retirees
The EB-5 program offers numerous advantages that make it particularly attractive for retirees looking to relocate to the United States.
Permanent Residency and Path to Citizenship
The most significant benefit is the ability to obtain permanent residency in the United States. The process typically follows these steps:
- Initial approval of your EB-5 petition (Form I-526)
- Two years of conditional permanent residency
- Removal of conditions (Form I-829)
- Permanent green card
- Eligibility for US citizenship after five years of permanent residency
As EB5 Visa Investments explains, “As lawful permanent residents, retirees can also enjoy numerous benefits available to U.S. citizens, including benefits related to healthcare options and various community and lifestyle advantages.”
Freedom to Live Anywhere in the United States
Unlike some visa categories that restrict where you can live, the EB-5 visa allows you to reside anywhere in the United States. This freedom is particularly valuable for retirees who want to choose their ideal retirement location based on climate, cost of living, or proximity to family.
Florida, with its warm climate, no state income tax, and established retirement communities, is especially popular among international retirees. According to Immigration Into America, “Florida is a particularly popular destination courtesy of a comfortable living environment, excellent property value and the draw of year-round sunshine.”
Access to US Healthcare System
As a permanent resident, you gain access to the US healthcare system, which is particularly important for retirees. While Medicare (the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older) typically requires 40 quarters (10 years) of work history in the US, there are other healthcare options available to green card holders, including:
- Private health insurance
- Medicaid (for low-income individuals)
- State-specific healthcare programs
Educational Opportunities for Family Members
If you’re retiring with family members, the EB-5 visa allows your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to obtain green cards as well. This provides them with access to the US education system, including in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges.
No Sponsorship Required
Unlike family-based or employment-based immigration pathways, the EB-5 program doesn’t require sponsorship from a US citizen, permanent resident, or employer. You are essentially sponsoring yourself through your investment, giving you greater independence and control over your immigration process.
The Application Process for Retirees
The EB-5 application process involves several steps and can take considerable time. Here’s a simplified overview of what retirees can expect:
1. Select an Investment Project
The first step is to identify a suitable investment opportunity. You can choose between:
- Direct investment: Starting or purchasing a business
- Regional Center investment: Investing through a USCIS-approved Regional Center
For most retirees, Regional Centers offer the simplest path as they handle the business operations and job creation requirements. According to Golden Visas, “95 percent of all EB-5 Visa petitions are filed through a regional center.”
2. Make the Investment
Once you’ve selected a project, you’ll need to transfer the required funds ($800,000 for TEA investments or $1,050,000 for standard investments) to an escrow account or directly to the business entity.
3. File Form I-526 Petition
This form, officially called the “Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur,” is submitted to USCIS along with supporting documentation proving:
- The legitimacy of your investment
- The source of your funds
- The business plan’s ability to create 10 jobs
- Your personal background information
4. Conditional Green Card
After your I-526 petition is approved, you’ll either:
- Apply for an immigrant visa at a US consulate abroad (if you’re outside the US)
- Apply for adjustment of status (if you’re already in the US legally)
Upon approval, you’ll receive a conditional green card valid for two years.
5. Remove Conditions (Form I-829)
Within the 90-day period before your conditional green card expires, you must file Form I-829 to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status. This petition must demonstrate that:
- You maintained your investment throughout the conditional period
- Your investment created or preserved the required 10 jobs
6. Permanent Green Card
Upon approval of your I-829 petition, you’ll receive a permanent green card, allowing you to live in the United States indefinitely.
7. Path to Citizenship (Optional)
After five years of permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalization if you choose to do so.
Comparing the USA Golden Visa with Other Retirement Options
When considering retirement destinations, it’s worth comparing the US EB-5 program with golden visa programs in other countries. According to Condé Nast Traveler, some of the most popular golden visa programs include those in Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Malta.
USA vs. European Golden Visas
European golden visas typically have lower investment thresholds. For example:
- Greece: €250,000 in real estate
- Portugal: Various options starting from €280,000 in real estate
- Spain: €500,000 in real estate
However, the US EB-5 program offers distinct advantages:
- Direct path to permanent residency (many European programs require several years of temporary residency first)
- Access to the world’s largest economy
- No language requirements (unlike some European programs)
- Potential for investment returns through Regional Centers
USA vs. Caribbean Citizenship Programs
Some Caribbean nations offer citizenship by investment programs with lower investment thresholds than the US EB-5 program. However, these programs typically provide citizenship in smaller nations with more limited economic opportunities and healthcare systems compared to the United States.
Important Considerations for Retirees
Before pursuing the EB-5 visa as a retirement strategy, there are several important factors to consider:
Financial Planning
The EB-5 program requires a substantial investment, and there are additional costs to consider:
- Legal fees (typically $15,000-$30,000)
- USCIS filing fees (approximately $3,675 for I-526 and $3,750 for I-829)
- Regional Center administrative fees (typically $50,000-$70,000)
- Potential relocation and living expenses
It’s crucial to ensure that your retirement savings can accommodate both the investment and your living expenses in the US.
Investment Risk
While the EB-5 program can lead to permanent residency, it’s still an investment with associated risks. Regional Center projects can fail, and there’s no guarantee of investment returns. According to Holborn Pass, “The investment required for a US Investor Visa, also known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, is now $800,000 for projects located in a targeted employment area (TEA). This is the minimum investment required by law.”
Tax Implications
Becoming a US permanent resident means becoming a US tax resident, subject to US taxation on worldwide income. This can have significant implications for your retirement finances, especially if you maintain assets or income sources in your home country.
Healthcare Planning
While the US has excellent healthcare facilities, healthcare costs can be substantial. As a retiree, it’s important to plan for healthcare expenses and understand your insurance options as a green card holder.
Alternatives to the EB-5 Visa for Retirees
If the EB-5 program doesn’t align with your retirement plans or financial situation, there are alternative options to consider:
B-2 Tourist Visa
The B-2 tourist visa allows stays of up to six months at a time. While this doesn’t provide permanent residency, it can be a way to spend extended periods in the US. According to Breakthrough USA, “For retirees the B2 visa is typically issued for 10 years (multiple entry), but the amount of time that can be spent in the US at any one time is 6 months.”
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
If you’re from a country that has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the US, you might qualify for an E-2 visa by making a “substantial” investment in a US business. While this doesn’t provide a direct path to permanent residency, it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues to operate.
Family-Sponsored Immigration
If you have close family members who are US citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you for a family-based green card.
FAQs About the USA Golden Visa for Retirees
Is there a specific retirement visa for the USA?
No, the United States does not have a dedicated retirement visa category. As Harvey Law Corporation explains, “While some other countries offer foreigners retirement visas, sometimes known as silver cards, the United States does not have a retirement visa program – and has no current plans of creating one.”
How long does the EB-5 visa process take?
The processing time for an EB-5 visa can vary significantly. According to current USCIS data, I-526 petitions can take 35-52.5 months to process, while I-829 petitions can take 33-54 months. However, processing times fluctuate based on application volume and USCIS policies.
Can I include my spouse and children in my EB-5 application?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your EB-5 application as derivative beneficiaries. They will receive green cards along with you.
Do I need to actively manage the business I invest in?
No, especially if you invest through a Regional Center. The EB-5 program allows for passive investment, making it ideal for retirees who don’t want to actively manage a business.
What happens if my investment doesn’t create enough jobs?
If your investment fails to create the required 10 jobs within the two-year conditional residency period, your I-829 petition to remove conditions may be denied. This is why many retirees choose Regional Center investments, which often have more predictable job creation outcomes.
Can I travel outside the US with an EB-5 visa?
Yes, as a permanent resident, you can travel outside the US. However, extended absences (more than six months) may raise questions about your intent to maintain permanent residency. If you plan to be outside the US for an extended period, you should consider applying for a re-entry permit.
Conclusion
The USA Golden Visa, or EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, offers a viable pathway for retirees seeking permanent residency in the United States. While it requires a substantial investment and careful planning, the benefits of US residency – including access to healthcare, freedom to live anywhere in the country, and a potential path to citizenship – make it an attractive option for many international retirees.
As with any major life decision, pursuing the EB-5 visa requires thorough research, financial planning, and often professional guidance. By understanding the requirements, benefits, and potential challenges of the program, you can make an informed decision about whether this golden visa is the right choice for your retirement journey.
If you’re considering the EB-5 program for your retirement plans, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney and financial advisor is highly recommended to navigate the complex application process and ensure your investment aligns with your long-term retirement goals.
As Wise notes, “The EB-5 program has seen major improvements in processing times, making it more accessible for retirees who want to start the process of becoming a U.S. resident right away.”
With proper planning and guidance, the USA Golden Visa can be your gateway to enjoying your retirement years in America.
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