UAE residents eye US residency, but risks and visa traps grow in 2025

More UAE expats chase US visa promises — but costs, delays, rules still poses hurdles

Last updated:
3 MIN READ
STOCK US VISA
Trump Gold Card’s $5 million fast-track Green Card offer draws fresh interest in Dubai. But is it worth the hype?
Shutterstock

Dubai: For many affluent UAE residents — from entrepreneurs to high-net-worth expats — the US has long been seen as the ultimate Plan B: offering global mobility, elite education, and long-term security for their families.

But even with money and mobility, getting permanent residency in the US remains a frustratingly difficult process.

The launch of a flashy new program — the Trump Gold Card, which promises a fast-track Green Card for a $5 million investment — has caught attention in Dubai.

But for those seriously considering a US move, the program has also reignited a bigger question: Why is it still so hard — and risky — to secure long-term US residency through investment?

EB-5 once the answer, now a headache

For many years, the EB-5 investor visa was the go-to route for wealthy UAE-based families looking to gain a foothold in the US. By investing at least $800,000 into a government-approved project and creating 10 American jobs, investors could earn a Green Card for themselves and their family.

But over the last decade, this once-popular pathway has slowed down dramatically. UAE-based applicants now face:

  • Long processing times (sometimes 2–4 years or more)

  • Uncertainty in project approvals

  • Risk of losing their investment if the project fails

  • Increased legal and compliance scrutiny

For those who already hold second passports and are used to faster processes in countries like Portugal, Grenada, or St Kitts, the EB-5 has become a bureaucratic nightmare — albeit one backed by US law.

Trump Gold Card: Simpler or just riskier?

Into this frustration stepped the Gold Card — an initiative backed by Donald Trump’s US presidential campaign that offers long-term US residency in exchange for a $5 million investment, with:

  • No job creation requirement

  • No tax on foreign income

  • No EB-5 paperwork delays

On paper, it looks like the dream solution UAE investors have been waiting for.

But there’s a problem: immigration lawyers say the program doesn’t legally exist under current US law.

“It’s not a recognised visa category under the Immigration and Nationality Act,” warned one US-based attorney working with Middle East clients. “Even if you pay, there’s no guarantee the visa will be issued.”

Despite this, interest from the UAE has surged, with Dubai-based wealth advisers reporting a spike in queries from clients looking for alternatives to EB-5.

Real dilemma: Residency without certainty?

Whether it’s EB-5 or the Gold Card, UAE residents face the same underlying issue: none of the investment routes to the US offer speed, clarity, and security all at once.

  • EB-5 has legal structure, but long delays and project risks

  • Trump’s Gold Card is fast and easy, but legally uncertain

  • Other investor routes like E-2 (via treaty countries) offer temporary stay, not residency

The result? Many UAE-based families park funds in multiple programs across the world, just to keep their options open — from Caribbean passports to Portuguese residencies, while holding out hope for a viable US route.

What UAE investors must know before commiting

Before sending millions abroad, UAE investors weighing US migration should ask:

  • Am I looking for a fast Plan B — or a stable, long-term move?

  • Can I wait 2–3 years for a Green Card, or do I need something faster?

  • Am I willing to risk funds in a legally untested program?

  • Do I need access to US education or tax benefits now — or later?

Even with wealth, the US residency puzzle is far from solved. And while glossy new programs like the Gold Card offer hope, there’s still no substitute for legal clarity and due diligence.

Final thoughts?

In the US immigration game, trust matters more than speed.

For UAE residents with the means to invest, the real challenge isn’t just picking the right visa. It’s navigating a complex, often changing legal system — and making sure the path chosen today still exists tomorrow.

After all, it’s not just about getting in. It’s about staying in — securely.

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox