Investing in the US: EB-5, E-2 and the Gold Card

The US has three investment routes: the EB-5 green card (from $800,000 in targeted areas), the temporary E-2 visa for nationals of treaty countries such as Türkiye and Georgia, and the Gold Card (a $1 million gift to the government), which went live in December 2025 but is being challenged in court.

Comparison

EB-5 in 2026

• Current amounts under the 2022 law: $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a targeted area.
• A mandatory inflation adjustment applies from 1 January 2027; amounts are likely to rise.
• The Regional Center program is authorised until 30 September 2027.
• The EB-5 visa queue for "rest of world" is Current in October 2026.
• The lawful source of the investment must be fully documented.

E-2 for Turkish and Georgian nationals

• Türkiye (since 1990) and Georgia (since 1997) have E-2 treaties with the US.
• The investment must be at risk and proportionate to the business, and the investor must direct it.
• The spouse can work and children under 21 can study.
• Iranians who hold Turkish or another treaty nationality can apply on that nationality; if it was acquired by investment from December 2022 onward, 3 years of actual residence in that country are required.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EB-5 minimum investment in 2026?

$800,000 in targeted employment areas (TEA) and $1,050,000 elsewhere; an inflation adjustment applies from 1 January 2027.

Can Turkish and Georgian nationals get an E-2 visa?

Yes. Both countries have E-2 treaties with the US.

Does the Gold Card work for Iranian nationals?

No. An approved Gold Card does not lift the visa ban on Iranian passports.

Position as of October 2026; have the project and source of funds reviewed by Imperial's lawyers before investing.