About this episode
In this episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Sarah Kopit and Seth Borko discuss the emerging trend of golden visas, particularly in light of U.S. President Trump's recent announcement regarding a new program in the U.S. They explore the market for these visas, the motivations behind them, and the potential risks involved. Max Tremaine, CEO of Sherpa , provides insights into the various golden visa programs available globally, their economic implications, and the role of technology in navigating visa requirements. The conversation also touches on the future of visa policies and the impact of these programs on real estate and business markets. In this conversation, Max Tremaine discusses the implications of golden visas on the economy, the future of visa programs, and the influence of political factors on visa regulations. He also explores the technological advancements in visa applications and the vision for a seamless travel experience. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of travel documentation and the potential for a more integrated and efficient system. Takeaways Golden visas provide a pathway to residency and citizenship through economic investment. The U.S. gold card program aims for simplicity in the application process. Different countries offer varying benefits through their golden visa programs. Clients typically seek stronger passports, flexible markets, or lower taxes. The U.S. already has an EB-5 program that requires job creation for residency. There is a growing trend of electronic visas and travel authorizations globally. The demand for golden visas is influenced by the strength of the applicant's home passport. Technological advancements are making visa navigation easier for travelers. The shift towards electronic documents is changing the visa landscape. Real estate markets in the U.S. may see increased demand from golden visa holders. Dynamic economies benefit from enterprising productive people. Top cities like New York and LA will see the most benefit. Golden visas can be seen as luxury products for the wealthy. The US offers more opportunity than many other countries. Visa requirements are often reciprocal between countries. Technological advancements are making visa applications easier. Sherpa aims to create a seamless travel visa experience. AI is being used to streamline visa application processes. Travelers can expect a more integrated system in the future. The future of travel documentation is moving towards digital solutions. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.