Invest in Australia
Business Innovation and Investment visa
If you want to operate a new or existing business in Australia, or if you intend to invest in Australia, the Business Innovation and Investment visa is for you. The Business Innovation and Investment visa is comprised of 5 streams:
- Business stream
- Investor stream
- Significant Investor stream
- Premium Investor Stream
- Entrepreneur stream
The Business Innovation and Investment visa is an invitation and points-based program, requiring applicants to apply first for temporary residence with the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188), and then permanent residence with the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888). Please note that you MUST be invited to apply for this visa by the Department of Home Affairs.
In order to be eligible for temporary residence with the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188), you must:
- score at least 65 on the points test
- provide proof of your business success
- have total net business and personal assets of at least AUD800,000
- meet health and character requirements.
Following the grant of the provisional visa, you can apply for permanent residence under the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) upon meeting the Stream-based criteria. Generally, to be eligible for the permanent visa, you must:
- meet certain business requirements
- have a current nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency
- meet residency requirements
- meet health and character requirements.
Business Talent visa
If you have proven success in running a business either in Australia or abroad, you might be eligible for the Business Talent visa! This visa is comprised of 2 streams - the Significant Business History stream and the Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream. The Business Talent visa differs from the Business Innovation and Investment visa in that you are able to apply directly for permanent residence. Please note that you MUST be invited to apply for these visas by the Department of Home Affairs.
The Significant Business History stream is for experienced business owners looking to operate a new or existing business in Australia. In order to qualify for the Business Talent visa under this stream, you must:
- have assets of at least 1.5 million Australian dollars and a business turnover of at least 3 million Australian dollars
- own a substantial part of the business
- be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
- meet health and character requirements
The Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream is for individuals who have sourced venture capital funding from a member of the Australian Investment Council (AIC). In order to qualify for the Business Talent visa under this stream, you must:
- have funding of at least AUD1 million from an Australian venture capital firm
- be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
- meet health and character requirements.