Australia's Business Innovation
and Investment Visas:
Launching Your Success Story
Welcome to your guide of Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visas, where we open doors to a realm of business and investment prospects. Designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, these visas provide the perfect platform to start, grow, and contribute to Australia’s dynamic economy. Whether you aim to initiate groundbreaking ventures or make substantial investments, our guide walks you through each visa’s journey, covering eligibility, application procedures, and the array of benefits they offer. Find the visa that aligns with your business goals and set sail towards a path of growth and prosperity in Australia.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) - Business Innovation Stream
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream is purposed for individuals with entrepreneurial skills to start or manage a business in Australia. The visa serves as a provisional pathway, allowing successful business operators to eventually transition to permanent residency under the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888) Visa.
Who it’s for: Individuals with business skills planning to operate a new or existing business in Australia.
Stay: Up to 5 years.
Key Features:
- Operate a new or existing business within Australia.
- Ability to bring eligible family members to Australia.
- Pathway to apply for a permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888) in the Business Innovation stream.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must score at least 65 on the points test.
- Required to provide proof of business success, including annual turnover and ownership interest.
- Applicants, along with their partners, must have total net business and personal assets of at least AUD$1.25 million if invited to apply for the visa on or after 1 July 2021.
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888) - Business Innovation Stream
The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888) in the Business Innovation stream is purposed for allowing individuals who have begun their entrepreneurial journey in Australia to continue and solidify their business activities permanently. This visa targets those who have already been engaged in business innovation activities in Australia under provisional visas or other relevant categories enabling a pathway to permanent residency.
Who it’s for: Holders of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream or Business Innovation Extension stream, certain holders of a Subclass 444 (Special Category) Visa, or some Subclass 457 (Business Long Stay) Visa holders.
Stay: Permanent.
Key Features:
- Allows continuation of business activities started under the provisional visa.
- Grants permanent residency in Australia.
- Enables visa holders to work and study in Australia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold, or in certain cases must have held, a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream, Business Innovation Extension stream, a Special Category visa, or a Subclass 457 visa.
- Required to meet specific business requirements.
- Must have a current nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency.
Business Owner Visa (Subclass 890)
The Business Owner Visa (Subclass 890) provides a permanent residency pathway for entrepreneurs actively involved in owning and managing a business in Australia. Designed for those who have already established their business presence in the country and are looking to continue their entrepreneurial activities. The eligibility criteria emphasises the importance of having an existing and ongoing business in Australia, along with meeting specific residency requirements.
Who it’s for: Individuals who own and manage a business in Australia.
Stay: Permanent.
Key Features:
- Allows for the continued ownership and operation of a business in Australia.
- Ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency in Australia.
- Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold an eligible visa.
- Required to have lived in Australia on that visa for at least 12 months within the 2 years immediately before applying.
- Must have owned and operated a business in Australia for at least 2 years prior to the application.
Investor Visa (Subclass 891)
The Investor Visa (Subclass 891) is designed for individuals who have actively invested in Australia and are seeking permanent residency. It caters to those who have previously been granted a provisional investor visa and have met specific investment and residency requirements. Key aspects include the ability to continue business and investment activities in Australia and the potential pathway to Australian citizenship.
Who it’s for: Individuals who have undertaken business and investment activities in Australia.
Stay: Permanent.
Key Features:
- Provides permanent residency in Australia for investors.
- Allows continuation of business and investment activities in Australia.
- Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be the holder of a Subclass 162 – Investor (Provisional) visa.
- Required to have held a designated investment in Australia of AUD$1.5 million for 4 years.
- Must have lived in Australia for at least 2 of the past 4 years.
State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (Subclass 892)
The State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (Subclass 892) is aimed at business owners in Australia who have received sponsorship from a state or territory government. The visa offers permanent residency, enabling business owners to continue their entrepreneurial activities in Australia and to sponsor their family members for residency. Eligibility criteria emphasises the importance of a substantial business presence in the country.
Who it’s for: Business owners who manage a business in Australia and have been sponsored by a state or territory.
Stay: Permanent.
Key Features:
- Allows business owners to continue owning and operating their business in Australia indefinitely.
- Provides the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
- Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold an eligible visa.
- Required to have lived in Australia on the eligible visa for at least 12 months in the 2 years immediately before applying.
- Must have owned and operated a business in Australia for at least 2 years prior to the application.
State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893)
The State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893) is tailored for individuals who have previously been granted a provisional investor visa and have invested significantly in the Australian economy. Offers permanent residency, enabling investors to continue their investment activities in Australia on a long-term basis. It presents the potential pathway to Australian citizenship, contingent on meeting the eligibility criteria.
Who it’s for: Holders of the State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) Visa (subclass 165) who have maintained a designated investment in Australia.
Stay: Permanent.
Key Features:
- Grants permanent residency in Australia for investors.
- Allows the continuation of business and investment activities in Australia.
- Provides the opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold a Subclass 165 – State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) visa.
- Required to have held a designated investment of AUD$750,000 in Australia for 4 years.
- Must be committed to continuing business or investment activity in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Business Innovation and Investment Visas
What are Business Innovation and Investment Visas? “These visas cater to business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to establish or continue their business and investment activities in Australia.”
Can I bring my family on a Business Innovation and Investment Visa? “Most of these visas allow you to include your family members in your application or sponsor them to join you in Australia later.”
Is it possible to transition from a provisional to a permanent Business Innovation and Investment Visa? “Yes, provisional visa holders can often transition to a permanent visa, such as the subclass 888, subject to meeting specific criteria.”
What kind of business activities are eligible for these visas? “Eligible activities vary by visa subclass but generally include operating a new or existing business, making a significant investment, or engaging in entrepreneurial activities.”
How long does it take to process a Business Innovation and Investment Visa application? “Processing times vary. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times for each visa subclass.”
Seize Your Business Opportunity in Australia
Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visas provide comprehensive pathways for global entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners. These visas offer the chance to contribute to Australia’s dynamic business landscape while paving the way for permanent residency and citizenship. If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey, explore these visa options and contact our visa Specialist for personalised advice and support. Begin your successful business venture in Australia today.