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Australia's political stability and economic resilience makes it an extremely attractive choice for foreigners looking to engage in business activities in Australia. The government is committed to providing residency for overseas business professionals and foreign investors looking to migrate to Australia. Proof of this is the Government's Business Innovation and Investment Programme which aims to attract people with a successful record of investment or business activity. There are a number of streams available under Business Innovation and Investment visas for people wanting to manage their own business or invest in Australia. The four streams are:

188A – 888A

Business Innovation Stream

for business owners, who wish start a
new business or buy a business in Australia

    Initial key requirements
  • own a business with min A$ 750,000 annual turnover
  • min net assets of A$ 1,250,000
  • pass points test
  • be under 55 (unless waived)
  • have functional English (or pay 2nd application charge)
  • fulfill state or territory requirements for nomination
    Permanent residency key requirements
  • manage your business in Australia with min A$ 300,000 turnover
  • have min A$ 600,000 worth of assets including A$ 200,000 business assets or create jobs
  • have stayed in Australia for at least 1 year in the last 3 years
  • fulfill state requirements

188B – 888B

Investor Stream

for business owners and investors who
wish to invest in Australia

    Initial key requirements
  • have managed
    • - your own business (min 10%ownership interest) or
    • - at least A$ 2,500,000 eligible investments
  • have min A$ 2,500,000 net assets
  • pass points test
  • be under 55 (unless waived )
  • have functional English (or pay 2nd application charge)
  • fulfill state requirements
    Permanent residency key requirements
  • held investment of A$ 2,500,000 for at least 3 years
  • have stayed in Australia for at least 2 out 3 years
  • fulfill state requirements

188C – 888C

Significant Investor Stream

for anyone who is able to
invest AUD 5,000,000

    Initial key requirements
  • have min A$ 5,000,000 net assets
  • make an investment of A$ 5,000,000 in Australia
  • have functional English (or pay 2nd application charge)
  • fulfill state requirements
    • Advantage
  • no points test
  • no age limit
    Permanent residency key requirements
  • held investment of A$ 5,000,000 for at least 3 years
  • have stayed in Australia for at least 40 days per year
  • fulfill state requirements

188E – 888E

Entrepreneur Stream

for startup and early stage
entrepreneurs

    Initial key requirements
  • present a concept for a complying entrepreneur activity, which must relate to an innovative idea that will lead to:
    • - the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, or
    • - the development of an enterprise or business in Australia
  • be endorsed by state government agency
  • be under 55 years old
  • have competent English
  • fulfill state requirements
    Permanent residency key requirements
  • have realised concept for a complying entrepreneur activity
  • have stayed in Australia for at least 2 out 3 years
  • fulfill state requirements

The Business Innovation Stream is aimed at skilled business people wishing to develop, manage or establish a new or existing business in Australia. All investor streams, on the other hand, are for people who would like to make a significant investment in Australia. The investment amount varies for the different investor streams, as do the nomination requirements. All visa applicants must demonstrate their intent to maintain their business and investment activity in Australia.

Applicants for all streams need:

  • TO BE NOMINATED BY AN AUSTRALIAN STATE OR TERRITORY GOVERNMENT OR BY AUSTRADE (AUSTRALIAN TRADE COMMISSION) IN THE CASE OF SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR VISAS
  • TO LODGE AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
  • TO BE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A VISA BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT.
FOR THE BUSINESS INNOVATION STREAM AND THE INVESTOR STREAM A POINTS TEST NEEDS TO BE PASSED WITH A MINIMUM OF 65 POINTS POINTS ARE AWARDED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
  • AGE
  • ENGLISH LANGUAGE ABILITY
  • QUALIFICATIONS
  • EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS OR INVESTMENT
  • NET PERSONAL AND BUSINESS ASSETS
  • BUSINESS TURNOVER
  • INNOVATION

Business Migration is a complex matter and often requires an understanding of overseas and Australian corporate structures. It is essential to have the right immigration strategy from the outset to achieve your business goals. We are experienced, in particular, with European corporate structures and business law and offer a full end-to-end service which handles all aspects of the visa application process. Find out more about our Consultation and Visa Application services.

Find out more about our Consultation and Visa Application Services

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