List of Australian Business and Investment Visa Programs (updated from the Australian Department of Home Affairs)
Note: The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) officially stopped accepting new applications on July 31, 2024. Temporary business and investment visas (subclass 188) are now only available for applications submitted before this date. Permanent business and investment visas (subclass 888) continue to be granted to eligible applicants who have completed their temporary residency period. Additionally, the Talented Entrepreneur visa (subclass 132) ceased operation on July 1, 2021. Below is a complete list of all current business and investment visas , including temporary and permanent visas, and their substreams, as updated by the Australian Department of Home Affairs:
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Temporary Residence) – Subclass 188
This is a provisional visa for businesspeople and investors, allowing the applicant and their family to come to Australia for business, investment, or to start a business. The maximum stay is 5 years. (New applications are currently closed, but the information listed is for reference only.)
| Visa name (line) | Subclass | Visa type | Main requirements | Main benefits | Requirements for obtaining permanent residency (visa 888) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation | 188A | Temporary residence | - Under 55 years of age (unless sponsored by an Australian state/territory with an age waiver). - Nominated by a state or territory government and received an invitation to apply for a visa . - Business experience : Own and operate a business with a minimum revenue of AUD 750,000 for at least 2/4 of the most recent years. - Net worth (personal + business) of at least AUD 1.25 million , transferable to Australia after visa is granted. - Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Australian Points test. |
- You are granted temporary residency in Australia for up to 5 years to start or manage a business . - Allowed to bring spouse and children to Australia to live, work, and study. - You have the right to apply for a 2-year extension ( Business Innovation Extension 188A ) if you do not yet meet the permanent residency requirements. |
- After at least two years of doing business in Australia, you can apply for a visa 888A (permanent residency). - The business must remain operational in Australia and meet the revenue, asset, and job creation criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs at the time of submitting Form 888. (For example: minimum annual revenue, level of assets invested in the business, number of Australian employees...). |
| Investor | 188B | Temporary residence | - Under 55 years of age (unless exempted by a state/territory). Nominated and invited to apply for a visa by a state/territory . - Successful investment or business experience . - Minimum net worth of AUD 2.5 million for investment. - Invest at least AUD 2.5 million in government-approved (Complying Investment) investments in Australia and maintain the investment for the duration of the visa. |
- Achieve a minimum score of 65 on the points test. | - Allowed to reside in Australia for up to 5 years to conduct investment and business activities . - You will have the opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia with your family. - You can continue to invest and manage your investment portfolio in Australia for the duration of your visa. - If eligible, you can apply for a permanent residency visa 888 after 4 years. |
| Significant Investor | 188C | Temporary residence | - No age limit , no points test required. - Nominated by the state/territory (or formerly the Australian Department of Trade). - Invest at least AUD 5 million in substantial investments in Australia (as required by the SIV program) and maintain this investment throughout the visa period. (Status investments include: venture capital funds, small business funds, and other balanced funds under the Complying Investment framework.) |
- You are granted temporary residency in Australia for up to 5 years to maintain substantial investments . - Not bound by the requirement of actively managing daily business operations (investment fund management can be delegated). - Family members are entitled to live, work, and study in Australia. - You can apply to extend your 188C visa (up to 2 times, for a total of 4 years) through the Significant Investor Extension stream if you need more time before applying for permanent residency. |
- Maintain an investment of AUD 5 million for at least 4 consecutive years in Australia. - Strictly adhere to the regulations regarding significant investment portfolios throughout the duration of your 188C visa. - A total of at least 160 days in Australia over 4 years (or 240 days/4 years if extended twice for a longer period). ➡ Once the requirements are met, the 888C visa (permanent residency) can be applied for. |
| Premium Investor | 188D | Temporary residence | - Nominated by Austrade (Australian Trade Authority) at the federal level (this line is sponsored by Austrade, not through the state). - Invest at least AUD 15 million in eligible investments or charitable activities in Australia (e.g., investments in approved funds, businesses, or charities). - No score requirements or age limits are needed if nominated by Austrade. |
- Obtain temporary residency in Australia (default duration of 4 years and 3 months, expandable up to 5 years) to make a substantial investment of AUD 15 million . - There is a fast track to becoming a permanent resident: eligible to apply for the 888D visa after only one year of holding the investment. - Accompanying family members are entitled to full temporary residency rights in Australia. |
- Maintain an investment of AUD 15 million for at least one year in Australia. |
| Entrepreneurship | 188E | Temporary residence | - Under 55 years of age (unless exempted). Nominated by an Australian state or territory. - Innovative startup idea : Approved by a state government agency for the development of a startup business idea or early-stage startup in Australia. - A business plan demonstrating the potential for growth, innovation, or economic benefit to Australia. (After July 2021, there is no minimum investment requirement ; only state-approved and sponsored projects are needed). - Proficient in English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or higher in each skill). |
- You are granted temporary residency in Australia for up to 5 years to implement your approved startup project . - Opportunity to access the Australian startup ecosystem , find investors, and develop new products/services. - Accompanying family members will live, work, and study in Australia during the project period. - If the project is successful, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residency visa (888E). |
- Successfully complete the startup activities as committed in the project plan. - The business plan's main objectives have been confirmed by the state/territorial government . (For example: the business has achieved a certain revenue target; raised investment capital; reached a cooperation agreement or acquired intellectual property rights, etc.). - Residing in Australia for at least two years while holding a 188E visa. ➡ Meet the above conditions to apply for the 888E visa (permanent residency). |
| Business Innovation Extension | 188 (Ext.A) | Temporary residence | - Currently holding a 188A Business Innovation visa and not yet eligible to apply for an 888A visa . - The state/territory continues to sponsor the visa extension. - Demonstrate the need for additional time to fulfill permanent residency criteria (e.g., needing an additional two years to meet income or asset requirements). |
- Extend the temporary residence period for an additional 2 years (after the initial 5 years) for applicants under the 188A visa category. – Business Innovation Extension stream |
- To continue to legally stay in Australia to conduct business for a longer period in order to qualify for permanent residency under visa 888A. - The family's rights to work, live, and study remain the same as with the original 188 visa. |
| Extension of Significant Investor | 188 (Ext.C) | Temporary residence | - Currently holding a 188C Significant Investor visa and not yet eligible to apply for an 888C visa (not yet having completed the 4-year investment period or the minimum residency period). - Re-nominated by the state/territory for visa renewal. - Ensure that the AUD 5 million investment is maintained throughout the renewal period. |
- Extend your temporary residence permit for up to 4 years (you can apply for one or two extensions, each for 2 years, for a total of a maximum of 4 years). | - You can continue to stay in Australia to maintain your investment and fulfill your obligations to qualify for the 888C visa. - Accompanying family members retain their previous temporary residence rights. |
Source: Information compiled from the Australian Department of Home Affairs ( Business and investor visas | NSW Government ) ( Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa - subclass 188 ) ( Premium Investor stream - Immigration and citizenship ) and official guidance on the Business Innovation and Investment program.
Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Permanent Residency) – Subclass 888
This is a permanent residency visa for applicants who have held the corresponding 188 visa and completed the requirements of the temporary residency period. The 888 visa allows for permanent settlement in Australia and the continuation of business activities, investments, or entrepreneurship. (The 888 visa is not applied for directly ; it is only applied for after fulfilling the conditions of the previous 188 visa.)
| Visa name (line) | Subclass | Visa type | Main requirements | Main benefits | Conditions for obtaining permanent residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Innovation | 888A | Permanent residence | - Currently holding a 188A Business Innovation visa and nominated by a state/territory to apply for permanent residency. - Business operations in Australia must have been ongoing for at least two years (with a 188A visa). - Meet the required business size criteria (e.g., achieve minimum revenue, value of assets invested in the business, or create a minimum number of jobs for Australian citizens/permanent residents during the business period). |
- Becoming a permanent resident of Australia : granting unlimited residency, freedom to do business, work, and study in Australia. - Continue to own and manage the business in Australia long-term. |
- The entire family is granted permanent residency and enjoys the same benefits as citizens (Medicare health insurance, education, etc.); they are eligible to apply for citizenship later. |
| Investor | 888B | Permanent residence | - Currently holding a 188B Investor visa and nominated by a state/territory. - Has maintained a AUD 2.5 million investment for at least 4 consecutive years with the 188B visa. - Fully comply with all investment requirements of the 188B visa throughout the entire period (without violating visa conditions). - Meet the residency requirement in Australia (usually at least 2 years within a 4-year period). |
- Permanent residency in Australia; the possibility of living and investing long-term. - Continue investment and business activities in Australia in a stable manner. |
- You will have the freedom to enter and leave Australia, sponsor family members, and enjoy permanent residency benefits as mentioned above. |
| Significant Investor | 888C | Permanent residence | - Currently holding a 188C Significant Investor visa, nominated to apply for permanent residency. - Has maintained an investment of AUD 5 million for at least 4 years (or longer if renewed) with the 188C visa. - Meet the residency requirement: the principal applicant must have resided in Australia for at least 160 days over a 4-year period (or the corresponding extension period). - Fully comply with the SIV program regulations during your stay. |
- Australian permanent residents : the right to live long-term and freely invest and do business in Australia. - Continue to maintain and manage large investments in Australia to generate long-term, unlimited returns. |
- The family enjoys permanent residency rights and the opportunity for future citizenship. |
| Premium Investor | 888D | Permanent residence |
- Currently holding a 188D Premium Investor visa (nominated by Austrade). |
- Permanent residency in Australia. - Continue high-value investment activities in Australia long-term (for large investors sponsored by Austrade). - The family can reside permanently in Australia and enjoy the benefits of Australian permanent residency. |
Not applicable. |
| Entrepreneurship | 888E | Permanent residence | - Currently holding a 188E Start-up visa, nominated by a state/territory to apply for permanent residency. - Successfully completed a startup project with concrete results, as confirmed by the state. - Meet the residency requirement (usually at least 2 out of 4 years). |
- Australian permanent residents are granted the right to live and develop businesses in Australia long-term. - Continue your entrepreneurial/startup activities in Australia on a larger scale, potentially raising additional capital or expanding your business. |
- Families with permanent residency enjoy full residency rights. |
Source: Information from the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs regarding the 888 visa ( Business and investor visas | NSW Government).
Talented Business Visa (Direct Permanent Residency) – Subclass 132
Visa 132 has been suspended from issuance as of July 1, 2021; applications submitted before this date are still being processed ( Significant Business History stream - Immigration and citizenship ). This is a direct permanent residency visa for entrepreneurs with outstanding business achievements or significant venture capital. Applicants are granted permanent residency immediately to establish or develop a business in Australia. Visa 132 has two streams:
| Visa name (line) | Subclass | Visa type | Main requirements | Main benefits | Conditions for obtaining permanent residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Significant Business History | 132A | Permanent residence | - Under 55 years old (unless sponsored by a state/territory with an age waiver). - Nominated and invited to apply for a visa by a state or territory . - Outstanding business performance : Owning a business with very high revenue (typically AUD 3 million/year) for at least 2 out of the 4 years prior to applying. - Minimum net worth of approximately AUD 1.5 million (personal and business) and significant business equity. - Commitment to long-term investment and business operations in Australia , with a detailed business plan after settlement. |
- Immediate Australian permanent residency : no temporary residency period. - You are allowed to go to Australia to establish a new business or acquire an existing business and directly manage it as the owner. - The family will have immediate permanent residency and enjoy the same rights and benefits regarding healthcare, education, and welfare as Australian citizens. |
Not applicable (for those who are already permanent residents). |
| Venture Capital Entrepreneur | 132B | Permanent residence | - Under 55 years old (except for exemptions). Nominated and invited to apply for a visa by a state/territory . - Receive a minimum of AUD 1 million in venture capital funding from an Australian venture capital fund to develop a high-potential business idea (e.g., commercializing a new technology product, a groundbreaking business initiative...). - A capital contribution agreement has been signed with an accredited venture capital fund in Australia (on the list of eligible funds). - Commitment to using the investment to establish a business or expand an existing business project in Australia. |
- Permanent residency in Australia and access to committed venture capital funding to develop business projects in Australia. - There is an opportunity to develop groundbreaking business ideas with financial support from investment funds, in Australia's advanced business environment. - The family will be granted permanent residency immediately and will enjoy all the benefits of settlement. |
Not applicable. |
Source: Information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs regarding the 132 visa (This visa is currently closed and no new applications are being accepted) ( Significant Business History stream - Immigration and citizenship ). Detailed requirements are based on Australia's pre-2021 policy guidance.
