INVEST AND SETTLE IN AUSTRALIA

The Australian business visa program assists entrepreneurs, senior executives, and investors in establishing new or expanding existing firms in Australia. This could be a stepping stone to permanent residence. The Business Investor visa under the Investor Stream (Subclass 188B) allows you to establish your business in Australia and later apply for permanent residence.

Applicants for the 188B visa must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This is a four-year temporary visa for those who desire to invest in an Australian state or territory in a specific way.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

For the previous two fiscal years, your business and personal net assets totaled at least AUD 2.25 million.

You must be below 55 years, unless the nominated state or territory certifies that you would create an exceptional economic benefit.

The Business Innovation and Investment Points test must be passed to receive a passing grade (currently 65)

Prior to receiving the visa, you must invest AUD 1.5 million in Australian State or Territory bonds.

You have three years of experience operating a qualifying business or “eligible investments” and have demonstrated strong management abilities.

You have done one of the following in at least one of the last five fiscal years:

You have done one of the following in at least one of the last five fiscal years:

• Managed a company in which you own a 10% stake; or
• Managed at least AUD 1.5 million in eligible investment

ELIGIBLE INVESTMENT INCLUDE:

• Ownership interests in a business
• Cash on deposit
• Stocks or bonds
• Real estate
• Gold or bullion
• Loan to a business

APPLICATION PROCESS

You must register with the Department of Home Affairs and submit an expression of interest.

Wait for a state or territory to nominate you, or go straight to Austrade and request an intimation.

You can apply for a visa after receiving an invitation.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY

You must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a permanent Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa:

You’ve been in Australia for at least 2 years on your subclass 188B visa in the 4 years leading up to lodgment.

For the past four years, you’ve kept your investment in Australian State or Territory bonds.