A Comprehensive Guide to Australia’s Business Visa Program

Legal Mar 19, 2025 2 Add to Reading List

Turn Your Business Ambitions into Reality in Australia

Are you eager to establish or expand your business in Australia? The Australia Business Visa Program provides a structured pathway for entrepreneurs and investors to legally engage in business activities, with the potential to obtain permanent residency.

While there are various business visa options, the primary visa for setting up and managing a business or making investments in Australia is the Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa.

This guide will walk you through the business visa pathways, eligibility criteria, application process, and costs to help you make informed decisions.

Business Visa Options in Australia

To legally start, invest in, or engage in business activities in Australia, you must hold a valid business visa. Below are the key pathways available:

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

???? Important Update (2024):

The Subclass 188 visa will no longer accept new applications from July 2024. However, current visa holders can still apply for the permanent Subclass 888 visa if they meet the eligibility criteria.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish, manage, or expand a business in Australia. It also serves as a pathway to permanent residency.

188 Visa Streams

The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa offers multiple streams tailored to different types of business activities:

Business Innovation Stream (188a): Ideal for individuals who want to operate a new or existing business in Australia. Valid for up to 5 years.
Investor Stream (188b): Requires a minimum investment of AUD 2.5 million in complying Australian investments. Valid for 5 years.
Significant Investor Stream (188c): Requires a minimum investment of AUD 5 million in Australian investments. Valid for 5 years.
Entrepreneur Stream (188e): For individuals endorsed by a state or territory government to engage in innovative entrepreneurial activities. Valid for 5 years.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After holding a Subclass 188 visa for at least 3 years and meeting specific business and investment conditions, applicants can apply for the Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa.

Other Business Visa Options

State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893)

This visa is for holders of the closed Subclass 165 visa.
Requires a minimum investment of AUD 750,000 in the nominating state/territory for at least 4 years.
Applicants must have lived in the sponsoring state/territory for at least 2 years.

Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Stream)

Designed for short-term business visits such as:
Attending conferences or seminars
Negotiating business deals or signing contracts
Participating in official government events
Reviewing potential investments

Visa Validity: Up to 3 months.

Eligibility Requirements for a Business Visa

The following are the general requirements for a Subclass 188 visa:

✅ Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from an Australian state/territory.
✅ The nominating state/territory must not withdraw their nomination after your visa application is submitted.
✅ Must meet financial requirements for business ownership, investment, or entrepreneurial activities (varies by stream).
✅ Achieve a minimum score of 65 on the points test (applies to 188a and 188b streams only).
✅ Meet English language requirements:

Functional English (188a, 188b, 188c)
Competent English (188e)
Must be under 55 years of age (not required for 188c visa applicants).
Must not have been involved in any unacceptable business or investment activities.
Must meet health and character requirements.

Tip: Each visa stream has specific criteria. Always check the latest updates before applying!

Minimum Investment Requirements for Business Visas

How to Apply for an Australian Business Visa

Step-by-Step Process:

1️⃣ Choose the right visa stream based on your business or investment goals.
2️⃣ Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
3️⃣ If invited, apply for the visa within 60 days through ImmiAccount.
4️⃣ Gather required documents such as identity proof, police clearances, business plans, investment evidence, and financial records.
5️⃣ Submit your application online and provide additional information if requested (e.g., biometrics, further documentation).
6️⃣ Wait for the visa decision. You can track your visa status using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online).