Countrywide Visas

Latest News
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Australia Business and investment visas

National Occupational Classification
5/5 - (1 vote)

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) took over the majority of other Australian business and investment visas in 2024. This visa is divided into four streams, each designed for distinct categories of businesspersons or investors. Each stream potentially leads to permanent residency in Australia through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888). Applicants can typically apply for permanent residency after spending 12 months in Australia. To initiate the process, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest through the Skillselect system and await an invitation to apply.

All applicants must have a clean record, having never engaged in unacceptable or illegal business or investment activities.

Points To be eligible for the Subclass 188 Visa, applicants must achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points test. For comprehensive information on the points requirements, please refer to our Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) points system page.

Streams The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) comprises four streams, each with its own set of eligibility conditions. Explore the pages below for detailed information on these visa streams:

  1. Business Innovation stream: Tailored for successful businesspeople aiming to establish or develop a business in Australia.

  2. Investor stream: Geared towards investors looking to invest at least AUD$1.5 million in Australia and sustain business and/or investment activity in the country for a minimum of 2 years.

  3. Significant Investor stream: Designed for investors planning to invest at least AUD$5 million in Australia and continue business and/or investment activity in the country beyond the provisional visa period.

  4. Premium Investor stream: Targeted at investors willing to invest at least AUD$15 million in an Australian ‘complying premium institution’ and maintain business and/or investment activity in Australia beyond the provisional visa period.

Australia Business and investment visas contents

Australian Business Innovation Stream Subclass 188 Visa

The Business Innovation stream caters to accomplished business professionals aspiring to establish or enhance their business ventures in Australia.

 

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals applying for the Business Innovation stream under the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) must fulfill specific requirements for visa approval. The applicant should have:

1. A nomination from a state or territory government in Australia.

2. Ownership of one or more businesses for a minimum of 2 out of the previous 4 financial years. These businesses must have had an annual turnover of at least AUD$500,000 during those years.

3. Ownership interest in one of the following:

* A minimum of 51% of a business with an annual turnover below AUD$400,000.

* At least 30% of a business with an annual turnover exceeding AUD$400,000.

* At least 10% ownership of a publicly listed company.

4. Possession of a combined total of AUD$800,000 in business and/or personal assets. These assets should have been acquired legally and be transferable to Australia within 2 years from the visa start date. Assets belonging to the applicant’s partner or spouse contribute to this sum.

5. If the nominated business provides professional, technical, or trade services, the applicant must have spent a maximum of 50% of their time personally providing these services and a minimum of 50% managing the business.

 

Additionally, applicants are generally required to be 55 years old or younger. However, the age requirement may be waived at the discretion of the nominating state or territory if the proposed business is deemed highly beneficial to the state or territory’s economy.

Points Test: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) points test. Further details can be found on our Subclass 188 points system page.

Australian Investor Stream Subclass 188 Visa

The Investor stream is designed for individuals seeking to invest a minimum of AUD$1.5 million in Australia while engaging in business and/or investment activities for a duration of at least 2 years.

 

Eligibility Criteria: To secure the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) under the Investor stream, applicants must satisfy several eligibility conditions. The applicant and/or their partner (if applicable) must:-

1. Obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory government.

2. Possess a minimum of 10% ownership and direct management involvement in a qualifying business for at least one financial year within the past five financial years, OR demonstrate eligible investments totaling at least AUD$1.5 million.

3. Exhibit a high level of management expertise related to the qualifying business or eligible investment, backed by a minimum of 3 years of direct management experience.

*  Hold a combined total of AUD$2.25 million in business and/or personal assets, acquired legally, and capable of being transferred to Australia within 2 years from the visa start date. The applicant and/or their partner must have owned these assets for at least 2 financial years.

* Express the intention to reside in the nominating Australian state or territory for a minimum of two years.

Additionally, applicants typically need to be 55 years or younger to qualify for this visa. However, the age requirement may be waived at the discretion of the nominating state or territory if the proposed investment is anticipated to significantly benefit the economy of the respective state or territory.

 

Points Test: Applicants are required to achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) points test. For further details, please refer to our Subclass 188 points system page.

Australian Significant Investor Stream Subclass 188 Visa

The 188 visa under the Australian Significant Investor stream is designed for individuals seeking to invest a minimum of AUD$5 million in Australia while actively engaging in business and/or investment activities in the country beyond the provisional visa period.

To qualify for this visa, applicants and their partners, if applicable, must fulfill certain eligibility criteria:

1. Obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory government or the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).

2. Possess at least AUD$5 million in investment funds, acquired legally, and readily available for investment in Australia.

3. Commit to refraining from initiating legal action against Australia for any investment-related losses.

 

Additionally, applicants must be prepared to reside in Australia for a minimum of 40 days per year throughout the visa’s validity. Alternatively, the applicant’s spouse can reside in Australia for 180 days per year. The chosen residency must align with the state or territory that provided the nomination (if applicable).

 

In terms of investment, Significant Investor stream applicants are required to make a ‘Complying Significant Investment’ of at least AUD$5 million over a 4-year period. This investment should be allocated as follows:

1. A minimum of AUD$500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds focused on start-ups and small private companies.

2. A minimum of AUD$1.5 million in approved managed funds targeting emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

3. A minimum of AUD$3 million as a ‘balancing investment’ in managed funds with the flexibility to invest in various assets, including ASX-listed companies, Australian corporate bonds or notes, annuities, and commercial real estate.

 

It is important to note that direct investment in residential property/real estate is prohibited, and indirect investment through the specified managed funds is significantly restricted.

Premium Investor stream (Subclass 188)

The Premium Investor stream is for investors who want to invest at least AUD$15 million into an Australian ‘complying premium institution’ and continue business and/or investment activity in Australia after the period of their provisional visa.

 

Eligibility conditions

Applicants for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Premium Investor stream must meet several eligibility requirements for their visa to be granted. The applicant and/or their partner (if applicable) must:

1. Receive a nomination from from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)

2. Have at least AUD$15 million in investment funds, which must have been acquired legally and must be available to invest in Australia 

3. Agree not to bring any legal action against Australia for any losses related to the investment

 

Investment conditions

Premium Investor stream applicants must be willing to make an investment of at least AUD$15 million. The investment must be made into one of the following:

1. Australian securities exchange listed assets 

2. Australian government or semi-government bonds or notes 

3. Corporate bonds or notes issued by an Australian exchange listed entity (or wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian listed entity) or investment grade rated Australian corporate bonds or notes rated by an AFS licenced debt rating agency 

4. Australian proprietary limited companies 

5. Real property in Australia excluding residential property 

6. Deferred annuities issued by Australian registered life companies 

7. State or territory government approved philanthropic contribution

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) points system

To be eligible for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream and Investor stream, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 65 points from the tables provided below. It’s important to note that applicants for the Significant Investor stream and Premium Investor stream are exempt from the points test.

 

Points Allocation:

1. Age – Maximum 30 points:

    • 18–24: 20 points
    • 25–32: 30 points
    • 33–39: 25 points
    • 40–44: 20 points
    • 45–54: 15 points
    • 55 and above: 0 points

 

2. English Language Ability – Maximum 10 points:

    • Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland automatically score 10 points.
    • Other applicants may take approved English language tests (IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE, CAE) with results obtained within the last 3 years, except for CAE, which must be taken after January 1st, 2015.
    • Vocational English: 5 points
    • Proficient English: 10 points

 

3. Qualifications – Maximum 10 points:

    • Australian trade certificate, diploma, or bachelor degree by an Australian education institute, or equivalent: 5 points
    • Bachelor degree in business, science, or technology by an Australian institution, or equivalent: 10 points

 

4. Experience in Business or Investment – Maximum 15 points:

    • (Business Innovation stream) Owning one or more businesses:
      • For at least 4 years in the last 5 years: 10 points
      • For at least 7 years within the last 8 years: 15 points
    • (Investor Stream) Having an eligible investment of at least AUD$100,000:
      • For at least the past 4 years: 10 points
      • For at least the past 7 years: 15 points

 

5. Net Personal and Business Assets – Maximum 35 points:

    • AUD$800,000: 5 points
    • AUD$1.3 million: 15 points
    • AUD$1.8 million: 25 points
    • AUD$2.25 million: 35 points

 

6. Business Turnover – Maximum 35 points:

    • AUD$500,000 or more: 5 points
    • AUD$1 million or more: 15 points
    • AUD$1.5 million or more: 25 points
    • AUD$2 million or more: 35 points

 

7. Business Innovation (Business Innovation stream) – Maximum 65 points:

    • Various innovation factors, each with its own points (registered patents or designs, registered trademarks, joint venture agreements, export trade, ownership interest in a gazelle business, receipt of grants or venture capital funding).

 

8. Special Endorsement – Maximum 10 points:

    • Special endorsement from the nominating state or territory: 10 points

 

Total Points: 210

Factor

Maximum points

Your score

Age

30

 

English language ability

10

 

Qualifications

10

 

Experience in business or investment

15

 

Net personal and business assets

35

 

Business turnover

35

 

Business innovation

65

 

Special endorsement

10

 

Total:

210

 

Applicants need to achieve a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for the visa.

Three Simple Steps to Your Visa

Best Immigration Consultants in Delhi for Australia.

Head Office - Countrywide Visas

1411, 14th Floor, Devika Tower 6, Nehru Place – 110019

Feel free to reach out to us either by contacting our office or visiting in person for top-notch assistance with immigration consultation, guidance on overseas career processes, and permanent residency.

One Comment

  1. tvbrackets
    18/01/2024

    I was recommended this website by my cousin I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty You are wonderful Thanks

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Countrywide Visas stands as the leading immigration consultant in Delhi, renowned for our exceptional services. Our journey commenced in 2015 with the mission of providing accurate information and lawful documentation guidance to eager individuals.

Follow Us

Testmonial

What Our Client Say About Us

Mohit Baisoya
Mohit Baisoya
12/12/2023
Countrywide Visas not only promises but delivers on reliable timelines. Their efficiency in processing applications adheres to a schedule, providing clients with clarity and confidence.
Vansh Varshney
Vansh Varshney
12/12/2023
What sets Countrywide Visas apart is their knack for innovative solutions. They tackle challenges with creativity, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process.
Ridam Singh
Ridam Singh
12/12/2023
Countrywide Visas' customer-centric approach is evident in every interaction. They prioritize the client's needs and comfort throughout the entire immigration process.
Aryan Chauhan
Aryan Chauhan
12/12/2023
Beyond paperwork, Countrywide Visas functions as a holistic support system. Their guidance covers everything from cultural integration to post-arrival settling, creating a comprehensive experience.
Ajeet Sisodiya
Ajeet Sisodiya
12/12/2023
Countrywide Visas leverages technology to enhance their services. Their technologically advanced approach streamlines communication and ensures a modern and efficient process.
Zubar
Zubar
12/12/2023
With an international perspective, Countrywide Visas understands the intricacies of global immigration. Their awareness of worldwide trends and regulations benefits clients seeking to relocate.
Dhruv Sardar
Dhruv Sardar
12/12/2023
In times of unexpected challenges, Countrywide Visas proves to be exceptional crisis management experts. Their ability to navigate uncertainties ensures clients stay on track.
Mukesh
Mukesh
12/12/2023
Countrywide Visas goes beyond legalities, offering cultural sensitivity training. This prepares clients for the nuances of their new environment, fostering a smoother transition.
Anurag
Anurag
12/12/2023
Countrywide Visas doesn't just guide; they educate. Their wealth of educational resources equips clients with knowledge, empowering them to make informed decisions.
samir
samir
12/12/2023
Facing a problem with my application was stress-free, thanks to Countrywide Visas. Their efficient problem resolution showcased their commitment to client satisfaction.

Our Associates & Media Partner