If you’re looking to start a business or invest in Australia, the business investor visa, also known as the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) might be for you. This visa lets skilled businesspeople, entrepreneurs and investors live in Australia temporarily while they work on business or investment plans. It’s one of the more complex visas to apply for, but it’s also a popular option for people wanting to bring their business experience to Australia.
This guide will explain what this visa allows you to do, who it’s for, and how to apply.
The business investor visa allows people to do one or more of the following:
It’s a temporary visa that lets you stay in Australia for up to 4 years. Later on, you may be able to apply for a permanent visa if your business or investment activity is going well.
This visa has several different streams. Each stream is slightly different, depending on whether you want to run a business, make a large investment, or develop an innovation.
To get this visa, you must first show that you have a strong background in business or investing. It’s not enough to just have money—you need to show how you’ve managed or grown a business before.
To apply, you must also be nominated by an Australian state or territory. That means the government in that area has to agree to support your visa application.
The nomination step is important. Each state or territory has its own business priorities. They’ll only support applicants who match their goals.
Not everyone can apply for this visa. You’ll need to meet several conditions to be considered.
These conditions apply to the Business Innovation stream. If you’re applying for another stream, like the investor or entrepreneur stream, the criteria will be different.
If you apply through the Business Innovation stream, your application will be assessed through a points system. You must score at least 65 points to be considered.
If a state or territory gives you extra points through their endorsement.
The higher your points, the better your chances of being invited to apply. But meeting the points minimum doesn’t guarantee a visa—you still need to prove that your business background is solid.
This is a temporary visa that lets you stay in Australia for up to 4 years. However, if you meet certain conditions and have held your visa for 3 years, you can apply for an extension of 2 more years. This gives you a maximum stay of 6 years from when your original visa was granted.
This time allows you to set up and grow your business or investment project. If things go well, you might be able to apply for a permanent visa under the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888).
You can apply for the business investor visa either inside or outside of Australia.
If you are already in Australia when you apply, you must be on a valid visa. This could be a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa. If you’re overseas, you can apply from your home country after receiving your invitation.
Australia wants more experienced business owners and investors to move there. This visa program is one way to attract people who can bring new ideas, grow businesses, create jobs, and add value to the economy.
The government uses this visa to build a strong mix of talent across the country. So if you’ve had a successful business career, the business investor Australia stream could be a good match.
This visa has many rules, and each stream has different requirements. It can be hard to figure out where you fit and whether you meet the rules. That’s why many people work with a migration expert to check their eligibility and help prepare the paperwork.
There are six main visa streams in the business investor category, and each one has its own application steps. A migration service can explain which stream suits your background and help you avoid mistakes that could delay or block your application.
If you’ve built a career in business or investing and want to start something in Australia, the business investor visa could be the right step. With the right planning, paperwork, and support, you could make a new start while doing what you already know—growing a business or managing investments.
This visa gives you a way to stay in Australia while building something of your own. Just make sure you understand the requirements, pick the right stream, and follow the steps carefully.
Looking to start your journey as a business investor in Australia? At Unique Education and Migration Services, we can help you explore your options under the business investor visa program. Whether you’re managing a business, planning an investment, or bringing a new idea to life, we’ll support you every step of the way. Book a consultation and get expert advice tailored to your background. Let’s take the next step toward your Australian business dream—together.
Let Unique Migration guide you every step of the way! Whether you need a skilled visa, family sponsorship, or expert migration advice, our team ensures a smooth and successful process.
Contact us today for a free consultation—your future starts here!
