Investor Visa Australia
If you have strong business credentials, substantial funds and a genuine commitment to invest, Australia offers pathways for investors and innovators. Note that the Business Innovation and Investment Program is closed to new applications. Existing 188 holders and applicants invited before closure may still progress to permanent residence. New candidates should review the National Innovation visa for high calibre talent and innovative investors.
Business Innovation and Investment visa
An initial grant under this pathway has been the provisional visa subclass 188. This is a temporary residence visa. If you meet your stream requirements, you may progress to the permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa subclass 888. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the BIIP is closed to new applications. Applications lodged before 31 July 2024 continue to be processed. For tailored advice, contact Jameson Law.
If you are exploring Australian markets, the investor and significant investor settings have historically allowed complying investments across managed funds, venture capital and growth private equity. Direct investment in residential real estate is not permitted. Any indirect exposure through managed funds is tightly limited. Check current National Innovation visa criteria if you are a leading entrepreneur or innovative investor.
Investment Visa Streams
Investor Stream
For existing applicants and holders, this stream involves at least AUD 2.5 million in complying investments and allows business and investment activity for up to five years. Eligible family members can stay with you and you may apply for permanent residence under the subclass 888 Investor stream. State or Territory nomination, a points test and asset thresholds apply to invitations issued before closure. Speak with our team about document strategy and nomination evidence via our contact page.
Significant Investor stream
The Significant Investor stream requires a complying significant investment of AUD 5 million. There is no points test and no age cap, which is why processing has often been faster than the Investor stream. This stream is closed to new applications. Holders and invited applicants can still progress to subclass 888 Significant Investor subject to meeting residence and investment rules.
Premium Investor stream
This provisional stream is for people nominated by Austrade who invest at least AUD 15 million in Australian investments or philanthropic contributions. It is closed to new applications. If you already hold 188 Premium Investor status, you may seek the permanent subclass 888 Premium Investor when criteria are met. For nomination history and investment evidence, obtain legal guidance early.
Business Visa Streams
Entrepreneur stream
States and Territories may endorse entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise products or enterprises. This stream is closed to new applications. Current holders should maintain compliance with competent English, activity milestones and any State or Territory undertakings.
Business innovation stream
This stream lets you operate a new or existing business. It is closed to new applications. Current provisional holders can prepare for subclass 888 Business Innovation if turnover and ownership thresholds are met. For records and audit readiness, speak with Jameson Law.
Application process for Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188)
This process applies to eligible existing holders and invited applicants. New applications are not being accepted.
Assessment
- Confer with you and obtain instructions
- Provide advice on the streams available to existing applicants and holders
- Introduce you to a licensed financial adviser for compliant portfolios
- Liaise with the adviser on nomination investment preferences and requirements
- Collate, review and advise on supporting documentation
- Outline programme requirements and current timeframes
Expression of Interest
EOIs are not available for new BIIP applications. Where an EOI was lodged and an invitation issued before closure, we will manage updates and nomination steps.
- Liaise with the adviser regarding portfolio particulars
- Advise on any required EOI updates for existing invites
- Maintain evidence of funds and source of funds
Nomination application
- Monitor and advise on State or Territory nomination obligations for existing applicants
- Prepare and lodge nomination material where an invitation was issued before closure
Visa Application
- Collate, review and advise on supporting documents
- Prepare and complete required forms
- Maintain correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs
- Respond to requests for further information including financial documents, health and police checks
- Advise on visa entitlements and conditions
- Update you on progress and notify you of the decision
Exploring options now. Review the National Innovation visa and book a confidential consult with Jameson Law or call (02) 8806 0866.
