Business Visa Australia

Australia's Business Innovation and Investment program offers pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to live and do business in Australia permanently.

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Business Visa Overview

Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) allows successful business owners, entrepreneurs and investors to establish businesses or make investments in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency. State and territory governments play a key role in nominating applicants for most business visa streams.

Key Eligibility Considerations

Business Innovation (188A): Net business or personal assets of at least AUD $800,000, annual business turnover of at least AUD $750,000, under 55 years old (unless exempted by state), state/territory government nomination
Investor (188B): Net assets of at least AUD $2.25 million, state/territory government nomination, agree to invest AUD $1.5 million in state or territory bonds
Significant Investor (188C): Minimum AUD $5 million in complying investments across venture capital, managed funds, and direct investment in Australian businesses

State Nomination

Most business visa streams require nomination by a state or territory government. Each state has its own criteria, priorities, and investment requirements. MigrationSquare advises on which state best matches your profile and manages the nomination application in addition to the visa itself.

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Visa Subclasses

Business Innovation — 188A

For established business owners seeking to own and manage a business in Australia. Requires business turnover, net assets, and a state/territory nomination. 4-year provisional visa.

Investor Stream — 188B

For high-net-worth individuals willing to invest at least AUD $2.5 million in designated investments in a state or territory. 4-year provisional visa.

Significant Investor — 188C

For individuals investing at least AUD $5 million in complying investments. No age restriction, no points test, no English requirement. More flexible residency conditions.

Entrepreneur — 188E

For entrepreneurs with a funding agreement of at least AUD $200,000 from a specified funding body (e.g. venture capital firm or government-linked accelerator).

Business Innovation (Permanent) — 888

Permanent residency after 2–4 years on a 188 provisional visa, demonstrating business performance or investment activity in Australia.

Business Talent (Permanent) — 132

Direct permanent visa for highly successful business owners or significant investors with strong state government nomination. No provisional period required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a business visa without state nomination?

Most business visa streams require a state or territory government nomination. The Business Talent (132) visa is one stream that can be lodged without state nomination in some circumstances. The Entrepreneur (188E) stream is also available through certain federal government-endorsed programs.

How long does the business visa process take?

The process typically involves a state nomination stage (several months) followed by the Department of Home Affairs visa processing (12–24+ months). Total time from first inquiry to visa grant is typically 18–36 months depending on the stream and state.

Do I need to speak English for a business visa?

English requirements vary by stream. The Significant Investor stream (188C) has no English requirement. Other streams may require at least Vocational English. Check requirements for your specific stream.