BUSINESS INNOVATION and INVESTMENT (SUBCLASS 188) - Provisional

Provisional business visa 188 is the first and the major stage of the immigration process for most businessmen and investors.

All applicants must be nominated by the state / territory, which imposes additional requirements on applicants over the basic conditions of DHA. This visa is divided into 4 streams:

  • Business Innovation stream
  • Entrepreneur stream
  • Investor stream AUD 2.5 million
  • Significant Investor stream AUD 5 million
Visa conditions
  • Australian state / territory nomination;
  • Business plan availability;
  • Age less than 55 years;
  • Minimum 65 points in the business visa points test
  • Successful business career without problems with the law;
  • Genuine and realistic intentions to be involved in business in Australia;
  • At least 30% ownership of the business if the company's turnover exceeds $ 400,000, or at least 51% ownership if the company's turnover is less than $ 400,000, or 10% ownership if the company is publicly listed;
  • One business turnover (or two businesses in total) of at least $ 750,000 in any 2 of the 4 financial years immediately prior to applying for a business visa;
  • Net assets (including net business assets) of at least $ 1,500,000 at the time of applying for a business visa (there is no requirement for the immediate transfer of these assets to Australia, but they must be legally acquired and must be able to be transferred to Australia within 2 years of visa grant);
  • Business management involvement (working as an employee in your own business should not occupy more than 50% of the working time).
  • The Australian state / territory nomination;
  • Must be recognised by the nominating State or Territory government agency to develop your entrepreneurial concepts. To check your eligibility you have to contact the nominating State or Territory;
  • Intention to start and continue a complying entrepreneur activity in Australia. The activity must relate to an innovative idea that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, or the development of an enterprise or business in Australia;
  • Proficiency in English at IELTS level 6666;
  • Age less than 55 years;
  • Entrepreneurship activity must not relate to any of the following excluded categories:
  • Residential real estate
  • Labour hire
  • Purchase of an existing enterprise or a franchise in Australia.
  • The Australian state / territory nomination;
  • Age less than 55 years;
  • Minimum 65 points in the business points test ;
  • Successful business career without problems with the law;
  • Genuine and realistic intentions to be involved in business or investment in Australia after the initial investment maturity;
  • Compliance with one of the following conditions for at least 1 out of 5 years, prior to visa application:
  • Management of a business with ownership of at least a 10% (in person or together with spouse)
  • Management of investments of at least $ 1.5 million (in person or together with the spouse)
  • $ 2.5 million investment of free funds received from business or investment activities in complying investment for the period of the provisional visa 188 (3-5 years). It must be invested in the following proportions:
  • at least AUD500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies
  • at least AUD750,000 in approved managed funds. The managed funds must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
  • a ‘balancing investment’ of at least AUD1.25 million in managed funds
  • The Australian state / territory nomination;
  • Net assets of at least $ 5 million at the time of applying for a business visa (there is no requirement that these assets should be acquired as a result of business or investment activities, but they need to be legally acquired);
  • significant investment of at least AUD5 million in complying investment for the period of the provisional visa 188 (3-5 years). It should be invested in the following ways:
  • at least AUD1 million in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies
  • at least AUD1.5 million in approved managed funds. The managed funds must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
  • a ‘balancing investment’ of at least AUD2.5 million in managed funds

The managed funds can invest in a range of assets, including companies listed on the Australian stock exchange, Australian corporate bonds or notes, annuities and commercial real estate.

Direct investment in residential real estate is prohibited. Indirect investment in residential property through managed funds is strictly limited.

Subclass 188 Business Visa Overview: Requirements, Streams, and Eligibility in Australia

The Subclass 188 Business Visa is a temporary visa designed to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to Australia. This visa opens pathways to permanent residency and provides unique opportunities for skilled professionals looking to establish a business or invest in the Australian economy.

How to Apply for Subclass 188 Business Visa: Process, Requirements, and Nomination Guidelines

Applying for the Subclass 188 Visa involves several key steps:

  1. Select Your Stream: Choose between Innovation, Investor, or Significant Investor streams based on your goals.
  2. Meet Eligibility Criteria: Fulfill requirements such as a minimum investment threshold or business turnover.
  3. Secure State or Territory Nomination: Gain sponsorship from an Australian state or territory.
  4. Prepare and Submit Your Application: Provide all necessary documents and pay the application fee.
  5. Await Approval: Processing times may vary based on your stream and completeness of your application.

Our migration experts simplify this process, ensuring every detail is handled professionally.

Subclass 188 Visa Streams Explained: Innovation, Investor, and Significant Investor Options

The Subclass 188 Visa offers multiple streams tailored to different business and investment goals:

  • Innovation Stream: For business owners looking to establish or develop a business in Australia.
  • Investor Stream: Requires a designated investment of at least AUD 2.5 million.
  • Significant Investor Stream: Demands an investment of at least AUD 5 million in complying investments.

Each stream provides a unique pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 Visa.

Subclass 188 Visa Regional Investment Opportunities: From Sydney to Queensland

Australia’s regional areas offer lucrative opportunities for Subclass 188 Visa holders:

  • New South Wales: Access a thriving business environment in Sydney and surrounding regions.
  • Queensland: Invest in high-growth industries like tourism, agriculture, and mining.
  • Victoria: Leverage opportunities in Melbourne’s diverse economy.

Regional investment offers additional benefits such as priority processing and local incentives.

Subclass 188 Visa for Entrepreneurs and Startups: Innovation Pathways in Australia

The Innovation Stream is ideal for entrepreneurs and startup founders. Benefits include:

  • Support for Innovative Business Ideas: Establish ventures in technology, renewable energy, and more.
  • Access to Australian Markets: Enter a stable and competitive economic landscape.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Transition seamlessly to the Subclass 888 Visa.

Explore how your entrepreneurial vision can align with Australia’s business goals.

Subclass 188 Visa Benefits: Family Inclusion and Pathways to Permanent Residency

Subclass 188 Visa holders enjoy significant advantages:

  • Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse, children, and other dependents.
  • Permanent Residency Pathway: Transition to the Subclass 888 Visa after meeting eligibility criteria.
  • Work and Study Opportunities: Reside in Australia while exploring professional and educational growth.

Ensure a stable future for your family while growing your business in Australia.

Why Choose Sydney Visa for Subclass 188 Business Visa Assistance?

  1. Expert Guidance: Tailored advice for your business and investment needs.
  2. Streamlined Application Process: Ensure accuracy and efficiency in your application.
  3. Ongoing Support: Assistance throughout your journey to permanent residency.

Contact us today at ☎ +61 481 048 493 to begin your Subclass 188 Visa application and unlock your potential in Australia.