Business & Investment Visas

Investment and business visa options for entrepreneurs, investors, and business people looking to establish or expand their business operations in Australia.

Important β€” program status. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclasses 188 and 132) is closed to new applications. We can still assist people who already hold a provisional visa or have an application on hand, including progression to the subclass 888 permanent visa. For new applicants, the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is the current pathway. Program settings change often β€” please confirm your options with one of our registered migration agents and with the Department of Home Affairs before making any decision. Information on this page is current as at 1 September 2026.

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National Innovation visa

Subclass 858 β€” the current pathway for exceptionally talented applicants

  • Open to new applicants
  • Priority sectors
  • Exceptional talent
  • Permanent residence
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Business Innovation & Investment (closed)

Subclass 188 provisional β€” closed to new applications

  • Existing applications only
  • Business Innovation
  • Investor Stream
  • Held visas still serviced
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Business Innovation & Investment (permanent)

Subclass 888 β€” available to existing subclass 188 holders only

  • Subclass 188 holders
  • Business or investment record
  • Residence requirement
  • Permanent residence
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Business Talent (closed)

Subclass 132 β€” closed to new applications

  • Closed program
  • Existing matters only
  • Talk to us about alternatives
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Investor Retirement (closed)

Subclass 405 β€” closed to new applications

  • Closed program
  • Existing holders only
  • Talk to us about alternatives
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Skilled and Employer-Sponsored Options

Where a business or investment visa is not available, other pathways may be

  • Employer sponsorship
  • Skilled migration
  • State nomination
  • Assessed case by case

Investment Thresholds (historical)

These thresholds applied to the Business Innovation and Investment Program, which is closed to new applications. They are shown for reference for applicants with existing matters, and are not an offer of a current visa pathway.

$250,000

Business Innovation

Minimum investment in Australian business

  • Business ownership
  • Turnover requirements
  • Net assets
  • Age limits
$2.5 Million

Investor Stream

State/territory government bonds

  • Investment experience
  • Net assets
  • Age limits
  • Bond investment
$5 Million

Significant Investor

Complying significant investments

  • ASIC investment
  • No age limit
  • No English requirement
  • Residence requirement
$15 Million

Premium Investor

Premium investment amount

  • Austrade support
  • No age limit
  • No English requirement
  • Flexible residence

Application Process

Our comprehensive process ensures your business visa application meets all requirements

01

Initial Assessment

Evaluate your business and investment profile

02

Stream Selection

Choose the most suitable visa stream

03

EOI Submission

Lodge Expression of Interest

04

State Nomination

Secure state/territory nomination

05

Visa Application

Lodge complete visa application

06

Post-Approval

Compliance and permanent residency

Priority Business Sectors

Australia prioritizes businesses in these key sectors

Technology & Innovation

Fintech, EdTech, AgTech, and digital technologies

  • Software development
  • AI and machine learning
  • Blockchain
  • Digital health

Healthcare & Biotechnology

Medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services

  • Medical devices
  • Pharmaceutical research
  • Telehealth
  • Aged care

Clean Energy & Environment

Renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental technology

  • Solar and wind
  • Energy storage
  • Recycling
  • Carbon capture

Agriculture & Food

Food technology, agriculture innovation, and export

  • Food processing
  • Vertical farming
  • Alternative proteins
  • Food safety

Mining & Resources

Mining technology, mineral processing, and automation

  • Mining automation
  • Mineral processing
  • Exploration tech
  • Safety systems

Infrastructure & Construction

Smart cities, construction technology, and infrastructure

  • Smart buildings
  • Construction tech
  • Urban planning
  • Transport systems

Why Invest in Australia?

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Stable Economy

AAA-rated economy with strong growth prospects

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Political Stability

Stable democratic government and legal system

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Strategic Location

Gateway to Asia-Pacific markets

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Skilled Workforce

Highly educated and skilled workforce

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Innovation Hub

World-class research and development facilities

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Lifestyle

Excellent quality of life and work-life balance

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Tax Benefits

Competitive tax system and incentives

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Natural Resources

Abundant natural resources and renewable energy

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