Australia 188B Investor Visa
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What is the subclass 188B visa?
- The 188B investor visa is the Investor stream of Australia's Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188), for investors with a track record in business or investment and substantial financial resources.
- Investors must invest at least A$2.5 million (approximately US$1.76 million) in complying investment funds in Australia.
- The investment must be maintained until the 888B permanent residence visa is granted, which takes at least 3 years.
- A spouse and children under 23 may be included in the application.
- The program has been closed to new applications since July 31, 2024. This page serves as a reference for applications already lodged and for the subsequent 888B permanent residence pathway.
Benefits of the 188B visa
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Your whole family can relocate together
Your spouse and children under 23 may be granted visas alongside the main applicant.
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Live in Australia
Your whole family may live, study, work, and do business in Australia while the visa is valid.
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Children can study in Australia
Children may attend public schools through Year 12, subject to the policies of each state or territory.
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Flexible travel
You may travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid.
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A pathway to 888B permanent residence
You may apply for the 888B permanent residence visa once you meet the investment and residence requirements.
Advantages of the 188B visa
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No need to run a business in Australia
You invest through complying funds and are not required to manage a business directly.
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Potential returns from the investment
Investors may receive returns from the investment fund based on the fund's actual performance.
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Your spouse may apply as the main applicant
At the 888B stage, an accompanying spouse may take the place of the main applicant in meeting certain requirements, as prescribed.
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A defined pathway to permanent residence
After maintaining the investment and meeting the residence requirements, investors may apply for 888B permanent residence.
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Suited to passive investors
Designed for people with substantial financial resources and investment or business experience who prefer not to run a business in Australia themselves.
188B visa requirements
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Main applicant requirements
- Aged 18–55.
- Have business or investment experience.
- Net business and personal assets (net worth) of at least A$2.5 million.
- Score at least 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment points test.
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory.
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Experience requirements
- Hold at least a 10% ownership interest in an operating company and have directly managed it for at least 3 years; or
- Demonstrate that you manage investments worth the equivalent of A$2.5 million that have generated a profit for at least 3 financial years.
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Investment requirements in Australia
- Invest at least A$2.5 million in complying investment funds as prescribed by the Australian Government.
- Maintain the investment until the 888B permanent residence visa is granted.
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How the investment is allocated
- At least A$500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds.
- At least A$750,000 in managed funds that invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
- At least A$1.25 million as a balancing investment in managed funds.
The 188B visa application process
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Eligibility assessment and file preparation
We assess the applicant's eligibility, assets, investment experience, and ability to meet the points test threshold.
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State or territory nomination
Prepare and submit a nomination application to a suitable state or territory.
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Lodge the 188B visa application
Once you have been nominated by a state or territory, lodge the 188B visa application.
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Make the investment when required
The investor transfers capital into complying funds as required before the visa is granted.
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Maintain the investment
Maintain the investment as required to qualify for 888B permanent residence.
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Lodge the 888B visa application
After meeting the investment and residence requirements, the investor lodges the 888B permanent residence application.
Frequently asked questions about the 188B visa
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