Australia 188A Visa: Business Innovation Stream

Australia 188A Visa: Business Innovation Stream

  • What is the 188A visa?

    • The 188A visa is the Business Innovation stream of Australia's Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188), for investors with business experience who want to start a new business, buy an existing one, or buy into a franchise in Australia.
    • The investment requirement starts from A$300,000 (approximately US$211,000), depending on the requirements of each state or territory.
    • A spouse or partner and dependent children under 23 can be included in the same application.
    • The 188A is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence through the 888A visa once the business and residence requirements are met.
    • The program closed to new applications on July 31, 2024. This page serves as a reference for applications already lodged and for the 888A permanent residence pathway that follows.
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Benefits of the 188A visa

  • Visas for the whole family

    Your spouse or partner and dependent children under 23 can be granted visas alongside the main applicant.

  • Schooling in Australia

    Children can attend public school through Year 12; school fee policies vary by state or territory.

  • Flexible travel

    You can travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid.

  • A pathway to 888A permanent residence

    You may apply for 888A permanent residence once you meet the business and residence requirements.

Key advantages of the 188A visa

  • Own and run your business

    You run your Australian business directly.

  • Flexible business model

    You can start a new business, buy an existing one, or operate a franchise.

  • Control over how your business grows

    You decide how the business is run, from operations and staffing to its strategic direction.

  • An accessible investment threshold

    With investment starting from A$300,000, the 188A has one of the lower thresholds among Australia's business and investor visa streams.

  • Your spouse or partner can help meet the pathway requirements

    Under the program rules, your spouse or partner may meet certain business and residence requirements in place of the main applicant.

188A visa requirements

  • Main applicant requirements

    • Aged 18–55.
    • A score of at least 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment points test.
    • Total net business and personal assets (net worth) of at least A$1.25 million.
    • A business owner, or a shareholder with an active management role.
    • A successful business track record in your home country.
    • Nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

  • Requirements for your business in your home country

    • An ownership stake of at least 30% in the business.
    • At least 3 years of direct management of the business.
    • Annual business turnover of at least A$750,000 in 2 of the 4 most recent fiscal years.

  • Investment requirements in Australia

    • Establish a new business, acquire an existing one, or buy into a franchise in Australia.
    • Manage and run the business directly.
    • Hold at least a 30% ownership stake in the Australian business.
    • Invest from A$300,000, depending on the state or territory.

The 188A visa application process

  1. Eligibility assessment and file preparation

    An assessment of your eligibility, business, assets, and likely score on the points test.

  2. State or territory nomination

    Preparing a business plan and applying for nomination from a suitable state or territory.

  3. Lodging the 188A visa application

    After state or territory nomination is granted, the 188A visa application is lodged.

  4. Application approval

    The Department of Home Affairs reviews the application under the applicable rules.

  5. Health examinations

    The applicant and accompanying family members complete the required health examinations.

  6. Grant of the 188A visa

    If the application is approved, the family is granted the 188A provisional visa.

  7. Moving to Australia to run the business

    The investor moves to Australia, makes the investment, runs the business, and prepares for the 888A pathway.

Frequently asked questions about the 188A visa

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