Business Visa Types
Business Visa – Sub Class 188
Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188
The Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188 is designed for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to establish or manage a business, or invest in Australia. This visa allows you to temporarily live, work, and operate a business in Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.
Key Features of Subclass 188 Visa
Temporary Visa: Granted for up to 5 years, with eligibility to apply for permanent residency through Subclass 888.
Multiple Streams Available: Tailored for different types of business people and investors.
Family Included: Bring eligible family members under your visa.
Pathway to PR: After meeting business or investment requirements, you can transition to permanent residency.
Streams under Subclass 188 Visa
The visa consists of several streams based on your business or investment profile:
- Business Innovation Stream
- For business owners who want to establish, develop, or manage a new or existing business in Australia.
- Requires ownership of a successful business and a genuine interest in business activities in Australia.
- Investor Stream
- For those willing to invest at least AUD 2.5 million into complying investments in Australia.
- Requires a history of successful investment or business activity.
- Significant Investor Stream
- For applicants willing to invest AUD 5 million or more into complying significant investments.
- Provides greater flexibility in residency requirements.
- Entrepreneur Stream
- For individuals with a funding agreement from an approved entity to carry out entrepreneurial activities in Australia.
- Focuses on innovation and commercializing new ideas.
- Premium Investor Stream (by invitation only)
- For those willing to invest AUD 15 million or more in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government Agency or Austrade.
- Meet personal and business asset requirements depending on the chosen stream.
- Demonstrate successful business or investment history.
- Be under 55 years of age (unless exempt by state/territory).
- Satisfy health and character requirements.
Benefits of Subclass 188 Visa
- Opportunity to establish and grow your business in a thriving economy.
- Bring eligible family members with full study and work rights.
- Access to Australia’s dynamic markets and global trade links.
- Clear pathway to permanent residency through the Business Innovation & Investment
What Students Often Ask
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How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 188 visa?
The Subclass 188 visa is usually granted for up to 5 years. After fulfilling the required business or investment criteria, you may apply for the Subclass 888 visa to obtain permanent residency.
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Can I include my family members in this visa application?
Yes. You can include eligible family members, such as your spouse/partner and dependent children, in your visa application. They will enjoy full study and work rights in Australia.
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What is the difference between the streams under the Subclass 188 visa?
The Subclass 188 visa has multiple streams (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Entrepreneur, and Premium Investor), each designed for different types of applicants. For example, the Business Innovation Stream is for entrepreneurs wanting to establish or manage a business, while the Investor Stream requires a minimum AUD 2.5 million complying investment.
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Is the Subclass 188 visa a permanent visa?
No, the Subclass 188 is a provisional visa. However, it offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa once you meet the business or investment requirements.