Australia Subclass 188 Visa Business & Investment Pathway
If you have an innovative, unique, and investible idea, the Business Innovation Visa Australia (Subclass 188) is a premier choice. This visa allows you to own, manage, and conduct business investment activities in Australia.
Business Innovation Stream
This provisional visa allows you to stay for up to 5 years. It is a pathway to an Australia PR visa via the Subclass 888. You must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency.
Business Investment Stream
The Business Investment stream requires a specific minimum investment in Australian assets. Applicants must maintain their business or investment activity throughout their stay.
Other streams include the Significant Investor stream, Entrepreneur stream, and various extension pathways for those needing more time to meet PR requirements.
Top Benefits of 188 Visa Australia
Temporary stay with a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Include family members in your application.
Extend your stay for 4+ years if required.
Work and study while your visa is valid.
Access to Medicare (Australia's public healthcare system).
Eligibility for Higher Education Loan Programs (HELP) upon PR.
Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years.
Eligibility Requirements
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
Obtain a nomination from a State/Territory government or Austrade.
Be under 55 years of age (exceptions apply for high-value businesses).
Score at least 65 points on the points test (age, English, assets, etc.).
Show business/personal assets of at least AUD 1.25 million (for invitations after July 2021).
Provide proof of annual business turnover of at least AUD 750,000 for 2 of the last 4 fiscal years.
Meet health and character requirements.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow these essential steps to secure your Australian Business Visa.
Submit Expression of Interest
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest and be nominated by State or Territory, for you to be invited to apply for Australia immigration through this subclass 188 visa Australia route.
Prepare documentation
Assimilate all the necessary documents as well as those of your proposed investment. Also documents related to your family members need to be applied.
Apply via ImmiAccount
You can apply for the visa via online by creating an ImmiAccount for which firstly you need to be invited to apply. Candidates must upload supporting documentation to ImmiAccount when submitting a subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa application in all streams, using proper naming conventions to reduce processing time.
Application received
The Home Affairs of Australia will let you know once they have received your application along with the documents.
Visa outcome
The visa outcome shall be known to you in written. If the visa is granted we shall inform you about your visa grant number, the starting date of your visa and conditions of your visa. Keep a copy of all this while you are in Australia.
Processing Times & Fees
Processing times vary. For the Business Innovation stream, 90% of applications are finalized within 36 months. The Investment stream may take up to 42 months.
Base application fees start from AUD 6,270 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for family members and for those who do not meet functional English requirements (Second Instalment).
FAQs – Business Innovation & Investment Visa 188 Australia
Who can apply for the 188 visa Australia?
Applicants with investible, innovative business ideas or existing business experience can apply.
Can family come with me on 188 visa Australia?
Yes, your family can join and even apply for permanent residence later.
How long does the 188 visa Australia take to process?
Business Innovation takes 15–36 months, Investment stream takes 22–42 months depending on the application.
What is the minimum investment for the 188 visa Australia?
Investment requirements vary by stream, starting from AUD 1.25 million in assets for eligible applicants.
