Australia is a nation with plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors with appropriate business experience and financial backing. While the country welcomes business migration, it’s important to understand and comply with the eligibility requirements and the pathways to the most suitable kind of provisional or permanent residency Business Visa Australia or Investor Visa Australia for your particular circumstances.
An Introductory Guide To Business And Investor Visas for Australia
What is Australia’s Business And Investor Visa Program?
The objectives of the Business Innovation and Investment Program and Business Talent Program are to encourage entrepreneurs and investors to come to Australia for the benefit of the Australian economy.
Both Business and Investor Visa Australia programs are significant components of the Skilled Migration Program. All Business Visa Australia applications under the Business Innovation & Investment Program or Business Talent Program require careful preparation and planning.
Four Corners Emigration has over 20 years’ experience in this field and an exceptional success rate. The Business Visa Australia application assistance process starts by gathering information and spending time with our clients to build a strong application so that we can achieve the right result for them.
Given that the source of funds for your financial eligibility for a business visa in Australia is a particularly complex area, there are significant benefits to discussing your case with one of our team. No matter how similar, each business migrant or investor migrant has their own story, making each application unique.
How To Maximise The Success Of Your Significant Investor Visa
What To Expect If You Want To Apply For A Business and Investor Visa Australia
Business and Investor Visas are designed to attract business owners and investors into Australia to either start a business in Australia or to invest in certain designated or complying investments.
This visa is not for everyone, but if you are one of the lucky selected ones who can qualify, you will need professional advice to get the right outcome.
We offer a premium service to Business and Investor Visa Australia applicants, including assistance to cover every aspect of the very detailed and complicated visa process. We also make sure that you are planning properly for your arrival in Australia, not making mistakes, and not taking unnecessary risks.
Four Corners Emigration is your point of contact, to make sure that due diligence is done on any investments you make.
Successful applicants for this type of visa are busy people. We understand that, and that you need to make sure you get it right. When you are investing a significant sum it’s vital to have migration experts spending their time to ensure your first step into Australia is a rewarding one.
Get The Expert Visa Advice So We Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals
Eligibility Requirements For Business & Investor Visa Australia
Eligibility requirements vary depending on which visa subclass and which stream you are applying for, but in general, the conditions are:
Nomination. Before you apply for a business visa to Australia you must obtain a nomination from an Australian State or Territory Government (and in some cases first receive an invitation to apply). | English language skill. A command of English that is at least functional is necessary, with the alternative of paying both the visa application fee instalment and the final instalment in advance. |
Financial eligibility. Your personal and business assets or investments must reach a specified amount, which varies depending on the visa and stream you apply for. | Personal attributes. You need to meet health and character requirements, with no history of involvement in unacceptable activities. |
Points test. For many subclass 188 streams, a score of at least 65 points is required in a points test based on age, command of English, qualifications, business experience, net assets, business turnover, innovation and special endorsement. | Australian lifestyle and values. Applicants must read the Life in Australia book and sign an Australian Values Statement. |
Age limit. Applicants need to be aged under 55 for most (but not all) streams, unless the nominating State or Territory expects their business or investment to be of exceptional economic benefit. | No government debt. If you have any debt to the Australian Government, it must be repaid before you apply. |
Visa history. You can’t have had a previous visa cancelled or an application refused. |
Investor visa to Australia applicants may be required to live for at least two years in the State or Territory where they are investing. The subclass 188 Significant Investor stream, requiring an investment of at least AUD5 million, is exempt from some requirements, such as the points test and age limit.
Applicants for the Entrepreneur streams for both provisional and permanent residence visas are also exempt from the points test, although the age limit still applies for temporary residents, and they must have a complying entrepreneur activity with funding from an approved entity.
As you can see, this is a complex area, but the team of experts at Four Corners Emigration can help you navigate the intricacies of the eligibility requirements.
Get The Expert Visa Advice So We Can Help You Achieve Your Business Goals
Available Types Of Business Visa Australia And Investor Visa Australia
There are three main subclasses for a Business Visa Australia. Each one has a number of streams, depending on the amount you intend to invest in starting or maintaining an Australian business.
This visa initiates a two-step process to permanent residence. Initially, you can stay in Australia for up to five years. Applicants then have the option to meet specified criteria for their business, investment and time spent in Australia to qualify for permanent residency through the subclass 888 visa.
If applicants cannot meet English language requirements they can opt to pay a second instalment of the visa application fee to the Department of Home Affairs. This exemption does not apply to 188E Entrepreneur Visa applicants, who must have at least competent English.
All applicants need to be nominated by a State or Territory Government before applying for a business visa to Australia.
Holders of a subclass 188 visa, and of some other visa types in limited circumstances, can apply for permanent residency via a subclass 888 visa. This is the second step in the two-step process to permanent residency.
Each stream of visa subclass 188 has a corresponding stream in subclass 888, and separate criteria to meet for eligibility to apply for permanent residency through visa subclass 888.
Top Tips To Get Your Significant Investor Visa Application Right
Benefits Of Working With A Specialist Immigration Agent At Four Corners Emigration

Professional Migration Specialists
Four Corners Emigration is one of the world’s leading migration specialists, assisting over 61,000 individuals, small businesses and multinationals since 1996. We provide expert advice and visa services for temporary and permanent entry to Australia and work with organisations and individuals currently in Australia and around the world.
Our consultants, including founder Matthew Garvey, are registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Providing You With Support And Stability
We ensure our clients have access to accurate advice, strategies and support to enable them to access the skills they need via non-Australian employees. Through expert knowledge and exemplary customer service, we aspire to be the market leader and most trusted supplier of migration services in the world.
We have a highly successful track record across a wide range of industries and professional fields and are committed to delivering tailored, people-focused visa solutions giving you stability and the peace of mind you deserve.
We adhere to the OMARA Code of Conduct and are members of the Migration Institute of Australia. We currently have offices in Australia, South Africa and the UK.

Our Promise To You
Our promise is an expression of our values – quality, leadership, integrity and care.
We take responsibility for the QUALITY of our work; we provide LEADERSHIP not only as a company but as individuals; we act with INTEGRITY in all we do, and we CARE deeply about our clients.