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Business Visas in Australia — your complete guide

Pathways for entrepreneurs, business owners and investors to build their future in Australia.

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What are Business Visas?

Business and investment visas are for people who want to own and manage a business, invest, or undertake entrepreneurial activity in Australia. Most require nomination by a state or territory and meeting financial and business-experience thresholds.

The business program is a two-stage journey: a provisional visa first, then permanent residence once you have met your stream's business or investment commitments. Choosing the right stream and nominating state, and keeping the right records from day one, determines whether the permanent stage succeeds.

Business Visas we cover

  • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) — multiple streams
  • Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)
  • Business owner, investor and entrepreneur streams
  • State/territory nomination and business plan requirements
  • Meeting net-asset, turnover and investment thresholds

Popular Business Visas subclasses

Explore the individual visas in this category for detailed eligibility, costs and how to apply:

Not sure which one fits? Tell us your situation and we'll match you with agents who handle exactly your pathway.

Who can apply

Established business owners, senior managers, investors and entrepreneurs with the capital and track record to meet program thresholds. A registered agent can match you to the right stream and coordinate state nomination.

Choosing the right Business Visas

The subclass 188 is where almost everyone starts; the subclass 888 is the permanent stage that follows it. Which 188 stream suits you depends on whether you want to run a business, invest, or pursue entrepreneurial activity — and which states are currently prioritising your profile. An agent can match you to the right combination.

How Immigration Expert works

1

Tell us your situation

Answer a few quick questions about your visa goal, location and circumstances.

2

We match you

We connect you with up to 3 OMARA-registered agents who handle Business Visas and serve your state.

3

Agents contact you

Compare their advice and choose who to work with. Free and no-obligation.

Do you need a registered migration agent?

You are not required to use a registered migration agent, but Business Visas are detail-heavy and the rules change often. A small mistake — the wrong subclass, a missing document, a late response or an unevidenced claim — can mean delay or refusal, and a refusal can affect future applications. A registered migration agent confirms your eligibility before you spend money, recommends the right pathway, prepares your evidence and manages the process with the Department of Home Affairs. Through Immigration Expert you can be matched with up to three OMARA-registered agents who handle Business Visas every day, compare their advice and choose who to work with — free and with no obligation.

Business Visas — frequently asked questions

Do business visas require state nomination?

Most streams require nomination by a state or territory government, each with its own priorities, thresholds and settlement expectations.

Is there a permanent business visa?

Yes — the subclass 888 is the permanent stage that typically follows the provisional subclass 188, subject to meeting business or investment commitments.

How much do I need to invest for a business visa?

Thresholds vary by stream and change over time. A registered agent can confirm the current financial requirements for your situation.

Can I include my family in a business visa?

Yes — you can usually include your partner and dependent children, who must meet health and character requirements.

Get your free Business Visas assessment

Tell us about your situation and we'll connect you with up to 3 OMARA-registered migration agents who specialise in Business Visas and serve your state. Free and no-obligation.

ImmigrationExpert

We connect people seeking Australian visas with OMARA-registered migration agents and Australian legal practitioners. We are a matching service and do not provide immigration or legal advice.

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