Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) – Business & Investor Streams | Visa Aid Australia
The Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is a temporary visa designed for successful business owners, entrepreneurs and investors who wish to establish, manage or invest in a business in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa, subject to meeting business, investment and residency requirements.
Applicants may apply from inside or outside Australia.
When a candidate is located in Australia:
Applicants who are in Australia must hold a substantive visa or an eligible Bridging Visa (A, B or C) at the time of application.
Key benefits of the Subclass 188 visa include:
Multiple business and investment streams available
Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 888)
Flexibility to operate or invest in Australian businesses
State or Territory Government support
Opportunity to include eligible family members
Access to Australia’s stable economy and business environment
Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188C)
General Requirements
Applicants must:
Make a complying investment of at least AUD 5 million in Australia
Maintain the investment for the duration of the visa
Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government
Demonstrate a genuine intention to reside in Australia
Comply with Australian investment framework rules
Investments must be made through approved managed funds, venture capital and balancing investments in accordance with government regulations.
Residential real estate investments are not permitted.
Requirements for Subclass 888 VISAs:
To qualify for permanent residency under Subclass 888, applicants must:
Hold a Subclass 188 visa for the required period
Maintain the complying investment in Australia
Meet residency requirements
Continue to meet State or Territory nomination obligations
Comply with Australian migration law
Additional 188 Visa eligible paths:
Other Subclass 188 visa streams include:
Business Innovation Stream (188A)
Investor Stream (188B)
Significant Investor Stream (188C)
Premium Investor Stream (188D – closed to new applicants)
Entrepreneur Stream (188E)
Each stream has different financial, business and residency requirements.
FINAL DISCLAIMER
Migration laws and visa criteria may change at any time. This information is provided as general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa Aid recommends professional assessment before lodging any application.