Business & Investment Visas (Subclass 188 & 888)
Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment visa program is designed for experienced business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors who want to establish, manage, or invest in compliant Australian businesses and progress to permanent residency.
The program operates in two stages:
Subclass 188 – a provisional visa that allows eligible applicants to live in Australia while operating or investing in a business
Subclass 888 – a permanent residency visa for applicants who successfully meet business and investment requirements during their provisional period
Most streams require state or territory nomination, and eligibility depends on factors such as business performance, investment level, points testing, and ongoing compliance with Australian migration law.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188
The Subclass 188 visa allows approved applicants to live in Australia for up to four years to develop business or investment activity.
Main Streams Under Subclass 188
Business Innovation Stream (188A)
For business owners intending to establish or manage a business in Australia
Requires business ownership, turnover thresholds, and points testing
Designed for active business operators
Investor Stream (188B)
For applicants willing to make a designated investment in an Australian state or territory
Requires significant investment funds and financial history
Significant Investor Stream (188C)
For applicants investing AUD 5 million or more into complying investments
No points test required
Streamlined pathway for high-net-worth individuals
Premium Investor Stream (188D)
For applicants investing AUD 15 million or more
Nomination required through Austrade
Designed for ultra-high-value investors
Entrepreneur Stream (188E)
For individuals with third-party funding agreements (minimum AUD 200,000)
Focused on innovative or commercial business ventures in Australia
Permanent Residency Pathway – Subclass 888
The Subclass 888 visa allows holders of a Subclass 188 visa to apply for permanent residency after meeting specific requirements, including:
Maintaining ongoing business or investment activity in Australia
Meeting turnover, asset, or investment thresholds
Demonstrating genuine and successful business operation
Continuing state or territory nomination
Once granted, the Subclass 888 visa provides permanent residence, access to Medicare, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Why Professional Advice Matters
Business migration applications are complex and highly regulated. Incorrect structuring, poor business planning, or failure to meet ongoing obligations can result in refusal or visa cancellation.
At Visa Aid, we assist business owners and investors with:
Eligibility assessments
Stream selection and points analysis
State or territory nomination strategy
Application preparation and compliance guidance
Transition planning from Subclass 188 to Subclass 888
Call to Action
Not sure which business or investment stream applies to you?
Schedule a consultation with Visa Aid to assess your eligibility and plan the correct pathway.
