Business & Investment Visas (188, 888, 132)
For business owners, investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish or invest in Australia. A staged pathway from a provisional business visa to permanent residency.
Quick Answer:
- 188 visa: Provisional business/investment visa. Multiple streams. Needs state nomination.
- 888 visa: Permanent stage for 188 holders who meet their stream requirements.
- 132 visa: Business Talent visa — closed to new applications; use 188 instead.
- Key point: Thresholds change often — verify current settings before applying.
3
Visa Subclasses
12-24mo
188 Processing
Required
Nomination
188→888
PR Pathway
We are not registered migration agents. This information is for general guidance only. For personalized immigration advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
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Each subclass suits different circumstances. Compare requirements, costs and outcomes below.
Subclass 188 — Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)
A provisional visa for business owners, investors and entrepreneurs, with several streams covering business ownership, designated investments and venture capital.
Quick Answer for Subclass 188:
Provisional visa of up to 5 years across multiple streams. Requires state or territory nomination, an Expression of Interest, and meeting business or investment thresholds. Leads to permanent residency via the 888 visa.
Key Benefits
- Establish, manage or invest in a business in Australia
- Multiple streams: Business Innovation, Investor, and others
- Bring family members who can work and study
- Pathway to permanent residency via the 888 visa
- Build a track record in Australia before applying for PR
Requirements
- State or territory nomination
- A submitted Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
- Meet the business turnover, asset, or investment thresholds for your stream
- A successful business or investment background
- Meet points, age, health and character requirements for the relevant stream
- Established business owners
- Investors meeting the financial thresholds
- Entrepreneurs wanting to expand into Australia
- Those without significant business or investment capital
- Applicants seeking immediate PR
- Those unable to secure state nomination
Residency
Provisional (PR pathway via 888)
Processing Time
12-24 months
Base Application Fee
$9,710+
Business and Investment Migration to Australia
Australia's business and investment visa program is designed to attract experienced business owners, investors and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economy. Unlike skilled migration, which focuses on your occupation and qualifications, this program assesses your business track record, your assets, and your willingness to invest in or operate a business in Australia.
The main pathway is the two-stage Business Innovation and Investment program: the provisional 188 visa followed by the permanent 888 visa. Applicants begin by submitting an Expression of Interest and obtaining nomination from a state or territory, which often has its own priorities and thresholds depending on the industries and investments it wishes to encourage.
The 188 visa has several streams. The Business Innovation stream suits owners who want to establish or manage a business in Australia, while the Investor and related streams are aimed at those making designated investments. Each stream has its own financial thresholds, points requirements, and conditions that must be satisfied before progressing to the permanent 888 visa.
Choosing the Right Business Pathway
Because business migration thresholds and program settings change regularly — and the 132 Business Talent visa has been closed to new applications — it is especially important to verify the current requirements before committing to a pathway. State and territory nomination criteria also vary and are updated frequently.
For most prospective applicants today, the provisional 188 visa is the realistic starting point, with the permanent 888 visa as the destination once business or investment commitments have been met. Given the financial scale and complexity involved, business migration is an area where tailored advice from a registered migration agent is particularly valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 188 and 888 visas?
The 188 is a provisional visa that lets you establish a business or make a designated investment in Australia. The 888 is the permanent stage, granted to 188 holders who have met the specific business or investment requirements of their stream and maintained their state or territory nomination.
Do I need state nomination for a business visa?
Yes. Business and investment visas require nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each jurisdiction sets its own priorities and thresholds, so the requirements can differ depending on where you intend to base your business or investment.
Is the 132 Business Talent visa still available?
The 132 Business Talent visa has been closed to new applications in recent program changes. Prospective applicants are generally directed to the Business Innovation and Investment program (the 188 provisional and 888 permanent visas) instead. Always verify the current program settings before applying.
How much do I need to invest for a business visa?
Investment and business thresholds vary by stream and are updated periodically, and individual states may set higher requirements. Because the figures change, you should confirm the current thresholds for your chosen stream and nominating state before lodging an Expression of Interest.
How long does the business visa pathway take?
The provisional 188 visa typically takes 12 to 24 months to process, after which you operate your business or hold your investment for the qualifying period before applying for the permanent 888 visa. The full pathway to permanent residency therefore spans several years.
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