Australia Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188
The Australia Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) is designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who want to own, manage, or invest in businesses in Australia. It’s a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia while operating or investing in a business, and later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.
This program plays a vital role in strengthening Australia’s economy by attracting high-caliber business professionals and investors from across the globe.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 188 Visa
Live, work, and do business in Australia for up to 5 years.
Bring your family members (spouse and children) with you.
Pathway to permanent residency via the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888).
Establish, manage, or expand a business anywhere in Australia.
Access to world-class education, healthcare, and lifestyle opportunities.
Streams Under the Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) Visa
The Subclass 188 visa has five main streams, each designed for different types of business or investment activities.
1. Business Innovation Stream
For experienced business owners who wish to establish, develop, or manage a business in Australia.
Eligibility:
Business ownership with turnover of at least AUD 750,000 in the last 2 years.
Personal and business assets worth at least AUD 1.25 million.
Be under 55 years of age (waiver possible).
Meet minimum 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment Points Test.
Benefits:
Start or buy a business in Australia.
Eligible for permanent residency after meeting business performance requirements.
2. Investor Stream
For individuals who want to make a designated investment of at least AUD 2.5 million in an Australian state or territory and maintain investment activity.
Eligibility:
Investment of AUD 2.5 million in a complying investment fund.
At least 3 years of experience managing investments or business.
Must hold AUD 2.5 million in assets for transfer to Australia.
Benefits:
Gain residence while maintaining an investment.
Pathway to Subclass 888 Investor Visa for permanent residency.
3. Significant Investor Stream
For high-net-worth individuals willing to invest at least AUD 5 million in complying investments.
Eligibility:
Invest AUD 5 million in complying significant investments (VC funds, managed funds, etc.).
No age limit or points test.
Can be nominated by a state or territory government or Austrade.
Benefits:
Fast-tracked pathway to PR.
Flexibility in business activities and residency.
4. Entrepreneur Stream
For innovative entrepreneurs with a business idea backed by funding from an approved entity in Australia.
Eligibility:
A funding agreement of at least AUD 200,000.
Nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
Demonstrate a viable business plan and innovation potential.
Benefits:
Build and commercialize an innovative idea in Australia.
Eligible for permanent residency via the Subclass 888 Entrepreneur Visa.
5. Significant Investor Extension Stream
For holders of the Subclass 188 Significant Investor Visa who need more time to meet the criteria for permanent residency.
Eligibility:
Must currently hold a Significant Investor (Subclass 188) visa.
Must continue to hold complying investments.
Benefits:
Extend your stay for up to 4 additional years to fulfill PR requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 188 Visa
To qualify for any stream under Subclass 188, you must:
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or Austrade.
Have a successful business or investment history.
Meet the points test requirement (minimum 65 points) for certain streams.
Satisfy health and character requirements.
Demonstrate genuine commitment to reside and manage your business in Australia.
Step-by-Step Process for Subclass 188 Visa Application
Check your eligibility and choose the appropriate stream.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Apply for the Subclass 188 visa online within 60 days of invitation.
Move to Australia and start your business or investment activity.
Apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa after fulfilling requirements.
Why Choose World Overseas Services
At World Overseas Services, we specialize in Australia Business and Investor Migration and have successfully assisted numerous entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners in achieving their migration goals.
Our services include:
Personalized business migration assessment.
Assistance with EOI preparation and nomination filing.
Guidance on investment and business structure compliance.
Step-by-step support through Subclass 188 to Subclass 888 transition.
With years of expertise and strong success rates, we make your Australian business migration journey smooth and strategic.
FAQs – Business Innovation & Investment (Subclass 188) Visa
Q1: What is the Subclass 188 visa?
It’s a provisional visa that allows business owners and investors to live and operate businesses in Australia temporarily, leading to permanent residency.
Q2: Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes, offshore applications are accepted for all streams.
Q3: Is English required for this visa?
Yes, you must meet at least functional English standards or pay a second visa application charge.
Q4: Can I include my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application.
Q5: When can I apply for permanent residency?
You can apply for the Subclass 888 visa after fulfilling the business or investment requirements (usually after 3–5 years).