Investor & Business Visa Migration to Australia
Pathway's experienced migration specialists guide high-net-worth individuals and business owners through Australia's Business Innovation and Investor visa streams — from state nomination to permanent residency.
Business Innovation & Investor Visas
Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) offers two primary pathways for entrepreneurs, established business owners, and high-net-worth investors seeking to migrate to Australia. Pathway Lawyers & Migration Agents specialises in both streams, providing end-to-end guidance from eligibility assessment through to permanent residency.
Business Innovation Visa (Subclass 188A / 888A)
Designed for business owners with an established track record. Requires a successful business background, minimum business turnover, and net business and personal assets. Leads to permanent residence via Subclass 888.
Investor Visa (Subclass 188B / 888B)
For individuals with a net asset history of at least AUD 2.25 million and a genuine intention to invest AUD 1.5 million in a complying state or territory investment. Leads to permanent residence via Subclass 888.
Why Invest & Migrate to Australia?
Australia consistently ranks among the world's most desirable destinations for business migration — combining a stable economy, transparent legal system, and outstanding quality of life.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Both the Business Innovation and Investor streams provide a provisional visa (Subclass 188) that leads directly to permanent residency (Subclass 888) upon meeting ongoing requirements.
Access to a Thriving Economy
Australia offers a high-performing, diversified economy with strong protections for business owners and investors — ranked among the world's easiest countries to do business.
World-Class Lifestyle
From Sydney to Melbourne, Australia provides exceptional schools, healthcare, safety, and infrastructure — making it a premium destination for families and business leaders alike.
Business Opportunities
Gain the right to own, operate, and expand a business in Australia, with access to free trade agreements and a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce.
Family Inclusion
Investor and business visa holders can include their immediate family members in the application, enabling partners and dependent children to live, work, and study in Australia.
Stable Investment Environment
Australia offers transparent property, financial, and business investment markets underpinned by strong rule of law — providing long-term security for significant capital.
Eligibility Requirements
Investor and business visa eligibility is assessed against financial thresholds, business experience, and state or territory nomination requirements. Key criteria differ between the two streams:
Business Innovation Visa (Subclass 188A)
- Net business and personal assets of at least AUD 800,000
- Annual business turnover of at least AUD 500,000 in at least two of the four fiscal years prior to invitation
- Ownership interest in an established business
- Score of at least 65 points on the Business Innovation points test
- Must be under 55 years of age (unless the nominating state or territory waives this)
- Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
Investor Visa (Subclass 188B)
- Net assets of at least AUD 2.25 million (held for at least two fiscal years)
- Genuine intention to invest AUD 1.5 million in a complying investment in the nominating state or territory
- At least three years of eligible investment activity
- Score of at least 65 points on the Investor points test
- Must be under 55 years of age (state waiver may apply)
- Must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
Eligibility criteria are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs. Pathway recommends a professional eligibility assessment before lodging an Expression of Interest.
Required Documents
A thorough, well-organised document pack is essential for a successful investor or business visa application. Pathway's team will guide you through every document requirement specific to your visa stream.
Identity & Personal Documents
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
- National police clearances for all countries of residence (last 10 years)
- Biometrics and health examination results
- Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)
Financial & Business Evidence
- Audited business financial statements (last 4 fiscal years)
- Personal and business net asset statements
- Evidence of business ownership and equity percentage
- Tax returns (personal and business, last 4 years)
- Investment records and portfolio statements (Investor stream)
- Bank statements confirming asset history
State Nomination & Business Documents
- State or territory nomination application evidence
- Business registration and ASIC / company records
- Organisational chart and employee headcount evidence
- Contracts, agreements, and export documentation (if applicable)
- Business plan (for prospective business owners)
- References and industry memberships
Document requirements vary by stream and individual circumstances. Pathway provides a personalised document checklist at your initial consultation.
Your Investor Visa Journey: Step by Step
The investor and business visa process involves multiple government bodies and state nomination authorities. Pathway manages every stage on your behalf — ensuring nothing is missed and your application is positioned for success.
1
Initial Eligibility Assessment
Pathway reviews your business background, financial position, and investment history against both the Business Innovation and Investor stream requirements. We identify the strongest pathway and advise on points score optimisation.
2
Expression of Interest (EOI)
We prepare and lodge your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect — the Australian Government's points-based invitation system. We position your EOI to maximise your invitation ranking.
3
State or Territory Nomination
We identify the most suitable nominating state or territory for your profile, prepare the nomination application, and liaise with the relevant authority through to approval.
4
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once nominated and selected, the Department of Home Affairs issues an Invitation to Apply. You have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge the full visa application.
5
Visa Application Lodgement (Subclass 188)
Pathway compiles and lodges your complete Subclass 188 application — including all financial, identity, and business documentation — ensuring accuracy and compliance with departmental requirements.
6
Provisional Visa Grant
Upon grant of the Subclass 188 provisional visa, you may enter Australia and commence your business or investment activity in line with the visa conditions.
7
Permanent Residency Application (Subclass 888)
After meeting the ongoing business, residency, and investment obligations, Pathway lodges your Subclass 888 permanent residency application — completing your migration journey.
Investor Visa FAQs
Common questions from business owners and investors exploring migration to Australia.
What is the minimum investment required for the Investor Visa (Subclass 188B)?
The Investor Visa (Subclass 188B) requires a designated investment of AUD 1.5 million in a complying state or territory investment. In addition, applicants must demonstrate net assets of at least AUD 2.25 million held over two fiscal years. Investment funds must be lawfully acquired.
Do I need to be nominated by a state or territory?
Yes. Both the Business Innovation and Investor visa streams require nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Pathway works closely with nominating authorities and advises on the best nomination jurisdiction based on your business profile, investment activity, and geographic preferences.
Can I include my family in my investor visa application?
Yes. Your partner (spouse or de facto) and dependent children under 23 can be included as secondary applicants in both the Subclass 188 provisional and Subclass 888 permanent residence applications. Family members will generally have the right to live, work, and study in Australia.
How long does the investor visa process take?
Processing times vary by stream, state nomination authority, and Department of Home Affairs workload. The overall journey — from Expression of Interest through to provisional visa grant — typically takes 12 to 36 months. The subsequent Subclass 888 permanent residency stage requires meeting ongoing obligations over a further period, generally two to four years on the provisional visa.
What happens if my Expression of Interest is not selected?
Expressions of Interest remain in SkillSelect for a period of two years. If your EOI is not selected within that period it will expire, and you may re-submit. Pathway monitors your EOI status and advises on profile strengthening strategies — such as state nomination — to improve your invitation prospects.
Can I apply for the Business Innovation Visa if my business is not in Australia?
Yes. The Subclass 188A Business Innovation Visa is designed for applicants whose business is currently operating outside Australia. The key requirement is demonstrating a genuine and realistic commitment to owning and actively managing a business in Australia after visa grant. Pathway assists in preparing a compelling migration plan as part of your application.
Explore Alternative Pathways
If your circumstances align with additional visa categories, Pathway can assess your eligibility across Australia's full migration program.
Skilled Visa
Australia's skills-based points-tested visa program offers permanent residency pathways for professionals, tradespeople, and specialists across a wide range of occupations. If you hold a qualification or trade skill in demand, the Skilled Visa stream may be your fastest route to permanent residency.
Employment Visa
If you have a confirmed or prospective offer of employment with an Australian sponsor, the Employer-Sponsored visa program may provide an alternative or complementary pathway to permanent residency alongside your business investment journey.
Thank you — we will be in touch shortly to confirm your consultation.
Ready to Explore Your Investment Migration Options?
Pathway Lawyers & Migration Agents offers private consultations for business owners and investors at any stage of their migration planning. Whether you are assessing eligibility, comparing visa streams, or ready to lodge your Expression of Interest — our specialists are ready to guide you.
Consultations are confidential, obligation-free, and conducted by our registered migration agents and legal practitioners.
