Business Innovation & Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188
Launch or Expand Your Business in Australia
The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa is designed for experienced business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to establish or manage a business, or invest in Australia. It provides a temporary stay pathway leading to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.
This visa helps grow the Australian economy while offering high-potential individuals and their families the opportunity to live, work, and invest in Australia.
What Is the Subclass 188 Visa?
This is a provisional visa that allows you to live in Australia while owning and operating a business or making eligible investments. It includes multiple streams tailored to different business and financial backgrounds.
- Business Innovation Stream – For people with successful business careers who want to operate a new or existing business in Australia
- Investor Stream – For those making designated investments of at least AUD 2.5 million in Australian state/territory bonds or managed funds
- Significant Investor Stream – For applicants investing AUD 5 million into complying investments
- Entrepreneur Stream – For individuals with innovative ideas supported by a government agency
Each stream offers unique requirements and benefits but all provide a path to permanent residency via the Subclass 888 visa.
Why Apply for This Visa?
The Subclass 188 Visa gives you the freedom to bring your business or capital to Australia and build a life with your family while working towards permanent residency.
- Live and work in Australia for up to 5 years
- Establish or manage a business, or make eligible investments
- Bring eligible family members
- Access a PR pathway through the Subclass 888 visa
- Benefit from Australia’s strong economy and global trade networks
Who Should Consider It?
This visa suits business-minded individuals and high-net-worth investors who:
- Want to relocate for business or lifestyle reasons
- Have a successful business/investment track record
- Are looking for long-term migration opportunities for their family
- Meet the financial thresholds and investment requirements
Subclass 188 Visa Requirements
Requirements vary by stream, but general conditions include:
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Meet financial thresholds (net assets, turnover, investment)
- Score at least 65 points on the Business Innovation and Investment points test (for applicable streams)
- Have functional English (or pay second VAC)
- Meet health and character requirements
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
- Secure nomination from a state or territory government
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Submit your visa application with documents
- Await processing and outcome
What You’ll Need
- Business/investment documentation
- Asset evidence (bank statements, property deeds, shares, etc.)
- Nomination approval
- Identity and travel documents
- Police clearances and health checks
Health & Character Requirements
- Medical examination through an approved panel physician
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you lived 12+ months
Why Apply with Us?
Our experienced migration team specialises in helping entrepreneurs and investors navigate the complex requirements of the 188 visa.
✅ Tailored strategy to match the right stream to your goals
✅ Full support for EOI, nomination, and visa application
✅ Collaboration with business and legal advisors as needed
✅ PR planning through Subclass 888
DISCLAIMER: This information is general in nature. For current eligibility and stream requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs.
