It’s a well-known fact that Australia is one of the top countries that provide citizenship by investment. The emerging middle class in India and China have resulted in a dramatic rise in overseas investments over the past 5 years. As the number of investments increases, it won’t take long before the government creates stricter rules and measurements for obtaining permanent residency (PR).

If you are not an Australian resident or citizen but would like to start a business in Australia, this blog is for you! It takes you through the first phase of information you need to know about immigration to Australia through investment.

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Business Investment Australia 

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection issues a number of different Business Visas. Some are suitable for investors, some for existing business owners and others for entrepreneurs.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa Subclass 188

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188) holds multiple investment streams that allow people coming from different backgrounds to apply. It is usually valid for up to 4 years, after which the applicant may apply for a Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888). The 5 steams under this visa are:

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• Business Innovation Stream 
• Investor Stream 
• Significant Investor Stream 
• Premium Investor Stream 
• Entrepreneur Stream

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Before Application

1) Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect Portal 

2) Either wait for a state or territory government to invite you OR contact them directly.

3) Once you receive an invitation, apply for the visa 

Significant Investor Visa 

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The Significant Investor Visa pathway almost guarantees Australian citizenship by investment within months of lodging an application. This visa also allows you to travel in and out of Australia, and bring all your family members and is a guaranteed, unconditional pathway to obtaining PR in Australia. The main applicant along with eligible dependents is given work and study rights in Australia.

Investor Visa for Australia from India and China 

Introduced in 2012, this visa enables foreigners to invest AUD $5 million and above in exchange for PR in Australia. As the funds are dedicated to the development of the country, the government offers unconditional PR within months.

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High-Level Requirements:

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• AUD $500,000 minimum in venture capital funds
• AUD $1.5 million minimum as managed funds to meet the “emerging companies investment” criteria
• The remaining funds to satisfy the “balancing investments criteria”

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Detailed Requirements 

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• The applicant must be under 55 years of age 
• Nomination by a state, territory government or Austrade is compulsory
• Minimum required points: 65
• At least for 1 of the past 5 fiscal years, the applicant must have either managed investments of a minimum of AUD $1.5 million or have a qualifying business with at least 10% ownership interest
• Investment of a minimum of AUD $1.5 million in a state or territory government security is required, with funds from a qualifying business or in eligible investments that must be held for at least 4 years from the date of issue in nominating state or territory
• The applicant must have personal assets worth at least AUD $2,250,000 at least 2 years before the application
• All applicants must meet all health and character requirements
• The applicant must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and high management skills
• The applicant must have a successful record of eligible investment or qualifying business activity
• The applicant must have an interest in continuing business for at least 4 years and 3 months after getting the visa
• The applicant must have the intention to reside in the state/territory of designated investment for a minimum of 2 years
• The applicant must not hold a criminal record 

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Starting a Business in Australia

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In Australia you don’t need to pay to register your business – it is completely free of cost and fully online.

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Here are some things you can do for your business before moving to Australia:

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Choose your business structure

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• Sole trader
• Company
• Partnership
• Trust

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Apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number)

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Applying for an ABN will be an integral part of your shift to Australia. Once you have your 11-digit unique ABN, you can apply for your key business registration as well. 

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Register your business name

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Register a website name

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Register for a tax file number

Your TFN will be of great help to you once you arrive in Australia and being working. Ensure that you register for it beforehand.

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