Immigration experts in Australia and NZ
Ellipse 19
Woman in Australia on 188 investment visa

Business Innovation and Investment Visa 188

The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa is a pathway for high-net-worth individuals who wish to establish or develop a business, invest in Australia, or undertake entrepreneurial activities. This visa is part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program, designed to attract talented entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to contribute to the Australian economy.

You need a nomination from a State or Territory for this Visa, and each state has different requirements.
Ellipse 39 2
Woman in Australia on 188 investment visa
Ellipse 19

Business Innovation and Investment Visa 188

The Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Visa is a pathway for high-net-worth individuals who wish to establish or develop a business, invest in Australia, or undertake entrepreneurial activities. This visa is part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program, designed to attract talented entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to contribute to the Australian economy.

You need a nomination from a State or Territory for this Visa, and each state has different requirements.
Ellipse 39 2

Requirements To Apply For the 188 Visa

To be  eligible for the 188 Visa in Australia, the criteria is:

    • Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or Austrade.
    • Meet the relevant stream-specific requirements, such as minimum net assets, business turnover, investment amount, and business experience.
    • Satisfy health and character requirements.
    • Demonstrate a genuine commitment to the business, investment, or entrepreneurial activities in Australia.
    • Comply with specific visa conditions, including residing in the nominating state or territory.

188 Visa Duration

The Subclass 188 Visa is a temporary visa, generally valid for up to four years. However, it can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 888 Permanent Business Innovation and Investment Visa, provided the visa holder meets the required criteria and maintains their eligible business or investment activities in Australia.

Different Streams Of The 188 Visa

There are different streams of Visa depending on the type of business you are starting or investing in.
Group 165

Business Innovation Stream

If you have business skills and an innovative idea, this is the Visa for you. It is a points-based application, so let Absolute Immigration help you with the documentation to score the right number of points.
You need to meet business turnover and net asset requirements, you must have a successful business history and be under the age of 55.

Group 165

Investor Stream 188B

This stream is for applicants who are willing to make an AUD 1.5MIL investment in an Australian state or territory and maintain that activity in Australia. The requirements are the same as the above, with it being a points-based application, you must be under the age of 55, with a successful business history and the turnover and net asset requirements.

Group 165

Significant & Premium Investor Streams 188C & 188D

Similar to the  188B Investor Visa stream, with a larger dollar figures for investment in Australia.

Group 165

Entrepreneur
Stream

This stream is for applicants who have a funding agreement from a legitimate third party of a minimum of AUD 200 000. They will undertake a complying entrepreneurial activity that is proposed to lead to either the commercialisation of a product or service or the development of a business in Australia.

How we can help you apply for a
Business Innovation and Investment Visa 188

New Project 8

Step 1

Once you reach out to Absolute Immigration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

Group 205
New Project 3

Step 2

From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

New Project 5 1

Step 3

Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Take the first step and schedule a call

Group 93

Schedule a call

You can book a free 10 minute consultation for follow up questions

Group 96

Email us

You can get in touch with the team through our support email.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Business Innovator stream has a base application charge of $6270AUD;
The Premium Investor Stream’s base charge is $9455 AUD;
and the Entrepreneur stream has a base charge of $4240AUD.

The Business Innovator stream has a base application charge of $6270AUD;
The Premium Investor Stream’s base charge is $9455 AUD;
and the Entrepreneur stream has a base charge of $4240AUD.

The Business Innovator stream has a base application charge of $6270AUD; The Premium Investor Stream’s base charge is $9455 AUD; and the Entrepreneur stream has a base charge of $4240AUD.

The Business Innovator stream has a base application charge of $6270AUD;
The Premium Investor Stream’s base charge is $9455 AUD;
and the Entrepreneur stream has a base charge of $4240AUD.

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you don’t miss an update.

Recent articles

Social images lisa 21

Visa processing delays impacting businesses and migrants

Employers and migrants are facing significant delays across a range of Australian visa categories, including the subclass 482 visa, subclass 400 visa, and permanent residence applications.
Australias housing shortage

Beyond immigration: the real drivers of Australia’s housing shortage

The Department of Home Affairs introduced new ImmiAccount functionality for paper-based parent visa applicants, enabling access to key online services to support application management
new online

New online services added to ImmiAccount for paper-based parent visa applicants

The Department of Home Affairs introduced new ImmiAccount functionality for paper-based parent visa applicants, enabling access to key online services to support application management
Record of surge

Looking to hire British nationals? Australia sees surge in working holidaymakers

Australia is experiencing a surge in British Working Holiday visa holders, with a record-breaking 206,187 arrivals in December 2024, an increase of almost 40,000 from the previous year.
Medicare new one

Medicare access granted to the STPP and FMSSP

Medicare access has been extended to individuals supported under the STPP and FMSSP, an important shift with implications for vulnerable migrants in Australia.
10 things to do social

Ten essential things to do before moving to another country

Planning on moving overseas? Here are 10 essential things to do before relocating to help you prepare for a smooth transition.
download

About Sleek

Sleek.com is your one-stop shop for everything back office related, from setting up your company to handling day-to-day accounting, taxes, ASIC/ATO compliance, payroll and more – all on a single platform.

We take a human-first approach, using technology to tackle the boring stuff so you can focus on building your business. Our expert team is always here to give you personalised advice, with in-house tax experts who can handle your big questions.

With a presence in Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, we’ve gained the trust of over 450,000+ modern businesses, and are a team of 500 strong devoted to your success.

Free initial consultation with Sleek experts:

Get your free initial consultation with Sleek experts. Mention ‘Absolute Immigration’ and enjoy a free initial consultation and subsequent discounting.