Investment Visa

1. The subclass 188 Investor visa (‘188b visa’)
2. The subclass 188 Significant Investor visa (‘188c visa’)

Temporary residency (may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after 3 years).

Undertake investment activities in Australia that meet the relevant visa requirements.

188b Visa

1. Points Test

A minimum of 65 points are required. Points are calculated based on:

• Turnover
• Net value assets 
• Age.
• English language ability
• Educational Qualifications 
• IP ownership 
• Receiving government grants or venture capital funding
• Entering into successful joint ventures

2. $2.5M Worth of Investments

For at least 1 of the 5 fiscal years either:

• Operate a business worth at least $2.5M AUD (minimum 10% ownership interest); or
• Own and manage eligible investments worth at least $2.5M AUD.

Eligible investments include shares, cash on deposit, stocks or bonds, real estate (excludes residential), gold or silver bullions, loans to businesses and self-managed superannuation schemes. 

3. Experience

At least 3 years of managing eligible investments or owning businesses. 

4. Business and Personal Assets

Assets with a net value of at least $2.5M AUD. This can include assets held by a spouse or de facto partner. 

5. $2.5M AUD Investment

• Minimum of 20% ($500,000AUD) into venture capital fund
• Minimum of 30% ($750,000AUD) into emerging companies fund
• Remaining 50% ($1.25M AUD) into any eligible managed fund (excludes residential property)

188c Visas 

1. $5M AUD Investment 

• Minimum of 20% ($500,000AUD) into venture capital fund
• Minimum of 30% ($750,000AUD) into emerging companies fund
• Remaining 50% ($1.25M AUD) into any eligible managed fund (excludes residential property)

2. Source of Funds

Includes income, profits, interest, sale of assets, gifts, bequests, inheritances, and windfalls. 

1. Submitting an Expression of Interest (‘EOI’)
2. Submitting a nomination application
3. Submitting a visa application

6-18 months

188b Visa

• $6,085AUD for the main applicant
• $3,045AUD for family members over the age of 18
• $1,520AUD for family members under the age of 18

188c Visa

• $8,925AUD for the main applicant
• $4,465AUD for family members over the age of 18
• $2,235AUD for family members under the age of 18

If an applicant does not have ‘Functional’ English language abilities, they also need to pay: 

• $9,795AUD for the main applicant
• $4,890AUD for family members over the age of 18

• Nomination application fee 
• Translation fees for documents that are not bilingual or solely in English
• English language tests fees (if applicable)
• Professional fees for service providers (i.e lawyers, accountants, business consultants)