Australia Business Visa (Subclass 188) – Full Guide (2026)
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188 allows business owners, investors, and
entrepreneurs to own/manage a business, invest in Australia, and eventually apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
via Subclass 888.
1. Visa Streams Under Subclass 188
Australia offers multiple pathways depending on your business or investment background:
A. Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188A)
For people who want to start, manage, or grow a business in Australia.
Low investment requirement Most popular pathway
B. Investor Stream (Subclass 188B)
For people willing to invest at least AUD 2.5 million into Australian investment funds.
C. Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188C)
Requires AUD 5 million investment in complying investments.
D. Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188E)
For individuals with innovative business ideas backed by an Australian funding agreement (minimum AUD 200k
earlier – currently paused in many states).
2. Eligibility Requirements (General)
For Business Innovation (188A):
You must have:
• Business turnover of AUD 750,000 (approx ₹3.8 Cr) in 2 of the last 4 years
• Net business + personal assets AUD 1.25 million
• Age below 55 (exceptions available for high-value applicants)
• Valid business experience & ownership:
o 51% ownership if turnover < AUD 400,000
o 30% ownership if turnover ≥ AUD 400,000
o 10% if listed company
For Investor (188B):
• Minimum investment AUD 2.5 million
• Net assets AUD 2.5 million
• Experience in managing investments for at least 3 years
For Significant Investor (188C):
• Minimum investment AUD 5 million
• No age limit
• No points test
3. Key Benefits of Subclass 188
Live, work, and run a business in Australia Bring family members Access to world-class education and healthcare Pathway to PR (Subclass 888) Eligible for Australian Citizenship after PR You can buy or start a new business
4. Pathway to PR (Subclass 888)
To apply for PR, you must:
For Business stream (888A):
• Actively run a business for 2+ years
• Meet turnover and asset requirements
• Meet Australian tax obligations
For Investor (888B):
• Maintain investment for 4 years
• Meet residence requirements
For Significant Investor (888C):
• Maintain $5m investment for 4 years
5. Processing Time (2025)
Processing times vary by stream and state nomination:
Visa Stream Processing Time
188A (Business Innovation) 12–22 months
188B (Investor) 18–30 months
188C (Significant Investor) 6–12 months
188E (Entrepreneur) Case by case
6. Cost of Australia Business Visa
Cost Type Amount
Visa Fee (Primary Applicant) AUD 9,450 – 13,860
Secondary Applicant (18+) AUD 4,720
Child AUD 2,360 Cost Type Amount
State Nomination Fee AUD 500 – 1,500 (varies)
7. Documents Required
Business Documents
• GST returns
• Business registration
• Balance sheets & P/L statements
• Bank statements
• Ownership documents
• Turnover evidence
Personal Documents
• Passport
• PCC
• Medical examination
• Net assets proof
• Family documents
State Nomination Documents
• Business Plan
• Commitment to Australian state
• Evidence of business success
8. Application Process
1. Check eligibility
2. Prepare business financial documents
3. Apply for Skill Select Expression of Interest (EOI)
4. Receive State Nomination
5. Submit visa application
6. Provide biometrics, medicals, PCC
7. Receive Visa Grant (Subclass 188)
8. After 3–4 years → Apply for PR (Subclass 888