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Australia flagBusiness / Self-employed / Investor Long-stay Visa

Category: Business · Processing time: 3-9 months (business approval + visa)

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-29Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗

Review due soon

3 min readCommunity feedback: open

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Apply through official authority

Department of Home Affairs

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-06-18.

Apply on official site →

Visa type

Business

Processing time

3-9 months (business approval + visa)

Fees

GovernmentFee: Confirm on official portal

Validity

Confirm on official source

Stay duration

Confirm on official source

Entry type

Confirm single/multiple entry rules

Insurance

Confirm if required

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Overview

Long-stay permit for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and investors who meet capital or job-creation requirements. Path to PR: Yes. Path to citizenship: No.

  • Leads to permanent residency: Yes
  • Requires job offer: No
  • Language required: No
  • Minimum education: Not specified
  • Financial requirement: Applicants must demonstrate minimum investment capital or asset thresholds, clear source-of-funds tracking, and capacity to register a local business.
  • Accommodation proof: No
  • Return ticket: No

Estimated Costs

  • - GovernmentFee: Confirm on official portal
  • - CapitalThreshold: Many countries require minimum investment or assets
  • - BusinessRegistration: Local company registration and tax fees

Required Documents

  • - Detailed business plan matching regulatory standards
  • - Proof of capital and investment funds availability
  • - Source-of-funds tracking documentation
  • - Endorsement or approval letter from an authorized body (where required)
  • - Valid passport and biometric records
  • - Police clearance and medical clearances (where required)
  • - Tax records and financial statements for established businesses

Application Steps

  1. Confirm which specific business or investor visa pathway matches your capital profile.
  2. Secure regional endorsement or state program approval where required by the stream.
  3. Prepare a full business plan alongside certified source-of-funds and asset evidence.
  4. Submit the official application via the Department of Home Affairs portal and pay required government fees.
  5. Complete biometrics collection and provide requested health or character checks.
  6. Attend an interview if requested by the department during file vetting.
  7. Upon visa approval, register your enterprise locally and fulfill ongoing reporting and investment conditions.

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Department of Home Affairs →

Travel Insurance Requirement

  • Mandatory: Confirm with official source
  • Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
  • Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
  • Approved providers: [, "Use providers accepted by the official authority", ]

Embassy, Consulate & Appointments

  • - Embassy, consulate, regional jurisdiction, and appointment scheduling rules vary dynamically depending on your physical location.
  • - Always double-check localized processing tracks directly on the official portal before transferring visa fees.
Open appointment or official portal →

Browse foreign embassies in Australia (MigrantIQ directory) →

Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.

Application checklist

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Benefits & What This Visa Allows

  • - Lawful permission to reside in Australia while directly operating and managing your business enterprise
  • - Allows eligible family members and dependent relatives to accompany you with corresponding visa privileges
  • - Establishes a reliable, milestone-based structural pathway to secure permanent residency on meeting milestones

Trust & safety

Before you pay or submit documents

Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.

Official portal →

Relevant laws

  • Immigration Status and Overstay Rules

    Immigration · Severity: Critical

    Your right to stay in Australia is determined by the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. You should understand that simply having a pending application, job offer, or…

  • Work Authorisation Rules

    Employment · Severity: Critical

    In Australia, work authorisation is important for anyone wishing to engage in employment activities while residing in the country. You should understand that possessing a visa for entry does not automatically grant the…

  • Tax Residency and Income Reporting

    Tax · Severity: High

    In Australia, tax residency is determined by your physical presence and intention to reside in the country. If you live in Australia for more than six months, work locally, or register as a resident, you may be…

Active scam alerts

  • In Australia, some fraudulent agents exploit newcomers by overcharging for essential services such as document translation, notarisation, or obtaining apostilles. This is especially common among visa applicants,…

  • In Australia, a concerning scam involves individuals impersonating airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. They claim that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country, avoid questioning, obtain…

  • In Australia, a growing concern involves fraudsters providing fake university admission letters or scholarship offers to unsuspecting students, parents, and scholarship applicants. These scams often surface through…

  • Scammers are targeting newcomers in Australia by advertising fake rental properties online. They often create listings that appear legitimate, complete with enticing pictures and low rental prices. To attract potential…

Quick Eligibility Check

Use this self-check for Business / Investor Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.

Result: Likely eligible baseline

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Common Rejection Reasons

  • - Incomplete, unverified, or structurally inconsistent documents submitted across business files
  • - Insufficient financial evidence or an inability to clearly verify the legal source of your investment funds
  • - An unconvincing or weak business plan that fails to demonstrate economic utility or local market viability
  • - Missing professional translations, unsigned applications, unconfirmed appointments, or outdated corporate forms

Application Tips

  • - Always reference the official Department of Home Affairs guidelines before funding third-party agents.
  • - Ensure your bank ledgers, business plans, asset valuations, and source declarations are completely aligned.
  • - Secure structural appointments early to stay ahead of processing peaks, and retain full copies of your uploaded file.
  • - Do not utilize unverified consultants who promise guaranteed approvals or request payments to personal bank accounts.

Sources & References

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

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Frequently Asked Questions

India to Australia offers various Business/Investor Visas, such as the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188). Eligibility depends on factors like business turnover and invest

Bangladeshi citizens can apply for Australia's Business / Investor Visa, which requires a business plan and investment funds. Eligibility criteria include age, English proficiency, and busine

Nepalese citizens can apply for an Australia Business / Investor Visa if they meet specific criteria, including investment requirements and business experience. Rules may change, so it's esse

You will usually need: Valid passport, Business plan, Proof of funds, Relevant business experience and Health and character requirements. Visa rules can change. Check official sources or cons

You will usually need: Valid passport, Business plan, Financial capacity, Health and character checks and Meet age and English proficiency criteria. Visa rules can change. Check official sour

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