Business Migration to Australia
The Australian Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Government welcomes business investors, innovators and entrepreneurs to immigrate to Australia through the business and investor visa stream.
If you are looking to invest and/or establish a business in Australia, it is imperative to decide the correct pathway to set up your business in Australia and ensure a smooth transition towards your residency. At Australia Legal we make sure to analyze your situation, understand which strategy to use – based on current Immigration laws – and apply for the most appropriate visa for you and your family.
There are different types of business visas that all lead to permanent residency in Australia. Permanent residency status gives you access to future citizenship in Australia, healthcare and education for your children.
Why Invest and do business in Australia
Australia is a great place to make business and succeed. The country has shown uninterrupted annual growth for more than 25 years, an achievement unrivaled by any other developed economy. Thanks to its strategic geographic location and ties with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia is the most beneficial country to do business and expand your intentions. It is also one of the safest countries in all the world, the economy is
TYPE OF BUSINESS VISA
BOX 1
Business Visa
- Direct Permanent Residency
This visa is for people with ownership interests in large businesses and for people who have access to venture capital funding of at least AUD 1 million. Before you can apply for this visa, you must be invited by the interested state in Australia.
To apply for the Significant Business History Stream Visa (Immediate Permanent Residency Visa), the visa applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
- Be younger than 55 years of age (age exceptions can apply);
- Have a business with annual turnover of at least AUD 3 million for 2 of the last 4 fiscal years
- Have total net assets in a business valued at least AUD 400,000 or own 10% ownership of the business if it is a publicly listed company
- Have total net assets of at least AUD 1.5 million
BOX 2
- Temporary Business as a pathway to permanent residency
This visa is for people who want to start or buy an existing business in Australia and obtain Permanent Residency for their family. Before you can apply for this visa, you must be invited by the interested state in Australia.
There are different type of streams for this visa:
- Business Innovation – for business owners seeking to establish a business in Australia
- Investor Stream – for people who are willing to invest $1.5 million in an Australian bonds
- Significant Investor – for people willing to invest $5 million into complying investments in Australia
- Premium Investor – for people who are willing to invest at least $15 million into complying premium investments in Australia
BOX 3
- Business Innovation
This visa is for people who are seeking to establish business in Australia and work in the business. This is a 4-year temporary visa that leads to permanent residency.
To apply for this visa, you must own or have owned a business before and be willing to establish a new business or buy an existing business in Australia.
The visa applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
- Be younger than 55 years of age (age exceptions can apply); and
- Have an overall successful career in business
- Must have ownership of a business with turnover of at least AUD 500,000 for at least 2 of the last 4 fiscal years
- Have total net personal and business assets (main applicant and rest of the family) of at least AUD 800,000;
- To qualify for this visa, the applicant must be invited by the interested state. Each state has its own laws and specific requirements.
BOX 4
- Investor Stream
This visa is for people who have managed investments or owned a business. The visa applicant must be willing to invest AUD 1.5 million in Australian State or Territory Government bonds. This is a 4-year temporary visa that leads to permanent residency.
The visa applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
- Be younger than 55 years of age (although age exceptions can apply)
- Have total business and personal net assets valued of at least AUD 2.25 million for the last 2 fiscal years
- Must make an investment of AUD 1.5 million in Australian State or Territory bonds prior to grant of the visa
- Must have 3 years of experience either managing a qualifying business or investments and prove to have high level of management skill. For at least 1 of the last 5 fiscal years, the applicant must have either:
- Managed a business and hold a 10% shareholding; or
- Managed investments of at least AUD 1.5 million
- Eligible investments include: Ownership interests in a business, Cash on deposit, Stocks or bonds, Real estate, Gold or bullion, Loan to a business.
BOX 5
- Significant Investor
This visa is for people who are willing to make an AUD 5 million investment in Australia. This is a 4-year temporary visa that leads to permanent residency.
The visa applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
- There is no age limit for the main visa applicant
- You must make an investment of at least AUD 5 million in a what is considered a “complying investment”.
The investment must be made up of:
- At least $500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies
- At least $1.5 million in approved managed funds investing in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
- A ‘balancing investment’ of up to $3 million in managed funds that may invest in a range of assets, including ASX-listed companies, Australian corporate bonds or notes, annuities and commercial real estate
BOX 5
- Premium Investor
This visa is for people who are willing to make an AUD 15 million investment in Australia. This is a 4-year temporary visa that leads to permanent residency.
The visa applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
- There is no age limit for the main visa applicant
- You must make an investment of at least AUD 15 million in a “premium investment” prior to grant of the visa.
The investment must be made up of:
- Australian securities exchange listed assets
- Australian government or semi-government bonds or notes
- Corporate bonds or notes issued by an Australian exchange listed entity (or wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian listed entity) or investment grade rated Australian corporate bonds or notes rated by an AFS licensed debt rating agency
- Australian proprietary limited companies
- Real property in Australia excluding residential property
- Deferred annuities issued by Australian registered life companies
- State or territory government approved philanthropic contribution
Australia Legal Migration Agents & Lawyers is a specialist immigration consultancy. We provide expert immigration advice and guidance on complex immigration matters.
Specialized Immigration Assistance
At Australia Legal, we provide strategic guidance on all Immigration visa matters. Visa matters can be complex and require an evaluation on a case by case study. Make sure to contact us to understand your eligibility for you to start living in Australia.
