Subclass 188- Significant Investor Stream

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This visa is now closed for new applications. The department will continue to process your application if you have already lodged a valid application. The new National Innovation visa will be available at the end of 2024.

Subclass 188: Significant Investor Stream

The Subclass 188 – Significant Investor Stream is for people who invest at least AUD5 million in Australian investments that meet specific requirements and maintain investment activity in Australia.

This visa: 

  • does not have an age requirement;
  • does not have a points test requirement;
  • No academic qualification requirement;
  • No business management skills or fund management experience requirements;
  • allows you to stay your stay in Australia through the Subclass 188) Significant Investor Extension stream; and
  • allows you to apply for permanent residency through Subclass 888 – Significant Entrepreneur Stream

Subclass 188 - Significant Investor Stream Eligibility

To be eligible for a Subclass 188 - Significant Investor Stream, you must: 

You must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency, before being invited to apply for this visa.

If you were invited to apply on or after 1 July 2021

You must make (on or after the time of application for this visa), a complying significant investment of at least AUD5 million, and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa.

It must be invested in the following proportions:

  • at least AUD1 million in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies
  • at least AUD1.5 million in approved managed funds from emerging companies on the Australian Stock Exchange
  • a ‘balancing investment’ of at least AUD2.5 million in managed funds

You (and your partner) must have had no history of involvement in business/investment activities that is not acceptable in Australia.

You (and family members aged 16 years and over) applying for the visa must meet the Department’s health and character requirements.

All applicants aged 18 or over must either have:

  • at least functional English; or
  • you will be asked to pay the second instalment of the visa application charge. 

You might not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused while you were in Australia.

Steps to apply for a Significant Investor Stream Visa

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    FAQ

    We are happy to answer
    any queries you may have

    What happens if the state or Territory withdraws your nomination after the application process has begun?

    The State or Territory government agency or Austrade that nominates you must not withdraw their nomination after you apply, or you will not be granted the visa.

    Where can the funds be invested?

    The managed funds can invest in a range of assets, including companies listed on the Australian stock exchange, Australian corporate bonds or notes, annuities and commercial real estate.

    What activity is prohibited in this visa?

    Direct investment in residential real estate is prohibited. Indirect investment in residential property through managed funds is strictly limited.

    You must not use investments as security or collateral for a loan.

    How long can I stay in Australia with this visa?

    This is a provisional visa. You can stay in Australia for up to 5 years if you were invited to apply for this visa on or after 1 July 2021.

    If you applied after 1 July 2015 and were invited to apply for this visa before 1 July 2021, you can stay in Australia for up to 4 years and 3 months.

    If you applied before 1 July 2015, you could stay up to 4 years.

    Can I travel with this visa?

    You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid.

    The time you spend outside Australia does not extend the visa.

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