The Significant Investor Visa (Sub-class 188, 4 years)
Launched in November 2012, the Significant Investor Stream 188 Visa program has seen around 2,000 high net worth individuals and families from across the world obtain residency in Australia, and mostly in Victoria. As of 2019, the majority of applicants hail from China, however the program is also increasingly popular among South Africans, Malaysians and Hong Kong nationals.
The program seeks to attract foreign investment in the business innovation sector. Applicants must meet a list of stringent requirements, including being nominated by the Australian Trade (AUSTRADE) Commission, or an Australian State or territory government.
A minimum capital investment of AUD $5 million must be made into an approved investment over a period of 4 years, and investors must spend a minimum of 40 days per year in-country throughout their residency. Alternatively, their spouse must reside in-country of a minimum of 180 days a year.
English proficiency is a requirement, however no country quotas are enforced, and no investment is required up until pre-approval is received.
The visa is issued for a period of 4 years, and serves as the first step towards permanent investment immigration to Australia. After 4 years, applicants can apply to extend their temporary residency to 8 years.
Investment Options 2019
AUD $5 million: Eligible investment categories include capital invest in private equity funds investing in start-ups and smaller, technology focussed companies, or venture capital directly invested in such enterprises. In addition, investors are required to have an additional AUD $50,000 available to cover relocation and settlement related costs. You will also be expected to maintain your qualifying investment throughout your residency.
The Australian Retirement Investor Visa 405
High net worth individuals older than 55 years can be eligible to apply for the Australian Investor Visa 405. Contact us for more information.
The Premium Investor Visa
Launched in March 2018, the Premium Investor Visa Program (PIV) requires a minimum investment of AUD $15 million, and approval is subject to nomination by AUSTRADE. There are no residency requirements, and investors become eligible to apply for permanent residency after having held the requisite investment for a period of 12 months.
The Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Sub-class 888, permanent)
The Business Innovation and Investment visa allows the holder to conduct business related activities in Australia indefinitely. The program is well suited to the needs of business seeking to relocate their international business interest to Australia, or are seeking to establish a new Australian business venture.
In order to qualify for this visa, you must hold a sub-class 188 visa in the business innovation stream, or a 444 or 457 Visa, in some instances. You must also be able to prove ongoing business activity within Australia, and you must have held the qualifying investment for your Sub-class 188 Significant Investor Visa investment for at least 4 years. A minimum investment of AUD $ 1.5 million is required for a period of 4 years to qualify.
Additional Investor Visa Investment Options
AUD $1.5 million: A minimum of AUD $1.5 million can be invested in approved managed funds that invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
AUD $3 million: A balancing investment in managed funds that invest in Australian Stock Exchange listed companies, Australian notes, annuities corporate bonds or commercial real estate. Direct real estate investments are prohibited under this program, and indirect investment opportunities are extremely limited.
