Immigration Law

Which Visa do you need to Start and run a business in Australia as a non-resident?

Specific Business Visa

In order to start and run a business in Australia as a non-resident, a specific business visa will be necessary pursuant to Australia’s immigration law [1].

However, a nomination by a state or territory government is required.

How to be nominated:

1️⃣  An expression of interest must be submitted through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect website;

2️⃣  Wait or contact a state or territory government to enquire whether there has been an invite to apply for a visa; and

3️⃣  Apply for this visa only if there has been an invitation.

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)[2]

This type of visa is suitable for non-residents wanting to set up and manage a new or existing business in Australia who have been nominated by a state or territory government agency to apply for the visa.

Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132)[3]

This type of visa is suitable for non-residents who have the required funding or assets and have been nominated by a state or territory government agency to apply for the visa.

Footnotes:

[1] ‘Start a business as a non-citizen’, Business.gov.au (Web Page, As at 24 June 2020);

[2] ‘Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa’, Immigration and citizenship (Web Page);

[3] ‘Business Talent (Permanent) Visa’, Immigration and citizenship (Web Page).

Credits:

The above summary of Australian Business Visa was prepared by Ivy San | Virtual Intern, Blue Ocean Law Group℠.

Important Notice:‍

This FAQ is intended for general interest + information only.

It is not legal advice, nor should it be relied upon or used as such.

We recommend you always consult a lawyer for legal advice specifically tailored to your needs & circumstances.