Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)(Subclass 888): Business Innovation stream

From AUD4,375 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.

Include family members when you apply, or add them before the visa is decided. Family cannot be added after grant.

In or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance. If you are outside Australia at grant, enter by the date on your grant letter.

You need a current nomination from a state or territory government agency.

For the 2 years before you apply, you must have had an ownership interest in up to two main businesses in Australia and been directly involved in managing them.

Your main business or businesses must have an annual turnover of at least AUD300,000.

For the 12 months before you apply, you or your partner must meet at least 2 of the asset and employee criteria, such as net business assets, net personal assets or full-time employees.

You must have lived in Australia for the required period, usually at least 1 of the 2 years before you apply, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.

Your business must have complied with Commonwealth, state and territory laws.

You must have a realistic commitment to continuing your business activities in Australia.

Applicants aged 18 or over need functional English, unless the second instalment of the visa charge was paid for a previous 188 visa.

You and family applying with you must meet the health requirement, those aged 16 or over the character requirement, and those 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.

You and your partner must not have been involved in business or investment activities that are not generally acceptable in Australia.

Government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.

Home Affairs expects you to keep up your business and investment activity in Australia.

Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant, then use a Resident Return visa.

Family members cannot be added after grant, but may be able to apply for their own visas.