Subclass 888 · Entrepreneur stream
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)(Subclass 888): Entrepreneur stream
Permanent residence for Entrepreneur stream holders with a successful record of entrepreneurial activity in Australia.
About the 888 visa
Permanent residence for business and investor visa holders.
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Join free English classes, if eligible
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
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.
Eligibility
What you need.
You must have held a 188 visa in the Entrepreneur stream for the required continuous period, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.
You need a current nomination from a state or territory government agency.
Your entrepreneurial activities are assessed against key success factors, such as investment raised, patents, employees or turnover. You must meet the required number.
You must have lived in Australia for at least 2 of the 4 years on your 188 visa, unless COVID-19 concessions apply.
Your business must have complied with Australian laws.
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.
Step by step
How the 888 application works.
Before you apply
Check you have held your 188 visa for the required time and meet your stream's business, investment and residence requirements.
Not sure this is the right visa for you? Contact Outlook Immigration and our registered migration agent will confirm the best pathway.
Get your nomination
Obtain a current nomination from your state or territory government agency, or Austrade for some streams.
Gather your documents
Prepare evidence of business ownership, turnover, assets, investments and residence, plus identity documents for family.
Apply online
Lodge your application in ImmiAccount.
After you apply
Respond to requests, including health checks and police certificates.
When you have this visa
You are a permanent resident.
Live, work and study in Australia permanently, with access to Medicare.
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.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 888) Streams
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)(Subclass 888): Entrepreneur stream FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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Holders of a 188 Entrepreneur stream visa with a successful record of entrepreneurial activity in Australia.
Against key success factors such as investment, patents, employees and turnover.
From AUD4,375 for the main applicant.
Ready for Permanent Residence?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent about your business visa.
