Find a Business and Investment Visa Agent in Australia

Business and Investment Visa Pathways

The subclass 188 visa closed to new applications on 31 July 2024, so these streams are no longer open to new applicants — Home Affairs continues to process applications lodged before that date. The former pathways were the Business Innovation stream (188A), the Investor stream (188B — a AUD 2.5 million designated investment), and the Significant Investor stream (188C — AUD 5 million in complying investments). Each led to permanent residency through the subclass 888 visa after meeting activity and residency requirements. Anyone considering a new business or investor pathway to Australia should look at the invitation-only National Innovation Visa (858), which replaced Global Talent on 6 December 2024.

Why Business Visas Demand Specialist Agents

Business visa applications involve detailed business plans, financial audits, investment structuring to meet complying investment framework requirements, state nomination applications, and ongoing compliance monitoring. The agents who handle these cases typically have backgrounds in business migration and work alongside accountants, business advisors, and investment managers. The wrong investment structure or an incomplete business plan can result in a refusal that costs far more than the agent's fee.

State Nomination Strategy

Each state has different nomination priorities for business visas. Some prioritise manufacturing, others technology, agriculture, or export-focused businesses. Your agent needs to match your business background and investment plans with the state most likely to nominate you. The wrong state choice can result in a nomination refusal even if you meet the general visa requirements.

The Path to Permanent Residency via 888

The subclass 888 is the permanent stage for business visa holders. After meeting the activity and residency requirements of your 188 visa — minimum turnover, employment of Australian staff, and physical presence obligations — you can apply for permanent residency. These requirements vary by stream and are monitored. An agent helps you plan for 888 eligibility from the moment your 188 is granted.

Costs

The 188 is closed to new applications, so these charges apply to the subclass 888 permanent visa and to 188 applications already in the system. Government charges for business and investment visas range from $6,085 to over $9,000 depending on the stream. Agent fees range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. The total investment — including visa costs, business establishment, and investment requirements — can be significant. Professional guidance at this level is an investment in protecting a much larger financial commitment.

Get Matched with Business Visa Specialists

Tell Migratio whether you're transitioning an existing 188 visa to the 888, or exploring current business and investment options such as the National Innovation Visa. You describe your situation once and compare consultation fees from agents who specialise in business and investment migration. Comparing is free; consults are typically $150–$300 and you pay only if you book.

How much does a business visa agent cost?

There's no official fee schedule — the fee must be fair and reasonable and set out in a written service agreement. Significant Investor stream cases are generally quoted higher given the investment structuring involved.

What is the minimum investment?

The subclass 188 visa closed to new applications on 31 July 2024, so these thresholds no longer apply to new applicants. For applications lodged before the closure, the Investor stream (188B) required a AUD 2.5 million designated investment, and the Significant Investor stream (188C) required AUD 5 million in complying investments. The Business Innovation stream (188A) was assessed on business turnover and net assets rather than a single investment figure.

How long must I live in Australia?

Residency requirements vary by stream. Most require 1 to 2 years of physical presence during the provisional period to qualify for permanent residency.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants with work and study rights.

Do I need a business plan?

For the Business Innovation stream — relevant only to applications lodged before the 31 July 2024 closure — yes. A detailed business plan is a core requirement. Your agent often works with business advisors to prepare this.