The Australia Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188) is a provisional visa designed for successful businesspeople and investors who want to own, manage, or invest in a business or investment activity in Australia. This visa is part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) and serves as a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 888 visa.
Subclass 188 is divided into several streams, each tailored to different types of entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.
Streams under subclass 188
There are currently four main active streams:
To apply, you first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, get nominated by a state or territory government (or Austrade), and wait for an invitation before lodging your visa application.
Business Innovation (188A): For people under 55 (exceptions possible) with proven business success. You need at least 65 points, annual turnover of AUD 500,000 in two of the last four years, and net assets of at least AUD 800,000.
Investor (188B): For experienced investors under 55. Requires 65 points, net assets of AUD 2.25 million, and an investment of at least AUD 2.5 million in approved funds.
Significant Investor (188C): No age limit or points test. Requires a minimum investment of AUD 5 million in complying investments.
Entrepreneur (188E): For those launching innovative businesses in Australia. Requires state nomination and good English (around IELTS 6).
For the Business Innovation and Investor streams, you must reach at least 65 points on the points test, which rewards factors like age, English level, business experience, and innovation (extra points for patents, trademarks, and exports).
A business owner from Singapore with over 10 years of experience in retail operations and net personal assets exceeding AUD $2 million applies under the Business Innovation Stream. After securing a nomination from the Victorian Government, she relocates to Melbourne, opens a new retail outlet, and meets turnover requirements. Within 3 years, she becomes eligible for permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.
No. You must hold the provisional Subclass 188 visa before applying for the permanent Subclass 888 visa
Generally, no. You must apply for a new visa if you want to change streams. Some flexibility exists in how investment is managed, but stream-switching is limited.
Yes. Your spouse/partner and dependent children can be included and will have the same rights to live, work, and study.
Functional English is required for most streams. If you or your family members do not meet this, an extra visa fee (Second VAC) applies.
Typically, after 3–5 years, depending on the stream and whether you meet business/investment activity conditions.
Your visa may be affected if you don’t meet business or investment requirements. The permanent Subclass 888 visa has strict criteria based on performance and activity.