Australia Business Visa – Types, Eligibility & Requirements

Australia offers short-term business visitor options and long-term pathways for high-calibre innovators. The country provides several business visas for UK entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. There are options whether you want to start a business, invest, or participate in short-term business events.

• Visa choices: Subclass 188 (Provisional) and Subclass 888 (Permanent) visas are examples.
• Investment: You can access Australia's strong economy.
• Permanent residency: Some visas allow you to become a permanent resident.
• Family: Qualified family can come with you.
• Application: Apply online via ImmiAccount.

*Want assistance to apply for the Australia Business Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

What is an Australia Business Visa?

An Australia business visa generally refers to the Visitor (Subclass 600) – Business Visitor stream, which permits short trips for bona fide business activities. You can attend meetings, negotiate or sign contracts, and take part in conferences or trade fairs as a business visitor, but paid work is not allowed.

Stays are temporary and typically up to three months per visit, with the exact period and conditions set out in your visa grant. For longer-term, innovation-focused pathways, Australia now uses the invitation-based National Innovation visa (Subclass 858), while the former BIIP is closed to new applications.

Benefits of the Australia Business Visa

The benefits of an Australian Business Visa  are given below.

• Economy: Chance to be part of a stable global financial setup.
• Global Connections: Access to business connections and markets around the globe.
• Life Quality: Enjoy good living conditions and a diverse culture.
• Education: Access to great schools for family members.
• Healthcare: Ability to join Australia's healthcare system if certain needs are satisfied.
• Pathway for Australia PR or permanent residency.

Types of Australia Business Visas

Australia offers various types of Business visas. The popular Australian Business Visa are given below.

• Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188
• Business Innovation Stream
• Investor Stream
• Significant Investor Stream
• Entrepreneur Stream
• Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888
• Business Visitor Visa – Subclass 600 (Business Stream)
• Other Relevant Business-Related Visas
  • Investor Visa – Subclass 891
  • Business Owner Visa – Subclass 890

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) serves as a temporary entry for people who want to own a business or invest in Australia. The intention is for these people to become permanent residents later. This visa is a segment of the larger Business Innovation and Investment Program, which seeks to bring successful business owners and investors into Australia to benefit the economy.

• Business Innovation Stream: Designed for business-minded people aiming to start, grow, and run a business Down Under.
• Investor Stream: Intended for those ready to invest at least AUD 1.5 million in a state or territory and keep up business and investment dealings in Australia.
• Substantial Investor Stream: Created for people prepared to put at least AUD 5 million into agreed-upon investments in Australia.
• Entrepreneur Stream: Geared toward people who have secured at least AUD 200,000 from a third party to carry out an approved business activity.

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888

The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) grants permanent residency to people who have managed a business or invested in Australia while holding the provisional Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa. With this visa, people can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Business Visitor Visa – Subclass 600 (Business Stream)

The Business Visitor stream within the Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets people come to Australia for a short time to do things related to business. This includes going to meetings or conferences, and checking out possible business deals. People with this visa can't do work or sell things while they're in Australia.

Other Relevant Business-Related Visas

This includes:

• Investor Visa (Subclass 891): This is for people who've had a qualifying investment in Australia for at least four years.
• Business Owner Visa (Subclass 890): This one's for owners who've run a business in Australia for a minimum of two years.

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) 

Australia’s National Innovation visa (NIV) is a permanent, invitation-only pathway for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement whose work can deliver clear benefits to Australia. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI); the Department of Home Affairs may then invite selected candidates to apply. The visa targets entrepreneurs, researchers, innovative investors, and leaders in priority fields, including critical technologies, health industries, and renewables/low-emissions, with additional focus areas such as agri-food and AgTech, defence and space, education, financial services, infrastructure and transport, and resources. The NIV now serves as the flagship innovation pathway following the permanent closure of the BIIP to new applications (31 July 2024).

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Business Visa

You must fulfill the below eligibility criteria for an Australian Business: 

• Genuine business purpose only (e.g., meetings, negotiations, conferences/trade fairs) — no paid work permitted.
• Apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia at decision for the Business Visitor (Subclass 600) – Business Visitor stream.
• Intend to stay temporarily and depart before the authorised period; agree to comply with all visa conditions (e.g., no work, study limits).
• Hold a valid passport and provide decision-ready evidence (invitation letters, agendas, contracts, itinerary).
• Show sufficient funds for travel, accommodation, and daily expenses; maintain adequate health insurance if required by your visa conditions.
• Meet health requirements (medical exams if requested).
• Meet character requirements (police clearances if requested).
• Provide biometrics if requested by the Department.
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, or have arranged to repay them.
• Provide accurate and complete information; mismatched or false information can lead to refusal or cancellation.

Document Requirements for an Australian Business Visa

The documents required to apply for the Australian Business Visa are given in the table below.

Category	Documents Required
Identity Documents	Valid passport bio-data page, recent passport-size photographs, national ID or birth certificate
Nomination Documents	Evidence of state/territory or Austrade nomination, Expression of Interest (EOI) record from SkillSelect
Business & Investment Evidence	Proof of business ownership/management role, business financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheets), documents showing business turnover or eligible investments, proof of personal and business assets
Financial Records	Bank statements, audited accounts, valuations of assets (property, shares, businesses), source of funds evidence
English Proficiency	IELTS, PTE, or other approved English language test results (if required)
Health & Character	Medical examination results, police clearance certificates for countries lived in 12+ months in the last 10 years
Supporting Documents	Resume or CV, reference letters from business partners or employers, business plan (for Entrepreneur/Innovation streams)
Translations & Certifications	English translations for non-English documents, certified copies or originals uploaded via ImmiAccount

How to Apply for an Australia Business Visa?

Step 1. Choose your pathway and confirm eligibility.
Decide between a short-term business visit (meetings, negotiations, conferences; no paid work) or a long-term, innovation-focused option that may require an Expression of Interest and invitation. Ensure you meet health, character, and any location-of-application requirements.

Step 2. Prepare decision-ready documents.
Gather your passport, evidence of business purpose (invitations, agendas, contracts), proof of funds and travel plans, business/background or achievement portfolio, and certified translations if needed.

Step 3. Lodge your application (or EOI first, if required).
Complete the correct online form for your stream, answer all questions accurately, upload supporting evidence, and pay the visa application charge. Keep your reference number.

Step 4. Complete checks and respond promptly.
Provide biometrics and health examinations if requested, and respond to any additional information requests within the specified timeframe.

Step 5. Receive the decision and comply with conditions.
Review your grant notice for entry window, stay period, and visa conditions (for example, no paid work on visitor visas). Travel with valid documents and follow all conditions throughout your stay.

Visa Fees and Costs

Detailed information about the application costs of Australian Business Visa is given below.

Visa Stream	Primary Applicant Fee (AUD)	Additional Applicant (18+)	Additional Applicant (Under 18)
Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)	$6,270	$3,135	$1,570
Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 888)	$3,310	$1,655	$830
Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 - Business Stream)	$190	NA	NA
Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188)	$9,195	$4,600	$2,295
Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188)	$6,270	$3,135	$1,570

Processing Time for Australia Business Visas

Detailed information about the processing times for Australia Business Visas are given below.

Visa Stream	Estimated Processing Time
Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)	12 – 20 months
Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 888)	9 – 15 months
Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Stream)	2 – 5 weeks
Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188)	14 – 24 months
Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188)	12 – 18 months

Can You Include Family Members?

Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application. This includes your spouse or de facto partner, for whom you'll need to show proof of your relationship. It also includes dependent children, who are under 18, or those over 18 who rely on you financially. Family members must meet certain health and character standards. If they do, they will generally have similar rights as you, like access to education and health care.

Extension, Renewal, or Switching Visas

• Subclass 188 to 888: If you have a Subclass 188 visa, you might be able to obtain the permanent Subclass 888 visa if you meet the requirements.
• Visa Extensions: Some visas can be extended. Make sure to check the details of your specific visa.
• Switching Visas: It is possible to change from one visa to another in some situations. Talk to a migration agent for advice specific to your situation.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis helps UK applicants with Australian business visas. Our services include:

• We offer investment advisory and compliance guidance informed by 20+ years of experience.
• For UK applicants seeking Australian business visas, we deliver one-on-one advice to align your business plans with the right pathway.
• We organize and quality-check your documents so your application is decision-ready.
• We complete application forms with thorough compliance checks to minimize delays.