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.
*Want assistance to apply for the Australia Business Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.
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.
The benefits of an Australian Business Visa are given below.
Australia offers various types of Business visas. The popular Australian Business Visa are given below.
%20(1).webp)
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.
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.
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.
This includes:
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).
You must fulfill the below eligibility criteria for an Australian Business:
.webp)
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 |
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
Y-Axis helps UK applicants with Australian business visas. Our services include:
Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future
Australia Skilled Migration Visa
One of our client Kavitha applied for Au
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Ms. Subhashini got Australia Permanent R
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Our client Varun Mathur gave a good feed
Read More...
Yes, UK residents can apply for an Australia Business Visa if they meet the requirements. A common choice is the Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) visa, which is for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners. Those who want to apply must send an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and get approval from an Australian state or territory. Usually, they need to show business experience, proof of funds, and a good business or investment plan. People in the UK can apply online. If their application is approved, they may be able to get permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.
Australian business visas available to UK entrepreneurs include:
Each visa has its own requirements based on business experience, investment amount, and state backing.
The investment required changes based on the visa type.
| Visa Stream | Minimum Investment Requirement |
| Business Innovation Stream (188A) | AUD 1.25 million in net business and personal assets |
| Investor Stream (188B) | AUD 2.5 million designated investment |
| Significant Investor Stream (188C) | AUD 5 million investment |
| Entrepreneur Stream | AUD 200,000 in third-party funding |
Applicants have to show they legally got the money for investment and can move it to Australia. During the application, more money-related documents are needed.
Yes, several business visa options under Subclass 188 allow a path to permanent residency via the Subclass 888 visa. Eligibility depends on meeting the specific requirements of your initial visa stream, like keeping investments or managing a business. After you meet these requirements for a period, usually two to four years, you can apply for permanent residency. This is an option for UK applicants who satisfy all conditions and want to live permanently in Australia with their family.
Yes. for most Subclass 188 visa types, like the Business Innovation and Investor streams, you'll need a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. After sending in your Expression of Interest (EOI), you'll also need to apply directly to the relevant state or territory. They will look at your business history, what you plan to do, and how it could assist their economy. If they nominate you, the Department of Home Affairs will then ask you to apply for the visa.
Visa processing times differ depending on the specific type of visa. Given below are the typical processing times for Australian Business Visas.
| 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 |
Businesses that want to apply can be in areas like retail, tech, production, services, or franchising. The business needs to help Australia's economy by, for example, creating jobs, increasing exports, or encouraging new ideas. Investments that don't involve active management or real estate projects that are high risk usually don't meet the requirements. The business should be able to succeed financially, and the plan needs to show it can grow. For UK business owners, making sure the business fits with state or local goals can help get a nomination.
For most Subclass 188 visa applications, one must show they have functional English skills. This could include getting a minimum score of 4.5 on the IELTS (or a similar test) in each part, or having a valid UK passport, which usually meets this need. Not meeting the English requirement may mean paying an extra visa fee, which can be as high as AUD 4,890. Presenting valid English test scores can make the visa approval quicker.
An Australia Business Visa allows business owners, investors, and senior executives to enter and stay in Australia for business purposes. The most common options include the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (Subclass 188), which caters to entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners, and the Business Visitor stream of the Subclass 600, designed for short-term business trips. Applicants can include individuals who wish to attend meetings, negotiate contracts, conduct research, manage business investments, or establish new enterprises in Australia. Eligibility depends on financial capacity, business background, and genuine business intentions as assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
The Business Visitor stream of the Subclass 600 visa typically allows short stays of up to 3 months per visit. In some cases, the Department of Home Affairs may grant visas that allow multiple entries over a period of 12 months or more, with each stay capped at three months. This visa is designed for activities such as attending conferences, negotiating business deals, or exploring opportunities—not for long-term stays. The length of stay is determined by the visa grant notice, and travelers are expected to comply with the conditions and depart before the authorized period ends.
No, you cannot work in Australia on a Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). This visa strictly permits business-related activities such as attending meetings, networking, conducting market research, or participating in conferences. Paid employment or providing services to a business or organization in Australia is prohibited. Engaging in work outside the permitted scope could lead to visa cancellation or future visa refusals. If you wish to work or manage a business in Australia, you must apply for the appropriate visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) or a Business Innovation and Investment visa.
The Significant Investor stream of the Business Innovation and Investment visa (Subclass 188) requires applicants to invest a minimum of AUD 5 million into complying significant investments in Australia. This investment must be made in approved areas such as venture capital and growth private equity funds, emerging companies, and balancing investments across eligible managed funds. Applicants must hold this investment while maintaining their visa status. After meeting residence and investment requirements, they may become eligible for the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (Subclass 888), which allows them to settle permanently in Australia.
The National Innovation Visa is a proposed new visa under development by the Australian Government, expected to replace the current Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). It is designed to attract highly skilled entrepreneurs, investors, and talented individuals who can contribute to Australia’s innovation and economic growth. The visa will target individuals in priority sectors such as technology, green energy, and advanced industries. While full details are yet to be announced, the government aims for this visa to simplify entry for global innovators and provide a clear pathway to permanent residency for those contributing significantly to the economy.
The process for applying for an Australian Business Visa depends on the visa subclass. For the Business Innovation and Investment visa (Subclass 188), applicants typically begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. If nominated by a state or territory government, they can then lodge a formal visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. For the Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), applicants apply directly online, providing documentation such as passport details, business purpose, and evidence of funds. In both cases, applicants must meet health, character, and financial requirements before a decision is made.
