Australia Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get residency by investment in Australia?

Australia has several options for residency through its 188 Business Innovation and Investment program: Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Premium Investor and Entrepreneur. Each option has different requirements and do not grant permanent residency immediately but can lead to permanent residency. Qualified foreigners can also get the 132 Business Talent visa, which has two paths: Significant Business History 132A and Venture Capital 132B. The visa grants permanent residency. Some options have age limit of 55.

How much do I have to invest to get residency in Australia?

The requirements for residency by investment are at least 800,000 Australian dollars for the Business Innovation stream, 1.5 million Australian dollars for the Investor stream, 5 million Australian dollars for the Significant Investor stream, 15 million Australian dollars for the Premium Investor stream, 200,000 Australian dollars in venture capital funding for the Entrepreneur stream and at least 1.5 million Australian dollars for the 132 Business Talent visa.

How much do I have to invest to get citizenship in Australia?

There is no direct citizenship by investment program in Australia.

What are the requirements for citizenship by investment in Australia?

There is no direct citizenship by investment program in Australia, but foreigners who live in the country for four years, including a year as an Australian permanent resident, can apply for citizenship.

What are the requirements for residency by investment in Australia?

The requirements depend on the stream within the 188 Business Innovation and Investment program. The Business Innovation 188A visa is for those who want to start a new business or develop an existing one in Australia. They have to invest at least 200,000 Australian dollars into the business and transfer at least 600,000 Australian dollars to Australia, have a successful business career and ownership interest in the company for at least two years prior to pursuing the visa. The visa has a point test.

The Investor 188B visa is for those who invest at least 1.5 million Australian dollars into government state bonds and have at least three years of experience managing investments. The visa has a point test and applicants have to be nominated by local government.

The Significant Investor 188C visa is for those who invest 5 million Australian dollars into approved Australian investment for four years.

The Premium Investor 188D visa is for those who are nominated by Austrade on behalf of the government and invest 15 million Australian dollars into premium investments for a year.

The Entrepreneur stream 188E visa is for those seeking to develop an existing or new business in Australia. They need at least 200,000 Australian dollars in business funding and own at least 30% of the business. This visa has no point test.

The 132 Business Talent visa is for those who have a successful business career and at least 1.5 million Australian dollars to invest. It grants permanent residency, but the government monitors the business to make sure all the requirements continue being met. The Significant Business History 132A visa is for applicants up to 55-years-old. The Venture Capital 132B visa has no age requirement.

All applicants have to prove that their source of money is legitimate and have a clean criminal record, and pass a health and character check.

How long does it take to get residency by investment in Australia?

It takes between nine and 24 months to get residency by investment in Australia. The timing depends on the type of visa an investor chooses.

How many countries can I visit with an Australian passport?

The Australian passport allows visa-free access to 183 destinations.

Do I have to be present in Australia before getting the residency-by-investment application approved?

You do not have to live in Australia full-time, but you must spend a minimum number of days per year before getting permanent residency. A spouse might be able to help meet the requirements under certain visas.

Can I add my spouse and children on my application?

Yes, you can add your spouse and children.

What are the criteria for my children to qualify for residency or citizenship in Australia?
 
Children need to be under the age of 18 or 18 to 23 and be dependent on the main applicant or be over 23 years old and be dependent on the main applicant due to disability. Children need to be single and meet health and character requirements.

Do I have the right to work in Australia after I obtain the residency through this program?

Permanent residency comes with the right to work.

What is the tax situation after obtaining Australian residency or citizenship?
 
If you live in Australia for at least 183 days a year and are a permanent resident, you have to pay taxes on all the income, including from sources abroad. If you are a temporary resident, you might be able to avoid paying taxes on income obtained from sources abroad.

How long do I have to wait before I can sell my investment in Australia?
 
That depends on which visa you have. The 132 Business Talent visa requires keeping and running the business for two years after the visa was granted. The Significant Investor 188C visa requires keeping the investment for four years. The Premium Investor 188D requires keeping the investments for a year.

Will my Australian citizenship expire?

No.

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