How can I invest in an Australian real estate fund to get the significant investor visa?

For the 188C Visa, applicants can invest a maximum of $1.5 million AUD in approved Managed Funds, which can comprise a range of assets, including commercial real estate. Direct investment in residential real estate is not allowed and indirect investment in residential real estate through the funds is limited. The main requirement is that the Managed Funds must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

There are no Business visas available in the 2023 - 2024 financial year. However it is not possible to invest in real estate alone to qualify for a Significant Investor visa. The complying investment framework requires investments in the following areas in the following portions: 20% into Venture Capital and Growth Private Equity Funds (VCPE), 30% into Emerging Companies, and the remaining 50% into Balancing managed investments. Real estate can make up no more than 10% of the managed investment fund's net assets, and must be invested into Australian real property. Australian real property means land and interests in land in Australia, including leasehold interests. Land includes buildings located on that land. For more detail, contact a registered migration agent for exact guidance in this area in preparation for the next migration program year.

For the financial year 2023-2024, no allocations for subclass 188 visas have been officially made to any State or Territory.  As you must be nominated by a State or Territory government agency, you need to wait for new announcements for the year 2024-2025.

The complying significant investment that is required for the significant investor visa requires the AUD $5 million to be invested as follows: 20% in venture capital / growth private equity funds, 30% in public share funds (emerging companies listed in Australia), and the remaining 50% in a "balancing investment." The balancing investment must be in managed funds which can be invested in real estate, generally commercial real estate. There are no limitations for industry. You should discuss the investment options with a licensed financial investment adviser as you are required to make the investments through a licensed adviser.