Australia

Australia Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Australia is strategically positioned as a trade and investment base for international companies doing business with Asia. The country has enjoyed strong economic growth over the last 25 years.

Australia’s 188 Business Innovation and Investment Program has several streams, each with different requirements: Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor and Entrepreneur streams. Applicants must also fulfill requirements for health, character and public interest. There is also the Global Talent visa (subclass 858) and the Global Talent Independent visa stream.

The program allows investors to develop an existing business or invest in Australia and bring family members to Australia. Applicants must be younger than 55 years old. Australia does not grant the permanent residence on the very first stage of investment for a 188 visa, but permanent residency can be attained at the second stage after meeting certain requirements.

While there is no citizenship-by-investment program, citizenship is attainable after four years of residence in Australia, with at least 12 months as an Australian permanent resident.

Maintaining permanent residence

A permanent visa allows indefinite stay in Australia. However a permanent visa will only allow travel in and out of Australia for a period of five years. After this time, if citizenship has not been attained, it will be necessary to apply for a 155 Resident Return visa in order to travel. Permanent residents must have spent two of the last five years in the country to be granted an RRV with a five year travel facility, or show ties to Australia for the grant of an RRV with a twelve month travel facility.

How To Apply

All Australian business visas require nomination by a State or Territory government. Each State and Territory also have additional requirements. It is best to check with each region for their specific criteria. Some require a higher investment than that required by the legislation for the grant of the visa. The time frame for processing differs based on visa type.

Applicants first submit an expression of interest through the governmental online system called SkillSelect, nominating their State or Territory of choice. The chosen State or Territory then invites the applicant to apply for nomination. If successful they will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for their visa. Processing time is 9 - 24 months. They must prove that their money was earned legitimately.

Mobility

After around 4-years of residence, investors can obtain citizenship, which gets visa-free travel to more than 170 countries.

Country

Australia has a democratic and politically stable government and is a country rich in natural resources and high standards of life, education and healthcare. The economy is the world’s 13th largest and Australia has a business-friendly regulatory environment and a sophisticated financial services sector.

Updated by Lisa De Leon and Uglobal Staff

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