Australia offers multiple pathways for innovative entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in the country. The primary route is the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188E), designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas backed by third-party funding. For exceptional talent with internationally recognized achievements, the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) provides a direct pathway to permanent residence.
Unlike some other countries that offer immediate permanent residence, Australia’s entrepreneur visa operates as a two-stage process: a provisional visa (188E) that leads to permanent residence (888E) after meeting specific business milestones over 2-3 years in Australia.
The Australian startup ecosystem is concentrated in major cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth—which serve as innovation hubs particularly strong in technology, fintech, biotech, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The government actively supports entrepreneurship through various funding programs, R&D tax incentives, and a growing venture capital scene.
Key Program Characteristics:
After holding the 188E visa for at least 3 years and meeting business success requirements, you can apply for the 888E permanent residence visa. Your business success—not just survival—determines your eligibility for PR.
Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in your visa application. Family members receive the same visa rights, including work and study authorization.
The 188E visa grants full work rights in Australia, allowing you to establish and operate your business immediately upon arrival.
Multiple entry visa allowing you to travel in and out of Australia for the visa duration (up to 5 years).
After holding permanent residence for 4 years (with at least 1 year as a permanent resident), you can apply for Australian citizenship. Australia allows dual citizenship.
The program connects you with approved funding sources including Commonwealth and state government agencies, venture capital firms, publicly funded research organizations, and specified higher education providers.
Unlike investor visa streams requiring millions in personal capital, the 188E entrepreneur stream focuses on securing third-party funding rather than your own investment.
Australia ranks highly for startup ecosystems, with particular strengths in fintech (Sydney), biotech (Melbourne), mining technology (Perth), and clean energy. Access to incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces is abundant.
Federal and state governments offer various grants, R&D tax incentives (up to 43.5% refundable tax offset for eligible companies), and export market development grants.
Australia consistently ranks among the world's most livable countries, with excellent healthcare (Medicare), world-class education, and high safety standards.
Gateway to Asia-Pacific markets with significant trade agreements including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and free trade agreements with major economies.
Exception: States or territories can waive this requirement if your proposed entrepreneur activity will provide exceptional economic benefit to that state or territory.
You must have one or more legally enforceable agreements to receive funding totaling at least AUD $200,000 from one or more of the following approved entities:
Your proposed business activity must be a “complying entrepreneur activity”—an innovative idea that will lead to:
Your activity must NOT relate to:
You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. Each state has its own nomination criteria, priority sectors, and application processes.
Since July 2021, you must also be endorsed by your nominating state or territory to develop your entrepreneurial concepts.
Approach eligible funding entities and secure legally binding funding agreements totaling at least AUD $200,000, ensuring your business meets the financial eligibility requirements of the entrepreneur stream.
Submit a formal nomination application to the selected state or territory authority, including your business plan, funding evidence, personal and professional background documents, and proof of English language ability.
If approved, you will receive the Subclass 188E visa and can travel to Australia to establish and operate your business. After meeting operational and residency requirements, you may apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 888E visa.
For a solo founder: AUD $15,000–$35,000 (excluding funding agreement and operating capital)
For a family of four: AUD $25,000–$50,000
The 188E visa allows you to work in Australia, but you must maintain active involvement in your complying entrepreneur activity. Working for another company while neglecting your own business could jeopardize your nomination status.
Australia’s entrepreneur visa pathway offers innovative founders access to a thriving startup ecosystem with strong government support and a clear path to permanent residence. While the two-stage process requires patience and demonstrable business success, the rewards include access to world-class talent, funding opportunities, and one of the world’s highest quality-of-life destinations.
Deep Visa helps immigration lawyers and consultants support their entrepreneur clients through every step of the startup visa process—from developing investment-ready business plans to navigating state nomination requirements.
