Queensland welcomes migrants for business and investment, with a range of business visa options available
Queensland offers a range of business advantages including a stable economy, supportive government and a solid growth forecast. Queensland’s low operating costs, highly skilled workforce, strong and diverse industries, and strategic Asia-Pacific location create an attractive investment destination.
State nominated business and investment visa options
If you wish to migrate to Queensland on a business visa, you must first obtain a State nomination. State migration is managed by the Queensland Government unit Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ). State nominated visas allow you to run a business or invest in Queensland.
Provisional visas
These visas are valid for four years and are a pathway to permanent residency in Queensland.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) is a pathway to permanent residency through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888). The Queensland State government is involved in the nomination process of the following visa streams.
- Business Innovation stream is for those interested in owning and managing a new or existing business in Queensland.
- Investor stream is for investors or business owners looking to invest in Queensland Treasury Corporation Bonds.
- Significant Investor stream is for those interested in making a significant complying investment in Australia.
- Entrepreneur stream is for those interested who have an innovative business ready to be commercialised.
Premium Investor is available at the invitation of the Australian Government only, with potential recipients nominated by Austrade. Visit the Austrade website for more information.
Permanent residency visas
These visas allow migrants to live and work in Queensland permanently.
Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132) allows you to stay in Queensland on a permanent basis and includes the following stream:
- Significant Business history stream is for affluent owners or part owners of a business who want to have a major management role in a new or existing business in Queensland.
- Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream is for people who have sourced venture capital funding from a member of the Australian Investment Council (AIC) for the start-up, product commercialisation or business development of a promising high-value business idea.
Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) allows you to stay in Queensland on a permanent basis for the purpose of managing a business or investment. It is only available to those who have fulfilled the requirements of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188). New Zealanders on a Special Category visa (subclass 444) may also be eligible to apply for this visa.
Business Owner (Permanent) visa (subclass 892) allows you to stay in Queensland on a permanent basis for the purpose of owning and managing a new or existing business. It is only available to those who have fulfilled the requirements of the 160, 163, 164 or 165 visas. The visa allows you to stay on a permanent basis for the purpose of owning and managing a new or existing business.
Investor (Permanent) visa (subclass 893) allows you to stay in Queensland on a permanent basis for the purpose of maintaining business and investment activity in Australia. It is only available to those who have fulfilled the requirements of the Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 165).
Temporary visas
Investor Retirement (Temporary) visa (subclass 405) and (subclass 405) renewals is for people aged 55 years or older, who wish to live in Queensland during their retirement years and who are able to make a significant long term financial investment in Queensland. It is valid for four years and can be renewed.
The Investor Retirement (Temporary) visa (subclass 405) is no longer available for state nomination and is closed to new applicants. For applicants granted their subclass 405 visa from 8 May 2018 onwards, please see below for pathway options.
The Pathway to permanent residence for retirement visa holders announced by Government as part of the 2018-19 Budget commenced on 17 November 2018.
You may be eligible to apply for a pathway to permanent residence if you were granted your subclass 405 visa from 8 May 2018.
Further details, including eligibility requirements, processing times and visa application charges can be found at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/permanent-resident/visa-options/retirement-visa-pathway