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 nominated visa. 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 visa (188A) is for those interested in owning and managing a new or existing business in Queensland.
- Business Investor visa (188B) is for investors or business owners looking to invest in Queensland Treasury Corporation Bonds.
- Significant Investor visa (188C) is for those interested in making a significant complying investment in Australia.
- Entrepreneur visa (188E) is for those interested who have an innovative business ready to be commercialised.
The Premium Investor visa (subclass 188D) 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 visa (132A) 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.
- 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
These visas are for people aged 55 years or older who wish to live in Queensland during their retirement years.
- (Temporary) visa (subclass 405 and (subclass 405) renewal is for people who are able to make a significant long term financial investment in Queensland. This visa does not lead to permanent residency. It is valid for four years and can be renewed.