Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Class EB, Subclass 188)
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) 188 visa allows investors and business owners to establish or manage a business in Australia, or to make a designated investment in the country. It is a temporary visa, generally valid for up to 5 years, and can lead to permanent residency through down the track.
Since 01 July 2021, there are now only 4 streams available in the Subclass 188 visa:
- Business Innovation stream: For candidates with business experience who want to bring their business or to establish a new or existing business in Australia.
- Investor stream: For those who are able to make a designated investment of at least AUD1.5million
- Significant Investor stream: For those who are able to invest at least AUD 5 million. Similar to the investor stream but due to the larger sum of investment, the requirements for the visa are reduced.
- Entrepreneur stream: For individuals sponsored or endorsed by a State or Territory government to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity that is proposed to lead to either the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia or the development of a business in Australia.
Business Innovation Stream (Subclass 188 A)
- Must be under 55
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government
- Score at least 65 points on the points test based on age, English language ability, qualifications, business experience, net personal and business assets, business turnover etc.
- Held a main business with at least 750,000 AUD turnover for 2 out of the last 4 fiscal years. The percentage in the business will define whether or not that business is your ‘main business’.
- You and your partner combined own personal and business assets of at least 1,250,000 AUD at time of invitation
Investor Stream (Subclass 188 B)
The main requirements of this visa are:
- Must be under 55
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government
- Score at least 65 points on the points test based on age, English language ability, qualifications, business experience, net personal and business assets, business turnover etc.
- Make a complying significant investment of AUD 2.5m to your State or Territory Government
- You and your partner combined own personal and business assets of at least 2,500,000 AUD for the last 2 fiscal years
- Managed an eligible investment of at least 2.5m AUD or a qualifying business for at least 1 of the 5 fiscal years
- Demonstrate at least 3 years’ experience of managing qualifying business/eligible investments and had a successful record of doing so.
Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188 C)
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government
- Make a complying significant investment of AUD 5m
- Show lawful acquisition and ownership of at least AUD 5m ready for investment to Australia
- Not have a history of involvement in unacceptable activities
Entrepreneur Stream
The main requirements of this visa are:
- Must be under 55
- Have Competent English
- Be endorsed by a State or Territory government
- Undertaking or proposing to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity, and has a genuine intention to do so in Australia
- Not have a history of involvement in unacceptable activities
Complying entrepreneur activity is defined as an idea which will lead to the commercialization of a product or service or development of an enterprise or business in Australia. This activity must not relate to residential real estate, labour hire or purchase of an existing enterprise or franchise in Australia.
After meeting certain business or investment requirements, you would be eligible to transition into the permanent visa – Subclass 888.
If you are still unsure what is the difference between all the visas, click the icon below to see a comparison of all the streams.
Comparison Chart of Subclass 188 visas:
| Business Innovation Stream | Investor Stream | Significant Investor Stream | Entrepreneur Stream | |
| Age | Under 55 (unless special exemption received) | Under 55 (unless special exemption received) | No Age Requirement | Under 55 (unless special exemption received) |
| English | No English Requirement | No English Requirement | No English Requirement | Competent English Requirement |
| Points Test | 65 | 65 | No points test required | No points test required |
| Other Requirements | Business Turnover above AUD 750,000 for 2 full years in the last 4 Net worth of applicant and spouse above AUD 1,250,000 Have a successful business background | Make a $2.5m AUD complying investment 3 years of management or investment experience Net worth of applicant and spouse above AUD 2.5m | Make a $5m AUD complying investment Lawful acquisition of assets/funds of $5m AUD at disposal | Undertaking or proposing to undertake Complying Entrepreneur Activity in Australia Endorsed by State or Territory Government |
Common Issues When Applying for the 188 Visa in Australia
- Choosing the right stream (Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, or Entrepreneur) to align with your goals and financial position.
- Submitting insufficient or unclear evidence to demonstrate your ownership, management experience or qualifying investments.
Suggested Solutions
The key to success under the BIIP visa lies in a well-chosen stream and clear financial evidence. Each stream requires a different set of eligibility criteria and supporting documentation – a carefully prepared case can make all the difference.
188 Visa FAQs
Your ideal stream depends on your current business interests, level of investment and long-term migration goals.
- The Business Innovation Stream suits business owners who wish to establish or manage a business in Australia.
- The Investor Stream is for those who plan to invest at least AUD 2.5 million in a complying Australian investment.
- The Significant Investor Stream requires AUD 5 million or more in designated investments.
- The Entrepreneur Stream targets individuals with a funded entrepreneurial project in Australia.
You must show at least three years of direct experience in managing a qualifying business or investment.
Depending on your investment type, relevant evidence may include:
- Property investments: documentation showing acquisition strategy, appreciation in value, and management approach.
- Equity or managed fund investments: detailed records of investment decisions, performance over time, and risk management.
- Business ownership: financial statements, share registers and business tax records demonstrating your leadership role and profitability.
Why Choose Brightstone Migration?
Our strengths include:
- Interdisciplinary Expertise – Our Commercial Law, Corporate Advisory, Real Estate, and Tax teams work closely with Brightstone Migration to understand your full investment landscape.
- Proven Experience – We have successfully advised clients with complex investment structures, cross-jurisdictional businesses and multi-layered financial histories.
- Strategic Approach – We design visa strategies that complement your business goals while meeting strict Departmental criteria.