Business and investor visas

Business and investor visas allow you to operate a business in New South Wales, engage in business and investment ventures, or launch entrepreneurial initiatives within the state.

Female business owner

Provisional visas 

Provisional visas allow you to own and manage a business in NSW, conduct business and investment activity, or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in NSW.

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)—Extension

This provisional visa allows you additional time to meet the criteria for transitioning to permanent residency.

188 – Business Innovation Extension stream

This provisional visa lets holders of a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) in the Business Innovation stream extend their stay in NSW.

188 – Significant Investor Extension stream

This provisional visa lets holders of a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Significant Investor stream holders extend their stay in NSW for up to 4 more years.

Permanent visas

Permanent visas allow the holder to remain in Australia indefinitely. You can find out more about permanent visas and residency status on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)

This permanent visa allows you to continue to live in Australia and undertake business and investment activities if you are currently on a provisional visa.

888 – Business Innovation stream

This visa allows you to continue owning and managing your business in Australia.

888 – Investor stream

This visa allows you to continue your investment and business activity in Australia.

888 – Significant Investor stream

This visa allows you to continue your investment and business activity in Australia.

888 – Entrepreneur stream

This visa allows you to continue your entrepreneurial activity in Australia.

Other visas

405 – Investor Retirement visa (Rollover)

This visa is for self-funded retirees with no dependants who wish to live in NSW during their retirement.

Further information 

For answers to our most commonly asked business and investor visa questions, see our Commonly asked questions about Business and Investor visas page. 

Returning applicants can view our Legacy nomination criteria page for information about applying to NSW if you were first nominated before 1 July 2021.

Contact the NSW Business and Investor migration team for all other enquires. 

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