Business and investor visas

Provisional visas

A provisional visa is a temporary visa that may lead to the granting of a permanent visa if you meet certain conditions. More information about provisional visas is available on the Department of Social Services website.

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

New South Wales nomination for this visa allows you to own and manage a business in NSW, conduct business and investment activity in NSW or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in NSW.

Applications closed

We cannot accept applications for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) at this time. Keep an eye on our website and newsletter for updates.

We cannot provide a timeframe when applications will reopen at this time.

188 – Business Innovation stream

This provisional visa is for people with business skills. It lets you operate a new or existing business in NSW.

188 – Investor stream

This provisional visa requires you to invest at least $2.5 million in designated investments and maintain business or investment activity in NSW.

188 – Significant Investor stream

This provisional visa is for people who invest at least $5 million in designated investments and maintain investment activity in NSW.

188 – Entrepreneur stream

For startup and early stage entrepreneurs to develop their concepts in NSW.

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 Social Services website.

892 – Business Owner visa

This visa is for people who own and manage a business in NSW. It allows you to stay in NSW indefinitely. To apply as a primary applicant, you must have a qualifying visa granted on a particular basis.

893 – Investor visa

This is a permanent resident visa for NSW Sponsored Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 165) holders and who have held a designated investment of $750,000 for 4 years.

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.