Foreign business founders can enter Australia on a Business Innovation visa (subclass 188, requiring $1.25M+ in business/personal assets) or an Investor visa ($2.5M+ complying investment). No visa is required to own or direct an Australian company remotely — only to work in Australia personally.
Business Visas for Foreign Company Founders in Australia
Last Updated: March 2026
By Aus Business Register
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. We recommend engaging a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer for advice specific to your circumstances. Aus Business Register works with experienced immigration partners who can assist with visa applications alongside your company registration.
One of the most common questions from foreign founders is: “What visa do I need to set up and run a company in Australia?” The answer has changed significantly in recent years. Australia closed its dedicated Business Innovation and Investment visa program in July 2024, and there is no longer a single “business visa” designed for entrepreneurs or investors.
However, several practical pathways remain. This guide explains the current visa options available to foreign company directors and founders who want to establish a physical presence in Australia, based on the rules published by the Department of Home Affairs as at March 2026.
The Key Point: You Do Not Need a Visa to Register a Company
Before exploring visa options, it is important to understand that you do not need to be in Australia, or hold an Australian visa, to register an Australian company. The entire company registration process – incorporating a Pty Ltd, obtaining an ABN, registering for GST – can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world.
A visa is only necessary if you intend to be physically present in Australia to manage or work in the business on an ongoing basis. Many foreign-owned Australian companies operate with the owner remaining overseas and a resident director appointed to meet the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.
If you need to visit Australia for short-term business activities – meetings, contract negotiations, attending a conference – a Business Visitor visa may be sufficient.
Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa | Type | Duration | Key Requirement | Permanent Residence Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482) – Specialist Skills | Temporary work | 4 years | Salary of $141,210/yr or above | Yes – via Subclass 186 after 2 years |
| Skills in Demand (482) – Core Skills | Temporary work | 4 years | Salary of $76,515/yr + occupation on CSOL | Yes – via Subclass 186 after 2 years |
| National Innovation (858) | Permanent | Permanent | Exceptional achievement + $183,100 salary capacity | Grants PR directly |
| Business Visitor (600) | Visitor | 3-12 months | No work permitted | No |
| Short Stay Specialist (400) | Temporary | 3-6 months | Specific specialist tasks only | No |
| Business Innovation (188) | CLOSED | N/A | Closed 31 July 2024 | N/A |
Salary thresholds are indexed annually on 1 July. The figures above reflect the 2025-26 financial year.
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. It is the primary work visa for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers – and the most practical option for foreign company founders who want to live and work in Australia.
Three Streams
| Stream | Salary Threshold (2025-26) | Occupation Restriction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist Skills | $141,210/yr (SSIT) | No occupation list – broadly covers executive and management roles | Company founders, CEOs, managing directors |
| Core Skills | $76,515/yr (CSIT) | Must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (456 occupations) | Skilled professionals in listed occupations |
| Labour Agreement | Per agreement | Per agreement | Industry-specific arrangements |
Source: Department of Home Affairs – Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)
Key Features
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- No age limit: Unlike the old TSS visa, the SID visa has no upper age restriction
- Work experience: At least 1 year of full-time relevant experience within the last 5 years
- English language: IELTS 5.0 overall with minimum 5.0 in each band (or equivalent)
- Employer sponsorship required: An Australian business must sponsor the applicant. The business must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) that is lawfully and actively operating
Visa Costs
| Fee Component | Amount (from 1 July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Visa application – main applicant | $3,210 |
| Visa application – additional adult (18+) | $3,210 |
| Visa application – dependent child (under 18) | $805 |
| Nomination fee (per position) | $330 |
| Standard Business Sponsorship application | $420 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy – turnover under $10M | $1,200 per year of visa |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy – turnover $10M+ | $1,800 per year of visa |
Source: Department of Home Affairs – fees are indexed annually. Confirm current fees at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) replaced the Global Talent Visa on 7 December 2024. It is a permanent visa designed for individuals with exceptional and outstanding achievements in target sectors.
How It Works
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs
- If your EOI meets the criteria, you are invited to apply
- Lodge a formal visa application with supporting evidence
- If granted, you receive permanent residence directly – no provisional step
Key Requirements
- Salary capacity: Demonstrate ability to earn at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) – currently $183,100/yr (2025-26)
- Exceptional achievement: Internationally recognised accomplishments such as significant research grants, patents, keynote presentations at major conferences, or innovative business activities with substantial investment
- Invitation only: 4,300 places allocated in 2025-26 with approximately a 9.5% invitation rate
Priority Sectors
Applications are assessed in priority order under Ministerial Direction No. 112:
| Priority | Sector | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Tier One (Higher) | Critical Technologies | AI, quantum computing, cyber security, robotics, advanced manufacturing |
| Tier One | Health Industries | Biotechnology, genomics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices |
| Tier One | Renewables & Low Emission Technologies | Clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen |
| Tier Two | Agri-food & AgTech | Farm management technology, biosecurity, food processing |
| Tier Two | Defence & Space | Sovereign defence capability, space systems |
| Tier Two | Financial Services & FinTech | Financial innovation |
| Tier Two | Infrastructure & Transport | Transport technology, smart infrastructure |
| Tier Two | Resources | Mining technology, critical minerals processing |
Source: Department of Home Affairs – NIV Priorities
This is not a general business visa. The NIV requires genuinely exceptional achievement at an international level. Most foreign company founders will find the SID visa (Subclass 482) more practical.
Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Business Visitor stream of the Visitor visa is suitable for short-term visits related to company setup.
Permitted Activities
- Attending business meetings and negotiations
- Investigating or reviewing a business contract
- Attending a conference, trade fair, or seminar (not as a paid speaker)
- Making general business enquiries
- Signing incorporation documents and meeting with lawyers or accountants
Activities Not Permitted
- Selling goods or services to the public
- Working for or providing services to a business in Australia
- Actively managing day-to-day business operations
The visa can be granted for 3, 6, or 12 months. It is useful for founders who need to visit Australia to sign documents, meet with service providers, and set up operational matters – but cannot be used for ongoing management of the business.
Source: Department of Home Affairs – Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Business Visitor stream
Business Innovation and Investment Visa – Now Closed
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), which included the Subclass 188 (provisional) and Subclass 132 (Business Talent) visas, closed to new applications on 31 July 2024.
This program was the primary dedicated business migration pathway, offering streams for business innovation, investment, significant investment ($5 million+), and entrepreneurs. The Australian Government has not introduced a direct replacement.
Applications lodged before 31 July 2024 continue to be processed. Refunds are available for applicants who voluntarily withdraw.
Source: Department of Home Affairs – BIIP Closure and Refunds
The Self-Sponsorship Pathway
For most foreign company founders, the practical approach to obtaining a work visa is self-sponsorship through their own Australian company. This is how it works:
- Register your Australian company – incorporate a Pty Ltd or register a branch. This does not require a visa and can be done entirely from overseas. Aus Business Register handles this process from $900 + GST.
- Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) – your Australian company applies to become an approved sponsor. Even businesses trading for less than 12 months can qualify with supporting evidence of financial viability.
- Nominate yourself for a genuine position – the company nominates you for a role that genuinely requires your skills (e.g., Managing Director, CEO, Chief Operating Officer).
- Apply for the SID visa – the Specialist Skills stream is most relevant for founders, as it requires no occupation list and covers executive roles broadly. The salary must be at least $141,210/yr.
- Transition to permanent residence – after 2 years of full-time employment, apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) for permanent residence.
Important considerations:
- The position must be genuine – the company must demonstrate a real need for the role
- The salary must reflect market rates and meet the relevant threshold
- The company must be lawfully and actively operating in Australia
- All sponsorship obligations must be met (record-keeping, cooperation with inspectors, notification of changes)
We strongly recommend engaging a registered migration agent for the visa application itself. Aus Business Register can assist with the company registration, ABN, resident director, and registered office components – and introduce you to trusted immigration partners for the visa process.
Pathways to Permanent Residence
Both the SID visa and NIV provide pathways to permanent Australian residence:
| Starting Visa | PR Pathway | Key Requirement | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| SID visa (Subclass 482) | Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – TRT stream | 2 years full-time employment in nominated occupation with your sponsor | 2+ years after SID visa grant |
| National Innovation Visa (858) | Granted directly | N/A – visa is permanent | Immediate |
Note: From 29 November 2025, only experience gained while employed by an approved work sponsor counts toward the 2-year TRT requirement. Source: Subclass 186
Visa Comparison Table
| Feature | SID 482 – Specialist | SID 482 – Core | NIV 858 | Visitor 600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Temporary work | Temporary work | Permanent | Visitor |
| Duration | 4 years | 4 years | Permanent | 3-12 months |
| Salary threshold | $141,210/yr | $76,515/yr | $183,100/yr capacity | None |
| Occupation list | No | Yes (CSOL, 456 occupations) | Target sectors | N/A |
| Age limit | None | None | None | None |
| Employer sponsor needed | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Can work in Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| PR pathway | Subclass 186 (2 years) | Subclass 186 (2 years) | Immediate | No |
| Application cost (approx.) | $3,210 + fees | $3,210 + fees | $4,985 | $195-$415 |
How Aus Business Register Can Help
While Aus Business Register does not provide immigration advice or visa application services, we handle the foundational steps that make visa applications possible:
- Company registration – incorporate your Australian Pty Ltd or register a branch, giving you the legal entity needed for sponsorship
- Resident director services – appoint a qualified resident director to meet the Corporations Act requirement
- ABN and GST registration – obtain your Australian Business Number and register for GST
- Registered office address – provide a compliant Australian address for ASIC correspondence
- Immigration partner referrals – we work with registered migration agents experienced in business migration and can introduce you to a suitable specialist
Many of our clients follow this sequence: register the company with us first, then work with a migration agent on the visa application, using the company registration as the foundation for their sponsorship.
Request a quote to discuss your company setup, or call us on +61 2 8599 9890.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register an Australian company without a visa?
Yes. Company registration, ABN, and GST registration can all be completed remotely without any Australian visa. A visa is only needed if you intend to physically live and work in Australia.
What replaced the Business Innovation visa (Subclass 188)?
There is no direct replacement. The BIIP closed on 31 July 2024. The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is positioned as an alternative for exceptional talent, but it has higher requirements. For most founders, the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) via self-sponsorship is the practical pathway.
Can my Australian company sponsor me for a visa?
Yes. Your Australian company can become an approved Standard Business Sponsor and nominate you for a genuine position. This self-sponsorship pathway is available through the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482). The company must be lawfully operating and the position must be genuine.
How long does the SID visa application take?
Processing times vary. The Specialist Skills stream currently has a median processing time of approximately 39 days. The Core Skills stream is approximately 47 days. These are indicative only and can change.
Do I need a visa to attend business meetings in Australia?
You need a visa to enter Australia, but a Business Visitor visa (Subclass 600) allows you to attend meetings, negotiate contracts, and participate in conferences. You cannot sell goods, provide services, or work in a business on this visa.
This guide was prepared in March 2026 based on information published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Visa rules and thresholds are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and seek advice from a registered migration agent before making visa decisions.