Australia no longer has a dedicated business owner visa. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188, leading to the permanent 888) closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Foreign business owners who want to work in Australia now usually use the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), sponsored by their own Australian company, or the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) if they have an exceptional record. For short business trips, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream applies. You do not need any visa to own or register an Australian company from overseas.
Is there a business visa for Australia? Not a dedicated one any more. The business owner visas (subclass 188 and the permanent 888 that followed it) closed to new applicants on 31 July 2024. Today, a foreign business owner who wants to work in Australia usually holds a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) sponsored by their own Australian company. People with an exceptional international record may qualify for the permanent National Innovation visa (subclass 858). Short business trips use the Business Visitor stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
You do not need any visa to own or register an Australian company. That can all be done from overseas.
This guide is general information, not migration advice. Only a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner can advise on your visa. You can check an agent on the Office of the MARA register. AusBusinessRegister.com.au does not give visa advice.
You do not need a visa to register a company
You do not need to be in Australia, or hold a visa, to register an Australian company. Incorporating a Pty Ltd, getting an ABN and registering for GST can all be done remotely.
A visa only matters if you want to be in Australia to run or work in the business. Many foreign-owned companies keep the owner overseas. They appoint a resident director to meet the Corporations Act rule that a proprietary company has at least one director who ordinarily lives in Australia.
Business visa options at a glance
| Visa | Type | Stay | Key requirement | Visa charge, main applicant (from 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482), Specialist Skills stream | Temporary work | Up to 4 years | Sponsored role paying at least $146,576 a year | $4,015 |
| Skills in Demand (482), Core Skills stream | Temporary work | Up to 4 years | Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List, salary at least $79,423 | $4,015 |
| National Innovation (858) | Permanent | Permanent | Invitation, exceptional international record and a nominator | $6,235 |
| Visitor (600), Business Visitor stream | Visitor | Usually 3 months, up to 12 in some cases | Business visitor activities only, no work | $250 (applying outside Australia) |
| Business Innovation (188) and 888 | Closed | N/A | Closed to new applications on 31 July 2024 | N/A |
Income thresholds and visa charges are the amounts that apply from 1 July 2026. Hong Kong passport holders can stay up to 5 years on a 482. Use the Home Affairs visa pricing estimator for your total cost.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand visa is the main employer-sponsored work visa. It replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024. For most founders, it is the practical way to live and work in Australia.
Streams
| Stream | Income threshold (2026-27) | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Skills | $146,576 a year | Occupations in ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. That includes managers and professionals. Trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers are excluded. |
| Core Skills | $79,423 a year | Occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List |
| Labour Agreement | As set in the agreement | Employers with a labour agreement with the Government |
Main requirements
- A sponsor: an approved business must nominate you for a genuine position.
- Work experience: at least 12 months of full-time work (or the equivalent) in the occupation or a related field in the last 5 years.
- English: you must meet the English language requirement unless an exemption applies.
- Salary: at least the relevant income threshold, and no less than an Australian worker in the same role would earn.
- Health insurance for your stay.
Visa charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $4,015 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $4,015 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | $1,005 |
Your company also pays a sponsorship application fee, a nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Check the current amounts with Home Affairs or your migration agent before you budget.
National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
The National Innovation visa is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. It replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024.
How it works
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Wait for an invitation. You cannot apply without one.
- Lodge the application within 60 days of the invitation, with a nominator on Form 1000. The nominator must have a national reputation in your field.
- If granted, you are a permanent resident from the grant date.
What Home Affairs looks for
- Exceptional achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research.
- Evidence such as international patents, a track record of successful innovative ventures, or leading a company to its IPO.
- Earnings, or an offer, at or above the Fair Work high income threshold ($190,100 from 1 July 2026) in your field.
Priority order
Ministerial Direction No. 120 sets the order in which invitations are issued:
- Global experts with international "top of field" awards.
- Candidates nominated by an expert Australian, state or territory government agency.
- Tier One sectors: critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, and health industries.
- Tier Two sectors: agri-food and AgTech, defence capabilities and space, education, financial services and FinTech, infrastructure and transport, and resources.
This is not a general business owner visa. Most founders will find the 482 more realistic.
Business Visitor visa (subclass 600)
The Business Visitor stream suits short trips to set up or check on your Australian business.
You can
- make general business or employment enquiries
- investigate, negotiate, enter into or review a business contract
- attend a conference, trade fair or seminar, as long as the organisers do not pay you
You cannot
- work for, or provide services to, a business in Australia
- sell goods or services directly to the public
Home Affairs usually grants a 3 month stay, and up to 12 months in some cases. The charge is $250 if you apply outside Australia (from 1 July 2026). Check the Home Affairs visa finder for the right visitor visa for your passport.
Business Innovation visas 188 and 888: closed
The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed permanently to new applications on 31 July 2024. It included the provisional subclass 188 and the Business Talent subclass 132.
The permanent subclass 888 is only open to people who already hold a relevant subclass 188 visa. So it is not an option for a new business owner. There is no direct replacement.
Applicants who withdraw a 188 or 132 application may be able to get a refund of the visa application charge.
How your own company can sponsor you
Many founders get a 482 through their own Australian company. In outline, the steps are:
- Set up the Australian business. Register a Pty Ltd or a branch. No visa is needed. AusBusinessRegister.com.au registers companies from From $900 (+ $636 ASIC fees).
- Become an approved sponsor. The business must be legally established and operating. An overseas business not yet trading in Australia can show it intends to set up here.
- Nominate a genuine position. The role must be real and paid at market rates, at or above the threshold.
- Apply for the visa.
Sponsors take on ongoing obligations, such as keeping records and paying the nominated salary. Whether a founder role meets the "genuine position" test depends on the facts. Get advice from a registered migration agent before you start. A 482 can later lead to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and your agent can confirm the current requirements.
How AusBusinessRegister.com.au can help
We do not give migration advice or lodge visas. We handle the company side that a sponsorship relies on:
- Company registration: incorporate your Pty Ltd, or register a branch
- Resident director: meet the Corporations Act requirement while you are overseas
- ABN and GST registration
- Registered office address for ASIC correspondence
- Employer of record, if you want to hire staff before you set up an entity
Request a quote to discuss your company setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a business visa for Australia?
Not a dedicated one for new applicants. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188 and 132) closed on 31 July 2024. Business owners now usually use the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), the National Innovation visa (subclass 858), or the Business Visitor visa (subclass 600) for short trips.
What is the business owner visa in Australia?
The old business owner pathway was the subclass 188 provisional visa, followed by the permanent subclass 888. Both are closed to new founders: the 188 closed on 31 July 2024, and the 888 is only for existing 188 holders.
Can I register an Australian company without a visa?
Yes. Company registration, ABN and GST registration can all be done from overseas without a visa. You only need a visa to live or work in Australia.
Can my Australian company sponsor me for a visa?
Yes, in principle. Your company can apply to become an approved sponsor and nominate you for a genuine position under the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). The salary must meet the income threshold. A registered migration agent can tell you whether your role qualifies.
How much does a business visa for Australia cost?
From 1 July 2026, the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) charge is $4,015 for the main applicant, the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is $6,235, and the Business Visitor visa (subclass 600) is $250 if you apply outside Australia. Sponsorship and nomination costs are extra for a 482.
Can I attend business meetings in Australia on a visitor visa?
Yes. The Business Visitor stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets you make business enquiries, negotiate contracts and attend conferences. You cannot work for an Australian business or sell to the public on it.
Updated October 2026 from Home Affairs information and the Migration Regulations. Visa rules change often. Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and speak to a registered migration agent before you decide.
This content is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Laws and regulations change often. For advice on your circumstances, speak to a qualified adviser.