Moving Your Business to Australia: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 1 verified route for founders and investors moving a business to Australia. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858)

The NIV replaced both the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) and the Global Talent Visa in December 2024. It consolidates both into one invitation-only, achievement-based pathway. Unlike the BIIP it replaced, the NIV requires no minimum financial investment — eligibility rests entirely on demonstrated exceptional achievement in priority sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, agri-food, or medical science. Successful applicants and their families receive full permanent residency immediately, with no provisional stage.

Who it suits: Exceptional, already-recognized founders, researchers, or specialists — not first-time or early-stage entrepreneurs. Minimum investment: None — merit/achievement-based, not capital-based. What you receive: Permanent residency, immediately, direct — no provisional visa stage. Family: Yes — partner and dependent children receive full PR rights from day one. Path to permanent residence: Yes — direct and immediate.

Worth knowing: This visa is invitation-only. You cannot apply directly: you first need to receive an invitation. It replaced the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), which has closed.

No longer available

Business Talent (Permanent) visa (Subclass 132) (Closed to new applicants, since July 1, 2021). Closed by the Department of Home Affairs. People who already hold the visa remain under monitoring. The National Innovation Visa is now the route for founders.

Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) (Closed to new applicants, since July 31, 2024). Replaced by the National Innovation Visa, which is merit-based and needs no investment.

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.