New Business Visa for Investors

webster By Mark Webster
Monday, 10 December 2012

The Significant Investor visa was introduced on 24 November 2012. This is a 4-year provisional visa which requires applicants to make a $5 million investment in Australia.

The new visa has been well received and is a great pathway to permanent residence for investors who would otherwise not be eligible for migration to Australia.

Unlike other migration options:

  • There is no upper age limit to qualify for the visa (most skilled visa types require applicants to be under 50 or 55)
  • There is no English language requirement - many visa
  • There is no points test to meet
  • To qualify for permanent residence, applicants only need to spend a limited amount of time in Australia (40 days per year)

    Visa Requirements

    To qualify for a significant investor visa, applicants need to:

  • Be nominated by a state or territory government
  • Be invited through SkillSelect - this is a system whereby applicants first lodge an "Expression of Interest" or EOI.
  • Make an investment of at least AUD 5 million in a "complying investment" Applicants also need to meet health and character requirements.

    Complying Investment

    Applicants must make an investment of at least AUD 5 million into a complying investment to qualify for a significant investor visa.

    Complying investments can include:

  • State/Territory government bonds; or
  • ASIC regulated managed funds making investments in Australian assets; or
  • Direct investment into unlisted Australian companies
  • Purchase of property in Australia would not in itself meet the requirements for a complying investment. However, property could be held through the ASIC regulated managed fund.

    Obtaining Permanent Residence

    After the initial 4-year period, holders can qualify for permanent residence provided:
  • They maintain their investment in Australia for 4 years; and
  • They remain in Australia for at least 160 days in the 4 year period

    If they are unable to meet the requirements for permanent residence by the end of the 4 years, it is possible to apply for a 2-year extension.

    The significant investor visa is a great opportunity for investors to migrate to Australia. Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss making an application.

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