188E Entrepreneur stream

The 188E Entrepreneur stream is closed to new applications. The Australian Government closed the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188 and 132 visas) to new applications on 31 July 2024. Applications lodged before that date continue to be processed, and eligible applicants who withdraw may be entitled to a refund. Current 188 holders can still apply for the 888 permanent visa. The information on this page is kept for reference.

Looking for a business or investor visa now? For most people who would have applied for a 188 visa, the best option is the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa, which requires an investment of at least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business and offers a pathway to New Zealand residence in as little as 12 months. See other options below.

Business and investor visa options in 2026

New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa: invest at least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business that you actively manage. You need at least NZD 500,000 for living costs, must be 55 or under, and can include your family. Residence is possible after 3 years, or after 12 months if you invest NZD 2 million or more. If you later become a New Zealand citizen, you can also live and work in Australia.
Active Investor Plus (New Zealand): for investors with NZD 5 million or more.
National Innovation Visa (subclass 858): an invitation-only Australian permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement, including entrepreneurs and investors. The application fee is AUD6,235 from 1 July 2026.
Your own business sponsors you: an Australian business you own can sponsor you on a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, with a later pathway to the 186 permanent visa. The Department looks closely at whether the position is genuine.
Regional skilled visas: the 491 and 494 visas, which lead to the 191 permanent visa. Some states have small business owner pathways under the 491.

Read more in visa options for business owners now that the 188 visa is closed, or book a consultation with our business migration team.

This 188E visa is only available to applicants who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government. To be nominated, the applicant must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and financial backing from a third party. After spending 2 years in Australia and being sponsored by a state or territory government to qualify for a permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

Update:

188E Entrepreneur Stream


General Requirements:	Pre July 2021 critieria: Nomination by a state or territory government Competent English Under 55 Years of age, unless a State or Territory Government nominates you as providing an “exceptional economic benefit” to the state or territory The applicant will need to have an agreement for at least $200,000 in funding from one or more of the following sources: Commonwealth agencies State and territory governments Publicly funded research organisations Investors registered as Venture Capital Limited Partnerships or Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships Once you have the funding from any of the above we can assist with the visa process. We do not assist in finding the funding.
Acceptable Business Activities:	The proposed venture would need to be either: Commercialisation of a product or service in Australia; or Development of an enterprise or business in Australia Certain activities which are not considered sufficiently innovative will be excluded. This are defined by legislative instrument and include: Purchase of an existing business or franchise Real estate activities Labour hire activities
Eligible funding	To apply for the Entrepreneur Visa, the applicant will need to have an agreement for at least $200,000 in funding from one or more of the following sources: Commonwealth agencies State and territory governments Publicly funded research organisations Investors registered as Venture Capital Limited Partnerships or Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships · The funding agreement must involve the transfer of at least 10% of the funds within 12 months of commencing the activity in Australia.

If you were invited to apply on or after 1 July 2021, be endorsed by a recognised body

If you were invited to apply for this visa on or after 1 July 2021, you must be endorsed by your nominating State or Territory government agency to develop your entrepreneurial concepts.

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

To check your eligibility, book here.

Other 188 Visa eligibility streams:

A. Business Innovation –
for business owners seeking to establish business operations in Australia
B. Investor –
for people who are willing to invest $1.5 million in an Australian State or Territory bonds
C. Significant Investor –
for people willing to invest $5 million into complying investments in Australia
D. Premium Investor –
for people with significant funds who are willing to invest at least $15 million into complying premium investments in Australia.
E. Entrepreneur –
for people who have a funding agreement from a third party for at least AUD200 000 to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity

Note that business migration can be extremely complex, and even determining whether you have a good chance of qualifying can be difficult. In addition, you may be able to qualify in a number of different business migration categories.