Premium Investor Subclass 188D Visas

188D Premium Investor (PIV) Stream

Update: ​This stream (188D) is closed to new applications

This visa is only available to applicants who are nominated by an AusTrade.

This is a 4-year temporary visa, for people who want to invest at least AUD 15 million into complying investments in Australia. After maintained an investment in Australian for 1 year, the applicant can apply for 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.

General Requirements: Applicants must make an investment of at least AUD 15 million in a “premium investment” prior to grant of the visa. A “premium investment” for the purposes of the Premium Investor Visa includes:

  • Australian securities exchange listed assets
  • Australian government or semi-government bonds or notes
  • Corporate bonds or notes issued by an Australian exchange listed entity (or wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian listed entity) or investment grade rated Australian corporate bonds or notes rated by an AFS licenced debt rating agency
  • Australian proprietary limited companies
  • Real property in Australia excluding residential property
  • Deferred annuities issued by Australian registered life companies
  • State or territory government approved philanthropic contribution
Advantages: ·         No residence requirement

·         Fast-track 12 months pathway to permanent residency

Other 188 Visa eligibility streams:

  • for people who are willing to invest $1.5 million in an Australian State or Territory bonds

  • for people with significant funds who are willing to invest at least $15 million into complying premium investments in Australia.

  • 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.