Australia Residence by Investment

Yes. Australia closed the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) in late 2024, including the Significant Investor Visa (SIV, subclass 188/888) which previously required AUD 5 million in complying investments. The closure reflects the government’s shift toward attracting talent and innovation rather than passive capital. Transitional arrangements may apply to applicants who lodged before the closure date. The Global Talent visa (subclass 858) is now the primary pathway for high-achieving individuals seeking Australian permanent residence.

The Global Talent visa (subclass 858) is a permanent residence visa for individuals who are internationally recognised as outstanding in one of Australia’s 10 priority sectors: Resources, Agri-food and AgTech, Energy, Health Industries, Defence Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Circular Economy, DigiTech, Infrastructure and Tourism, Financial Services and FinTech, and Education. There is no fixed investment amount, but applicants must demonstrate exceptional achievement and the ability to command a salary at or above the Fair Work high-income threshold (currently AUD 167,500).

Under the current framework, there is no fixed investment requirement for the Global Talent visa. The programme focuses on talent, achievement, and economic contribution rather than capital investment. However, applicants must demonstrate that they would be an asset to the Australian community in their nominated priority sector. This typically involves evidence of exceptional professional achievement, international recognition, and the ability to earn a high income in Australia. For investors seeking a capital-based pathway, the options are now extremely limited following the BIIP closure.

Australia has designated 10 priority sectors: Resources, Agri-food and AgTech, Energy, Health Industries, Defence Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Circular Economy, DigiTech, Infrastructure and Tourism, Financial Services and FinTech, and Education. Applicants must demonstrate that their expertise and achievements fall within one of these sectors and that they are internationally recognised as outstanding in their field. The sector list is reviewed periodically and may change. TopNation Global assesses each client’s profile against current sector definitions.

Yes. The Global Talent visa permits the inclusion of the main applicant’s partner (spouse, de facto, or same-sex partner) and dependent children in a single application. Family members receive the same permanent residence status and have full rights to live, work, and study in Australia. Each family member must meet individual health and character requirements. Dependent children are generally defined as those under 23 years of age who are not married or in a de facto relationship.

Global Talent visa applications receive priority processing by the Department of Home Affairs, and many cases are resolved within a matter of months. The timeline from Expression of Interest to visa grant varies depending on the complexity of the case, the quality of evidence provided, and the volume of applications. Some applicants receive their visa within three to six months, while others may experience longer processing. Having comprehensive, well-documented evidence of international recognition at the outset significantly reduces processing times.

Australian citizenship may be obtained after four years of living in Australia, including at least one year as a permanent resident in the most recent two years before applying. Applicants must pass a citizenship test covering Australian values, history, and government, and must demonstrate adequate English language ability. Australia permits dual citizenship for naturalised citizens, so applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality. An Australian passport provides visa-free access to over 185 countries.

The Significant Investor Visa (SIV, subclass 188/888) was part of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) and required AUD 5 million in complying investments including venture capital, managed funds, and balancing investments. The SIV was closed in late 2024 as part of the Australian government’s broader decision to terminate the BIIP. Applicants who lodged valid applications before the closure date may be processed under transitional arrangements. No new SIV applications are being accepted.

Yes. Global Talent visa applicants must be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation that has a national reputation in the same field as the applicant. The nominator must be willing to confirm that the applicant is internationally recognised and would be an asset to Australia. The nomination is a critical component of the application and demonstrates that the applicant’s achievements are recognised within the Australian professional community.

Applicants who lodged valid BIIP applications before the programme closure may be eligible for transitional arrangements allowing their applications to continue to be processed under the previous criteria. The specific terms of transitional arrangements depend on the subclass, the date of lodgement, and the stage of processing at the time of closure. TopNation Global assists existing BIIP applicants in understanding their options and ensuring their applications are managed through to a final outcome.