Significant Investor stream (188C)
Significant Investor stream (188C)
Our experienced team can assist you with your subclass 188C visa application - from lodging the initial Expression of Interest, to completing the visa application, and everything between.
Eligibility Requirements
Please note that the rules that were in force at the time that you applied for your Significant Investor visa will continue to apply for the duration of your provisional visa, including any Extension stream visas you apply for that relate to that provisional visa.
You must have a genuine and realistic commitment to:
- reside in the state or territory whose government agency nominated you;
- continue your business and investment activity in Australia after the conclusion of your provisional visa; and
- live in Australia for at least 40 days per year (calculated cumulatively) for the duration of your provisional visa, or your spouse to live for at least 180 days per year (calculated cumulatively) for the duration of your provisional visa.
Further, you and/or your partner must have net assets of at least AUD5 million that are legally acquired, unencumbered, and available to be used to make the complying investment in Australia.
You and your partner must not have been involved in unacceptable business or investment activities.
You, and any members of your family unit aged 18 years or over must agree not to bring any action against the Commonwealth for any loss relating to your complying investment.
Income that you earn from your complying investment in Australia is subject to tax under Australian taxation law.
Complying Investments
You must also make a complying investment or a complying significant investment of at least AUD5 million over four years. The investment must be made in the following proportions:
- 20% (AUD1 million) into venture capital and growth private equity funds, which invest in start-ups and small private companies;
- 30% (AUD1.5 million) into approved managed funds investing in emerging companies, listed on the ASX; and
- 50% (AUD2.5 million) as a balancing investment into managed funds that may invest in a range of assets, including but not limited to ASX-listed companies, Australian corporate bonds, annuities, and commercial real estate.
Direct investment in residential real estate, and indirect investment via managed funds, are both strictly prohibited.
Investments must not be used as security or collateral for a loan.
If your application was made before 1 July 2021:
You are still required to make a complying significant investment of at least AUD5 million over four years, however the proportions of the investment are different:
- 10% minimum (AUD500,000) in venture capital and growth private equity funds;
- 30% minimum (AUD1.5 million) in approved managed funds investing in emerging companies; and
- 50% minimum (AUD3 million) as a balancing investment.
If you applied for a Significant Investor visa prior to 1 July 2015, a previous set of requirements will apply to you. Please don't hesitate to contact our office to discuss if this applies to you.
More detailed information about complying significant investments is available at Austrade.