Business migration to NSW
IMPORTANT
Applications for NSW nomination for business and investor visas are closed until further notice
NSW has temporarily closed applications for nomination for certain visas under the federal government’s Business Innovation and Investment Program pending the release of additional places by the Department of Home Affairs.
We will advise when applications for NSW nomination are open again.
Go to the How to apply and application forms page for details of visa subclasses currently closed.
Business migration to NSW
New South Wales (NSW) has a dynamic business environment that is truly world class. With our growing economy, the opportunities here are abundant making NSW the top destination in which to launch your future.
NSW has a diverse economy and a stable and low-risk business environment that is supported by world’s best-practice financial and legal systems. Major investments in infrastructure such as roads and public transport are further boosting growth and improving services that support business in our state.
Supporting business migrants
There is no better time to make the move and take advantage of the abundant opportunities available in New South Wales. The NSW Government welcomes business migrants who plan to set up a business or invest in NSW.
To ensure NSW remains a competitive business migration destination, we are continuously improving our business migration program.
These improvements are aligned with the NSW Government’s approach to economic development that focuses on enablers of growth and the state’s priorities.
NSW welcomes entrepreneurs
As Australia’s capital of innovation, Sydney and NSW offer an internationally competitive and compelling location for potential entrepreneur visa applicants. NSW welcomes international entrepreneurs and innovators through this program and offers competitive nomination criteria for this visa.
Visit Visa categories and nomination criteria for more information on our commitment to make Sydney and NSW the preferred destination for business and investor migrants, including potential entrepreneur visa applicants.
Industry engagement program
On Monday 23 May 2016 we launched a new industry engagement program aimed at showcasing Sydney and NSW’s business and investor opportunities. The initiative promotes the business economy, education, healthcare and lifestyle benefits of moving to Australia’s premier state.
An exciting fresh video and print collateral, including a pilot roadshow to China, brings the program to life and demonstrates Sydney and NSW’s appeal to key migration industry stakeholders and business, entrepreneur and investor migrants.
Shorter processing times
From 29 August 2016, we implemented a shorter processing time for the business talent (permanent) visa (subclass 132). We now allocate a relationship officer to your case within 24 business hours of receiving your application. For complete applications, we will advise of an outcome within five (5) business days.
NSW reserves the right to assess the applicant’s genuine and realistic commitment to conduct their proposed business activity in NSW. Processing times will be longer when time is needed to assess this.
Easy-to-use application form
Effective 1 March 2016, applicants seeking NSW nomination for the 188A visa are able to apply with a new easy-to-use application form that replaces the “Business Commitment” document previously required with the NSW nomination application. The new form has straightforward questions that ask the applicant to provide an overview of their proposed business intentions in NSW.
The new form does not remove the requirement for 188A nominees to set up a business in Sydney and/or regional NSW, but removes some of the unnecessary paperwork in the early stages of the application process. Applicants who are granted a visa and migrate to NSW are required to update the NSW Department of Industry of their business activity within 12 months of moving to NSW. Find out more by subscribing to our e-newsletter.
Business Innovation and Investment (BIIP) visa
NSW nominates suitable applicants to apply for a business or investor visa under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). To be eligible for NSW nomination you must meet the NSW nomination criteria and Department of Home Affairs visa criteria.
The Business Innovation and Investment visa program is a two stage process for most applicants.
The Business Innovation and Investment visa has five streams:
- The Business Innovation stream is for people who wish to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia.
- The Investor stream is for people who wish to make a designated investment in an Australian state or territory and want to maintain business and investment activity in Australia after the original investment has matured.
- The Significant Investor stream is for eligible applicants who are willing to invest at least AUD5 million into complying investments in Australia.
- The Premium Investor stream is for eligible applicants who have been nominated by Austrade.
- The Entrepreneur stream is for people who wish to undertake a complying entrepreneurial activity that leads to either the commercialisation of a product or service, or development of a business in Australia.
Business Talent (Permanent) (subclass 132) visa
NSW nominates eligible applicants in the both the Significant Business History (SBH) stream and the Venture Capital Entrepreneur (VCE) stream.
Significant Business History (SBH) stream
The Significant Business History stream is for people with a highly successful business background who plan to be owners or part owners and have a major management role in a NSW business.
Potential applicants for this visa who are considering a business in property development should contact us before preparing an application.
Venture Capital Entrepreneur (VCE) stream
The Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream is for people who have sourced venture capital funding from a member of the Australian Venture Capital Association Limited (AVCAL). The funding must be for the start-up, product commercialisation or business development of a promising high-value business idea which would benefit NSW. An active management role in the business is also required.
Potential applicants for this visa must contact us before submitting an application.
A pre-assessment interview may then be arranged which will usually require an applicant to talk through their business proposal and business background, their relationship with the proposed Venture Capital company and their plans to actively manage the business in NSW.
Application assistance
NSW Department of Industry does not provide a migration assistance service. Applicants seeking migration advice may wish to engage a Migration Agent. Applicants who engage a migration agent should ensure the agent is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Read more about NSW business nomination criteria and how to apply and application forms. Application fees are not refundable
Nomination by NSW
Whilst NSW seeks to adopt a facilitative approach, applicants are responsible for meeting requirements for NSW nomination. Nomination is at the discretion of the NSW Department of Industry.