Subclass 890 Business Owner Visa
Key Highlights
Business Owner (subclass 890) Visa
Business Owner (Subclass 890) visa offers the opportunity to retain ownership and manage a business in Australia, sponsor qualifying family members for permanent residency, and, if eligible, pursue Australian citizenship through application.
This visa offers the benefits of business continuity, family sponsorship, and potential citizenship in Australia.
- Benefits: This visa allows you to own and run a business, sponsor eligible relatives, and apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
- Permanent Stay: You can live, work, study, and access public health care in Australia permanently.
- Family Inclusion: You can include family members in your application, subject to health and character requirements.
- Application Location: You must be in Australia to apply, while your family can be inside or outside the country.
- Responsibilities: You and your family must obey Australian laws, and you should maintain your business activity.
- Travel: The visa allows multiple travels to and from Australia for 5 years. Afterward, a Resident Return Visa is needed.
Eligibility
Hold an Eligible Visa:
- You need to currently possess an eligible visa.
- Eligible visas fall within these subclasses:
- Business Owner (Provisional) visa (subclass 160)
- Senior Executive (Provisional) visa (subclass 161)
- Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 162)
- State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional) visa (subclass 163)
- State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional) visa (subclass 164)
- State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 165)
- Your existing visa should have been granted based on primary criteria satisfaction by you, your partner, or former partner.
Meet Residence Requirement:
- Spend a minimum of 1 year in Australia with an eligible visa in the immediate 2 years before applying.
- Continuous presence is not mandatory.
Ownership and Management of a Business:
- Over the past 2 years before application, maintain ownership in active main businesses in Australia.
- Proof of ownership interest and value is essential.
- Ownership interest value or combined value with a partner should be at least:
- 51% of a business with < AUD 400,000 turnover
- 30% of a business with ≥ AUD 400,000 turnover
- 10% of a publicly listed company
- Direct and continuous management role required, even during absences from Australia.
- Each main business should meet criteria as a qualifying business.
- Provide ABN and Business Activity Statements from the Australian Taxation Office.
- Explain business management during periods of over 6 weeks abroad.
Fulfill Assets and Employees Prerequisites:
- Assets: Show net business assets of ≥ AUD 100,000, lawfully acquired.
- Turnover: Present evidence of ≥ AUD 300,000 annual turnover in main business or combined for 2 main businesses.
- Employees: Document at least 2 full-time employees meeting citizenship/residency criteria.
- Exclude family members and yourself.
Business and Personal Assets:
- Display net business and personal assets in Australia of ≥ AUD 250,000 over the year before applying.
Adhere to Acceptable Business Practices:
- Engage in business activities in line with generally accepted practices in Australia.
Age Criteria:
- No age limit imposed on this visa.
Satisfy Health and Character Conditions:
- Applicants and family members over 16 applying must meet health and character requirements.
- Medical examinations may not be necessary until requested in some cases.
Sign the Australian Values Statement:
- Applicants aged 18 or above need to sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming their commitment to Australian way of life and laws.
Clear Debts to Australian Government:
- Repay any outstanding debts owed to the Australian Government.
No Prior Visa Cancellation or Refusal:
- Previous immigration history, including visa cancellations or refusals, will be considered during assessment.