Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Stream
For innovative thinkers looking to develop and commercialise new ideas in Australia
The Subclass 188E Entrepreneur Stream is a provisional visa under Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program. It is designed for talented entrepreneurs with a compelling and innovative idea who wish to establish a venture in Australia. This visa supports individuals who want to drive high-potential business activity that contributes to the Australian economy.
To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government and have the backing of an approved Australian funding body or entity willing to support their proposed venture. This stream is ideal for those focused on innovative solutions, commercialisation of research, or the development of scalable businesses in sectors such as technology, health, renewable energy, or education.
What You Can Do with This Visa – Subclass 188E (Entrepreneur Stream)
The Subclass 188E visa gives you a unique opportunity to bring your entrepreneurial vision to life in Australia while enjoying a range of benefits:
Live and Work in Australia for up to 5 Years
This visa allows you to reside in Australia and fully participate in the local economy while developing your business idea or venture.
Establish or Join a Startup or Early-Stage Business
You can start a new innovative business or join an existing early-stage enterprise. The focus is on high-potential ideas that offer long-term economic benefit to Australia, especially in sectors like technology, sustainability, or advanced manufacturing.
Bring Eligible Family Members
Your partner and dependent children can accompany you to Australia. They will enjoy full work and study rights for the duration of the visa, allowing your family to settle in and contribute to the community.
Apply for Permanent Residency via Subclass 888
If your business meets key performance benchmarks and you maintain active involvement, you may become eligible for permanent residency through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa – Subclass 888 in the Entrepreneur stream.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Stream
To qualify for a Skilled Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nomination | Must be nominated by a State or Territory government in Australia |
| Age | Must be under 55 years old (waivable if the business activity is of exceptional economic benefit) |
| Business Plan | Must present a viable plan for a qualifying entrepreneurial activity |
| English Language | Must have at least functional English proficiency |
| Health and Character | Must meet Australia’s health and character requirements |
| Business Background | Must not have a history of involvement in unacceptable business activities |
5 Steps to Apply for the Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Stream
The Subclass 188E visa offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish or partner in an innovative business in Australia. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the application process and get started on your entrepreneurial journey.
Prepare Your Entrepreneurial Proposal
Create a detailed business plan for your innovative project that aligns with the requirements for a complying entrepreneurial activity.
Secure State or Territory Nomination
Submit your business proposal to an Australian State or Territory for nomination. This step is necessary to move forward with your application.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect, highlighting your entrepreneurial proposal and nominating the state/territory you are applying through.
Apply for the Visa
Once you receive an invitation to apply, submit your visa application online, including all necessary documents and the visa fee.
Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will process your visa and notify you of the outcome.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | $4,925 |
| Additional Adults | $2,465 |
| Additional Children | $1,235 |
Processing Time
The processing time for the Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Stream visa can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of your application, the complexity of your business proposal, and the time it takes to secure a nomination from a state or territory government. On average, applicants can expect a processing timeframe of 6 to 12 months.
Delays may occur if:
Additional documents or information are requested by the Department of Home Affairs
Health and character checks take longer to process
The nominating state/territory requires extra assessment or clarification
To help speed up the process, ensure your application is complete, accurate, and well-documented at the time of submission.
What Is a Complying Entrepreneurial Activity?
A complying entrepreneurial activity involves a business idea focused on:
Commercialisation of an Innovative Product or Service: Introducing new or improved products, services, or technologies that contribute to economic growth.
Development of an Enterprise or Business Model: Creating a sustainable business plan that fosters long-term growth.
The activity must exclude:
Residential Real Estate: No focus on buying, developing, or selling residential property.
Labour Hire: Cannot be a business providing outsourced labour.
Purchase of Existing Businesses: The focus must be on creating or innovating a new enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need funding from a venture capital firm to apply?
No. Unlike previous requirements, you no longer need to secure funding from a venture capital firm or third party to qualify for the Entrepreneur stream. However, your business proposal must be endorsed by a State or Territory government and demonstrate strong potential for commercialisation and economic benefit to Australia.
Can I apply for permanent residency later?
Yes. The Subclass 188E visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888. To qualify, you must meet criteria related to your business activity in Australia, such as maintaining ongoing involvement, achieving business milestones, and showing a positive economic contribution.
Can my partner work or study in Australia?
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner, as well as eligible children included in your application, will enjoy full rights to live, work, and study in Australia during the validity of your visa. This makes the Subclass 188E an attractive option for families wanting to settle and grow together.
What if I’m over 55 years old?
The age limit for this visa is generally 55 years. However, applicants over 55 may still be eligible if the nominating State or Territory believes your business idea offers exceptional economic benefit to their region. This could include job creation, export potential, or contributions to priority industries.
Ready to Build Your Startup in Australia?
Open Pathways is here to help — from idea to immigration.
We guide you through every step, from shaping your business plan to applying for your visa and settling in Australia’s thriving startup ecosystem.
