Australia Golden Visa 2025 – Application Process

Australia’s Golden Visa, officially known as the Significant Investor Visa (SIV), provides a pathway for high-net-worth individuals to secure residency through substantial investments. This visa is part of Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program (Subclass 188 – Significant Investor stream) and is designed to attract foreign investment and stimulate the Australian economy.

The Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive options for wealthy individuals and their families to obtain Australian residency, with potential pathways to permanent residency and eventually, citizenship.

What Is the Australian Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa allows individuals who invest at least AUD 5 million in complying Australian investments to live in Australia. It initially grants a 4-year provisional visa, which can later be transitioned into permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.

The primary aim is to promote economic growth by encouraging foreign investment in areas such as venture capital, small businesses, and balanced investment portfolios.

Key Features:

• Minimum Investment: AUD 5 million into designated investment streams
• Visa Validity: 4 years and 3 months (provisional)
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Available via Subclass 888 after fulfilling investment and residency requirements
• No Age Limit: No upper age restriction
• No English Language Requirement: Applicants do not need to demonstrate English proficiency
• Family Inclusion: Spouse/partner and dependent children can be included
• Flexible Residency Requirement: Lower physical stay requirements compared to other visas

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Investment Structure:

To meet the AUD 5 million requirement, applicants must allocate their investment across three main categories:

• Venture Capital and Growth Private Equity Funds (at least AUD 1 million)
  – Invested in Australian-managed funds targeting start-ups and early-stage businesses.
• Emerging Companies (at least AUD 1.5 million)
  – Invested through managed funds into small to medium-sized Australian companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
• Balancing Investment (up to AUD 2.5 million)
  – Invested in a diversified portfolio including listed securities, corporate bonds, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the Golden Visa (SIV), you must:

• Invest at least AUD 5 million in complying investments
• Demonstrate that your funds are legally sourced and verifiable
• Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government, or Austrade
• Show a genuine intention to live in Australia
• Meet health and character requirements

Application Process of Australia Golden Visa 2025:

Step 1: Choose an Investment Strategy
Consult with a licensed Australian fund manager or a registered migration agent to ensure compliance with SIV rules.

Step 2: Obtain State/Territory Nomination
Apply for nomination by a state or territory government, or Austrade.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an account on SkillSelect and lodge your Expression of Interest for the Significant Investor stream.

Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply
If nominated and selected, you will receive an invitation to submit your visa application.

Step 5: Submit Visa Application
Within 60 days of receiving your invitation, submit your Subclass 188 visa application, including:

• Proof of the source of funds
• Investment plan
• Identity documents
• Nomination evidence

Step 6: Make the Investment
After visa approval, invest the full AUD 5 million across the required categories before your visa is granted.

Step 7: Visa Grant
Once all conditions are met, your visa will be granted, allowing you and your family to live, work, and study in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 888):

After maintaining your complying investments for at least 4 years, you can apply for the Subclass 888 Significant Investor stream (permanent residency).

Requirements include:

• Continuing to hold compliant investments
• Meeting minimum physical residency (average 40 days/year for the main applicant, or 180 days/year for the spouse)
• No major breaches of visa conditions

Citizenship Pathway:

After obtaining permanent residency, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you meet:

• Residency requirements (living in Australia for at least 4 years)
• Holding permanent residency status for at least 1 year
• Character and English language criteria

Benefits:

• No age or English barriers
• Clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
• Lower physical stay obligations
• Access to Australia’s top education and healthcare systems
• High investment security and portfolio diversification opportunities

Conclusion:

Australia’s Golden Visa (Significant Investor Visa) offers a flexible and attractive pathway for high-net-worth individuals seeking residency in one of the world’s most stable and prosperous countries. With minimal residency requirements, access to excellent healthcare and education, and a clear pathway to citizenship, the SIV remains one of the leading global options for investment migration.

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