How to Start a Business in Australia as a Foreigner
If you’re an overseas entrepreneur, two key questions matter: how to structure your business correctly and which visa allows you to run it in Australia.
While non‑residents can set up and own a company, you will need the right visa to manage it on the ground.
Visa4you helps you align your business setup and visa strategy, so your structure, pathway and long‑term plans work together smoothly.
Can a Foreigner Start a Business in Australia?
Yes. As a non‑resident, you can set up and own an Australian company. However, this does not give you the right to live or work in Australia, you’ll still need a suitable visa to manage the business on the ground.
The former Business Innovation and Investment Program (Subclass 188) is now closed, meaning there is no simple “buy a business, get a visa” pathway. Instead, you must either qualify as high‑value talent (e.g. National Innovation Visa) or follow a work‑based or skilled migration route while building your business.
Visa4you helps you identify which of these realistic options fit your profile and align your business plans with the right visa strategy from the start.
Which Visa Can I Use to Run My Business in Australia?
Depending on your situation, entrepreneurs in Australia typically fall under one of these visa pathways:
1.National Innovation Visa (NIV) - For individuals with internationally recognised achievements in fields like innovation, academia or investment.
2.Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482, 186 or 494) - If you take on a genuine skilled role in a company, including your own.
3.Skilled & State-Nominated Visa (Subclass 189, 190 or 491) - Points‑based options based on your professional profile.
4.Partner or Family Visa - Providing work rights, allowing you to start a business.
5. Short-Term Options (Visitor / 400) - For visits, meetings or short assignments only.
Common Pitfalls When Starting a Business in Australia
Some of the most expensive mistakes we see:
- Setting up a company first, only to find you're not eligible for a visa to run it
- Assuming the “Subclass 188 Business Visa” is still available (it’s now closed)
- Using a Visitor Visa while effectively working in the business — a serious compliance risk
- Overlooking local requirements (e.g. resident director or local agent)
- Not factoring in family members when planning your visa and budget
Visa4you helps you avoid these mistakes and plan your next steps in the right order.
Why Choose Visa4you?
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Australia focus – We stay up to date with key migration changes (e.g. BIIP to National Innovation and employer‑sponsored routes)
- Business + Immigration advice – We combine immigration strategy with real business goals
- End-to-end view – From first steps to long‑term PR planning
- Multilingual support – Advice in English, German and Dutch, online or in our offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can usually own shares or be an offshore director without an Australian visa, but if you want to live in Australia and actively run or work in the business, you must hold a visa that permits this (for example, a Skilled, Employer-Sponsored, Partner or National Innovation type visa). Official guidance is clear that non-citizens and non-permanent residents need a visa that allows them to operate a business.
No. The old Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188) is closed to new applications. Business-focused pathways are shifting toward the National Innovation Visa for exceptional talent and innovators, plus standard work and skilled visas.
You can form a company while overseas, but if your goal is to move and
operate
the business from inside Australia, it’s risky to separate the two.
You should assess your visa options first to avoid creating a business structure you cannot practically use.
There’s no fixed minimum investment for “permission” to start a business. Instead, you’ll need enough to cover:
- Company setup and compliance costs
- Early operating expenses and salaries
- Your personal living costs (which also matter for some visas)
Some visas (like innovation or investor routes) may have their own financial thresholds, which we’ll explain during your consultation.
In many visa categories, yes, partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants and get their own work or study rights, depending on the visa. The exact rules depend on whether you’re using a National Innovation, Employer-Sponsored, Skilled or Partner pathway.
Ready to Explore How to Start a Business in Australia?
If you’re serious about building a company in Australia, you need more than just registration, you need a clear plan that combines your business and visa strategy.
Tell us about your business idea, where you’re based and who needs to relocate, and we’ll show you which visa pathways are realistic and what your next steps are.
