Visas & Advice Detail
Australian business visa Q&A
Andrew Collier caught up with a registered Australia migration agent to find out more about how those with business acumen can start a new life for themselves Down Under
Jo Grist is a registered Australia migration agent and a British immigrant, who runs Grist International.
Andrew Collier (AC): What business visas are available, and what are the key points of each one?
Jo Grist (JG): There are seven types of business visas currently available that allow you to live in Australia. There is only one that allows permanent residency straight away and that is a Business Talent Visa, which requires you have a highly successful business ownership background (Minimum turnover of AUS$3m) and have an excellent business strategy for your Australian business. Every other visa in the business visa category is a two-stage visa and all require that you have a proven recent history in business ownership, a senior executive role or investments before qualifying. Permanent residency is only granted after you have run a successful business or have met the investment level requirements in Australia.
The main visas are:
Business Owner – You must have owned your own business before you can apply for this visa and be looking to set up a business in Australia.
Senior Executive - You must have a successful business background in an executive role in a high performing company.
Investor – You must have a proven history of investing in eligible investments (residential property management is not classed as an eligible investment, but maybe included in your assets.) and look to hold suitable investments in Australia for a minimum of four years.
For each of these categories there is a standard visa option and also a state-sponsored visa option. The difference between a standard business visa and a state-sponsored visa is that there is an additional stage of obtaining state sponsorship approval from the state or territory you wish to set up your business or make an investment in. The good thing about a state-sponsored visa is that you can apply as long as you are 54 or under, whereas for a standard business visa the maximum age is 44. Also, the criteria is considerably less for a state-sponsored visa both for the provisional visa and the permanent residency visa. For example, the turnover requirements for a Standard Provisional Business Owner visa is currently AUS$500,000 whereas for a State Sponsored Provisional Business Owner visa it is AUS$300,000.
AC: Are business visas a popular option for British migrants, or more of a Plan B for those unable to qualify by another means?
JG: In comparison to skilled visas, this is not a popular option. Firstly, business visas do not usually provide a route to immediate permanent residency, and it can therefore be seen as riskier than other visas as there is a need to either set up a successful business in Australia or make a suitable significant investment for up to four years.
In my experience, business visas are certainly not viewed as a plan B, as only those with a successful business ownership history, required investment level or senior management experience can apply - this rules the majority of people out. One of the main plus points about these visas, though, is that the maximum age you can apply up to is 54 and you don't need to have qualifications such as a degree or trade qualification in order to qualify.
AC: What are the most common businesses that British migrants invest in/set-up in Australia?
JG: I have to say most common and successful business migrants usually set up a business in an area they have had previous experience, but food/drink franchises are also proving very popular as they are a ready-made business, usually with training supplied.
AC: What are your tips for successfully applying for a business visa for Australia?
JG: Firstly, do your research as to how viable it is to start your chosen business in Australia. Many have this idea that they are going to run a bar next to the beach but in reality is it going to give you the return that you are looking for? I would recommend visiting Australia first and actually seeing what it is like from a business owner's point of view, not just as a holidaymaker.
See who your competition would be, is there room for your type of business there? Remember: Not all businesses transfer to the Australian culture. The key when applying for all types of business visas is to get your figures correct. Therefore, make sure that you have your accounts prepared by a qualified accountant and obtain valuations from an authorised valuer not an estate agent.
Also, if you are looking to buy a business in Australia, always get independent advice, do not just go on the word of the broker. For example, get an independent accountant to carry out due diligence on the prospective business. It may cost you some money, but if the business turns out to be a dud then you will have lost a great deal more if you had invest in it without this advice.
Lastly, if you are going to choose a migration agent to assist you make sure that they have a business background or training and experience in business visas. Ideally, they also need to have offices in Australia so they can advise you once you are out in Australia and to assist you with the second stage of the process so you have continuity. They will know your background and not have to start from scratch.
AC: Upon arrival, is there support and guidance available for migrant wishing to start their own business?
JG: Yes. Many of the state/territories offer some wonderful support systems and advice, so I would advise contacting them before you move out there. Also, business associations are available for most types of business in Australia and it is certainly worth being a member. For example, if you were looking to set up a building business then joining say the Master Builders Association or Housing Industry Association is worth its weight in gold, as they can give you specific advice relating to your business sector including advice on the legal requirements, hiring staff and setting up or growing a business.
AC: Do you consider Australia to provide a supportive environment for business owners?
JG: Yes I do. As a business owner myself I have found Australia to be very encouraging and more accepting of the entrepreneur or business owner. Franchising is extremely popular and can cover anything from cleaning companies to major retail outlets. Aussies really do believe that anyone can give it a go and you will find many people in Australia are business owners.
Click for more information about Grist International
The April 2009 issue of Emigrate magazine features the story of Ian Thurston, a Brit who set-up a pub in Queensland
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