Australia
Australia, located in the southern hemisphere, comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world’s sixth-largest country by total area and has a diverse population of over 25 million. Australia is known for its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. With its prosperous economy and life quality, Australia is a popular destination for individuals looking to live and work in Australia through a range of visa options.
There are several ways to become a citizen of Australia, including:
- By birth:
- By descent:
- By adoption:
- By conferral:
- By resumption:
There are several ways to become a citizen of Australia, including:
- By birth: If you were born in Australia to at least one parent who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you are eligible for citizenship by birth.
- By descent: If you were born overseas to at least one parent who is an Australian citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
- By adoption: individuals adopted by an Australian citizen are eligible for citizenship.
- By conferral: This is the most common way to become an Australian citizen. To qualify for citizenship by conferral, you must have resided in Australia on a valid visa for at least four years, with at least one year as a permanent resident, and pass other eligibility criteria, such as passing a citizenship test and proving your English language proficiency.
- By resumption: If you were an Australian citizen in the past and gave up your citizenship to become a citizen of another country, you may be able to resume your Australian citizenship.
The Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website provides more information about the requirements and application process for each pathway to citizenship.
Performance Guarantee:
There is no Performance Guarantee program for obtaining citizenship in Australia. The Australian government offers several visa programs for individuals who wish to become permanent residents or citizens. However, there is no guarantee that an applicant will be successful in their application. The process typically involves meeting specific eligibility requirements and undergoing a rigorous application process that can take several months to complete. Upon acquiring citizenship, an individual obtains full rights and privileges, including the right to reside and work permanently.
188 Visa (Provisional):
The Subclass 188 visa is a temporary visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who meet specific investment and business requirements. It has several streams, and each stream has its own eligibility criteria. However, it’s important to note that the program requirements and visa streams may change over time, so it’s always advisable to refer to the official Australian government sources or consult with a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date information. For common eligibility applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), be nominated by a State, Territory or Austrade, and be invited to apply for the visa by the Department of Home Affairs. They must also fulfil the following conditions:
- Own and manage a business in Australia
- Conduct business and investment activity in Australia
- Undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia
Individual Streams
- Business Innovation stream: This stream is suitable for people with business skills to operate a new or existing business in Australia. Eligibility criteria include:
- Under 55
- 65 or more points in points system
- Successful business career
- Establish or participate in qualifying business
- Annual turnover/net value of AUD$750K for two years
- Personal and business net assets AUD$1.25 million
- Functional English or pay additional charge
- Business Innovation Extension stream: This stream is suitable for investors who operate a new or existing business in Australia, bring eligible members of their family with them and apply for a permanent Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) Business Innovation stream if they meet certain requirements. Eligibility criteria include:
- Hold, or in certain cases must have held a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Business Innovation stream for at least three years or
- Hold, or in certain cases must have held a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Business Innovation Extension stream stream and not have held more than one Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Business Innovation Extension stream visa and
- Be nominated by a State or Territory government agency.
Investor stream: This stream is suitable for people who can invest at least AUD$2.5 million in Australian investments that meet certain requirements and maintain business or investment activity in Australia. Eligibility criteria include:
- Under 55
- 65 or more points in points test
- Three years’ experience direct involvement in qualifying business or investment
- Invest and hold AUD$2.5 million (AUD$500K venture capital, AUD$750K managed funds emerging companies, AUD$1.25 million balancing investment managed funds)
- Annual turnover/net value AUD$2.5 million for one year
- Personal and business net assets AUD$2.5 million for two years
- Functional English.
Significant Investor stream: This stream is suitable for people who can invest at least AUD$5 million in Australian investments that meet certain requirements and maintain investment activity in Australia. Eligibility criteria include:
- Invest and hold AUD$5 million (AUD$1 million venture capital, AUD$1.5 million managed funds emerging companies, AUD$2.5 million balancing investment managed funds)
- Functional English
Significant Investor Extension stream: This visa stream lets holders of a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) Significant Investor stream holders extend their stay in Australia for up to 4 more years.
Premium Investor stream: This stream is suitable for people who can invest at least AUD 15 million in complying premium investments in Australia and maintain business and investment activity in Australia. Eligibility criteria include:
- be nominated by Austrade
- be invited to apply for this visa
- invest at least AUD15 million in Australian investments and/or philanthropic contributions that meet certain requirements
- have a genuine intention to hold the investment for the whole period of the visa (except any part of the investment that is a philanthropic contribution)
Entrepreneur stream: This stream is suitable for startup and early-stage entrepreneurs nominated by a State or Territory government agency. Eligibility criteria include:
- Under 55
- Undertake complying entrepreneur activity
- Have sufficient funds
- Competent English
Steps and Timeline for Acquiring Australian Citizenship through Investment:
Australia officially does not offer a citizenship-by-investment program, but foreign individuals can obtain permanent residency through the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). The BIIP offers a range of visa options to individuals interested in investing or starting a business in the country. While the program has several visa subclasses, the most relevant one is the Subclass 188 visa that has seven streams. The processing times for each stream vary and can take anywhere from several months to a few years. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and pass the necessary health and character checks. Once permanent residency is acquired, individuals can apply for citizenship after living in Australia for a certain period and meeting additional requirements, such as passing an English language test and demonstrating a commitment to Australian values.