For many, Australia is still the investment country where they can secure a permanent spot at a very high cost. The Significant Investor Visa (SIV), commonly known as the Australia Golden Visa, provides direct residency pathways with a significant financial footprint in the Australian economy. Changes to the visa processes and eligibility become effective by May 2025 and are meant to further entice into making investments globally.
What are the Golden Visas?
The significant investor visa comes under the Business innovation and investment program of Australia (Subclass 188) which has been subdivided in the significant investor category. The visa targets effortless investors and business persons who can invest a minimum of AUD 5 million into complying investments in Australia. After four years, if all is fine, the pathway to permanent residency through subclass 888 is opened.
Eligibility Requirements
May 2025 has seen a slew of financial and personal requirements set for applicants qualifying for the SIV. Chiefly in most cases, the prime condition to be met regarding an investment is set as a minimum AUD 5 million into designated investments. These may include a grouping of venture capital and growth private equity fund as well as emerging companies that are listed into the Australian Stock Exchange and for that matter balanced investments.
In addition, an applicant must be nominated by an Australian state, territory government, or Austrade and demonstrate genuine intention to live in the nominating state or territory. Age and English language proficiency are not applicable, which makes the visa even more attractive to international investors.
Application Process
The application starts with an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system. After nomination by a state or territory, applicants receive an invitation to apply for the visa. The applicants will then lodge the visa application and make their complying investment within a certain timeframe.
The time frame varies per application, with most applications being processed within 12 months. After the granting of the visa, the holders are expected to have at least 40 days spent in Australia, or their spouse should have 180 days spent in Australia to be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
The Golden Visa program of Australia continues to remain a strategic option for investors who want to gain residency, thereby promoting the economy of Australia.