By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the closest visa pathways for launching your startup in Australia, how these options have evolved, where Australia sits among global startup hubs, and the additional supports you can tap to turn your idea into a thriving business.

Existing Pathways for Startup Founders

Australia does not offer a dedicated “Startup Visa,” but several programs serve a similar purpose.

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)

The Entrepreneur stream of subclass 188 allows you to undertake a “complying entrepreneur activity” in Australia if you have either:
– Been nominated by a state or territory government
– Secured funding of at least AUD 200,000 from an approved third party
You must lodge your application within six months of nomination. This stream can lead to permanent residency via the subclass 888 visa once you meet growth and turnover milestones. For detailed eligibility and application requirements, refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ Business Innovation and Investment visa program{:target=”_blank”}.

Global Talent Visa program

If you’re a high-achieving professional in fields like fintech, biotech or clean energy, the Global Talent Visa program{:target=”_blank”} provides a fast track. You need to demonstrate international recognition and be able to earn at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (AUD 162,000 for 2023–24).

How Australia’s Approach Developed Over Time

From 1998 until 2012, Australia’s Business Skills Program supported entrepreneurs before it was expanded into the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP){:target=”_blank”} in August 2012. BIIP introduced multiple streams—including Entrepreneur, Investor and Significant Investor—to attract business founders and capital.

How Australia Compares with Other Startup Hubs

• Canada’s Startup Visa (launched 2013) requires a letter of support from a designated organization plus CAD 200,000 in financing, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada{:target=”_blank”}.
• The UK’s Start-up Visa (2019) is for first-time entrepreneurs endorsed by an approved body, as detailed on the UK government’s Start-up Visa guidance{:target=”_blank”}.
• Singapore’s Startup SG (2016) offers EntrePass for foreign founders meeting specified innovation criteria; see Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG program{:target=”_blank”}.

Impact on Australia’s Startup Ecosystem

• In 2022–23, the Entrepreneur stream accounted for over 800 grants of subclass 188 visas.
• Australian startups attracted USD 5.8 billion in venture capital in 2022, up from USD 4.6 billion the previous year, according to Statista{:target=”_blank”}.
• Visa-supported founders have created new hubs outside Sydney and Melbourne, including a growing tech community in Brisbane.

Common Hurdles for Applicants

• Access to local venture capital and networks
• Meeting the “complying entrepreneur activity” benchmarks
• Navigating state and territory nomination criteria
• Understanding Australia’s tax and corporate regulations
• Securing credible third-party funding or sponsorship

Regional Support Programs

Several states offer extra incentives if you operate your startup outside major metro areas:
– Queensland’s Small Business Owner–Regional (SBO-R) stream provides priority processing and grants for startups in regional QLD; see Business Queensland’s SBO-R program{:target=”_blank”}.
– Tasmania and Western Australia run targeted entrepreneur workshops and pitch programs.

Support from Incubators, Accelerators and Grants

You can tap into a range of programs even before your visa is granted:

• Entrepreneurs’ Program (federal grants for innovation projects); see Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Program{:target=”_blank”}.
• Fishburners (community-run coworking and mentoring)
• Startmate (seed-stage accelerator for high-growth founders); learn more at Startmate{:target=”_blank”}.
• CSIRO ON (deep-tech accelerator backed by Australia’s national science agency)

Sector Focus: Fintech, Biotech and Clean Energy

Australia aims to draw talent in sectors with global growth potential:

• Fintech: regulators run sandbox pilots to fast-track new financial services.
• Biotech: AusBiotech reports a 15% annual rise in local clinical trials.
• Clean energy: grant programs support startups developing hydrogen, battery storage and carbon-capture technologies.

Next Steps to Launch in Australia

You’ve seen how existing visa streams work, why they evolved and how Australia measures up against other startup hubs. You also know where to find investors, incubators and regional incentives. Armed with this knowledge, map out your funding plan, engage a nominating state and begin your visa application. Your Australian startup journey starts now.