Entrepreneurs $1 Million or Investors $5 Million in Queensland for PR – National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

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Queensland has officially opened its National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) nomination program, a direct permanent residency pathway for:

high-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland
innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

The NIV has attractive features:

a straight-to-permanent residency visa
no skills assessment or points test
age limit up to 55 or higher for those who offer exceptional benefits

Below is a simple and clear overview of what Queensland is offering, who may be eligible, and how the nomination process works.

What Is the National Innovation Visa (NIV)?

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is designed for exceptionally talented individuals who can contribute to Australia’s economy, innovation, and global competitiveness, including entrepreneurs and innovative investors.

Queensland has now released specific nomination criteria for entrepreneurs and innovative investors, along with a Registration of Interest (ROI) process.

There are 4,300 NIV places available nationally until 30 June 2026, although Queensland’s state nominations will be a smaller subset of this total.

We provide clear guidance on the National Innovation Visa on our website, and you can also complete our FREE online eligibility assessment to see if this pathway may be right for you.

Why This Is Important for Queensland

This program is expected to deliver major economic benefits to the state.

For example, if Queensland were to nominate just 200 innovative investors, this could inject at least $1 billion directly into Queensland’s innovation economy, with further job creation and long-term economic growth through business expansion and commercialisation.

High altitude view of Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge from the suburb of New Farm and Wilson Outlook Reserve on a sunny winter's morning in Queensland, Australia.

Queensland NIV Nomination for Entrepreneurs

Queensland is seeking established or emerging entrepreneurs who are ready to commercialise or expand an innovative product or service in Queensland.

Key eligibility requirements

To be considered for Queensland nomination as an entrepreneur, you must:

• Be a successful entrepreneur with a genuine, innovative business concept

• Be ready to commercialise or expand your business in Queensland

• Have the capacity to invest at least AUD $1 million in Queensland

• Meet both Home Affairs visa criteria and Queensland Government guidelines

What evidence may be required

If Queensland contacts you after submitting your ROI, you may need to provide evidence such as:

• Commitment to Queensland and operational readiness

• Entrepreneurial success in commercialising or scaling a business

• Funds already spent on business setup, feasibility studies, consultants, licensing or market research

• Secured funding of at least $1 million (self-funded, venture capital, institutional investors or grants)

• Capacity to invest $1 million within two years of visa grant

Examples of strong supporting evidence include

• Employment contracts for Queensland-based staff

• Signed MoUs or joint venture agreements with Queensland partners

• Agreements with Queensland suppliers, distributors or clients

• Engagement with Queensland-supported incubators, accelerators or innovation hubs

• Evidence of a registered office in Queensland

• Business growth, revenue, profitability or market traction

• Industry recognition, awards, media coverage or government-backed support

Queensland NIV Nomination for Innovative Investors

Queensland is also nominating innovative investors who have a strong track record of supporting high-growth, innovative ventures.

Key eligibility requirements

To be considered as an innovative investor, you must:

• Be actively involved in innovative investments

• Have an established track record supporting successful innovative ventures

• Be ready to invest at least AUD $5 million

• Commit the investment for two or more years in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

Accepted investment structures may include

• Private equity

• Venture capital

• Research and development

• Asset management

• Co-investments (including Queensland Investment Corporation ventures)

What evidence may be required

If invited to proceed, Queensland may request evidence such as:

• A proven track record of innovative investments

• Evidence of at least $5 million available to deploy upon visa grant, for a minimum of 2 or more years

• A detailed investment deployment plan focused on Queensland

• Successful investment exits, IPOs, acquisitions or funding rounds

• Board positions, leadership roles or shareholdings in innovative companies

• Third-party endorsements from venture capital firms, co-investors or government-backed funds

Candidates with experience in Tier One or Tier Two high-growth priority sectors will be highly regarded.

How the Queensland Nomination Process Works

To seek Queensland Government nomination, you must:

1. Meet Home Affairs NIV requirements

2. Meet Queensland Government guidelines

3. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)

4. Provide supporting evidence if contacted by Queensland

Nomination is competitive and discretionary, and not all eligible candidates will receive an invitation.

Please note that securing Queensland nomination does not guarantee an invitation for all the grant of National Innovation Visa.

We can assist you with submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI), the NIV Expression of Interest (EOI) and visa application if you are invited.

Entrepreneurs and investors, the wait is over!

Many were left disappointed after the Australian Government closed the subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa on 1 July 2024.

This left investors with very limited options to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

Complete Our Free NIV Assessment

The National Innovation Visa criteria, as outlined in Direction 112, are complex, and candidates must meet the requirements set out by both the Department of Home Affairs and the Queensland Government.

Strong evidence, positioning, and alignment with Queensland’s priorities are critical.

We have detailed guidance on the National Innovation Visa available on our website, and you can also complete our FREE online eligibility assessment to check whether this pathway may be suitable for you.

If you are an entrepreneur or investor considering Queensland nomination, early planning is essential.

For tailored advice, we recommend speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer before submitting your ROI.

Please book an appointment with our team. For earlier availability, please call our office or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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