Emigration by investment from $1.5m

Today, Immigration by investment has become the fastest-growing area of Australian emigration law, as it is now the preferred route for those unwilling or able to emigrate as skilled emigrants. 

Over the past 20 years, Australian emigration law has become ever more restrictive. Fortunately, they continue to welcome entrepreneurs and investors.

For over 20 years, Sterling has specialised in winning cases by providing emigration solutions that work hand in hand with leading Australian investment firms to provide our clients with Permanent Residency in Australia.

We are delighted to be able to offer an innovative pathway to Australian Permanent Residency with an investment of $1.5m.

Our Investment Visa Scheme

Offers a complete pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia. Our tailored scheme enables investors to secure compliant shares for $500k while securely investing $1m for a fixed 7.5% return.

Features and Benefits

Designed to attract overseas investors across Australia. Thereby offering local economies access to direct foreign investment.

  • $500k for shares in a business
  • $1m into a fixed-interest account
  • Work, live, study and retire
  • An excellent standard of living
  • World-class education and healthcare
  • Includes your spouse and children
  • Apply for Permanent Residency after 4-years
  • Visa approval within a few months
  • Continued support post-arrival
  • No tax on worldwide income for initial 4-years

The scheme offers a pathway to permanent residency for all investors, their spouses and dependent children. After five years, your family may be eligible for Australian Citizenship.

Availability

Due to high demand and a limited quota, less than 50 places remain on this scheme for 2023/24. However, that means there are still opportunities available.

An alternative option: The Global Talent Scheme

While the investor Scheme provides many benefits. We can often build a winning case for our clients to be recognised as global talent. This stream offers Permanent Residency on arrival. 

Our Australian team strive to source the necessary accreditation to enable our clients to be recognised as ‘globally talented’ while working alongside the Australian businesses and investment community to demonstrate our client’s ability and commitment to enhancing the local economy. 

Australia views the Global Talent Scheme as a competitive recruitment process, only selecting those they believe will add the most significant value to their economy. We are delighted to have an excellent track record of winning these places for our clients. Therefore, we would consider this an alternative to the Investor visa, where appropriate.

To explore your options, complete our assessment form to receive your free guide and to arrange a conversation with one of our friendly experts.

Investors Point Test Explained

In most cases, investors must demonstrate their previous business or investment experience. As a standardised test, Australia created the following points system where a pass mark of 65 is required.

It is important to note; each state has discretion when awarding points and nominating the investor for an invitation to emigrate.

1) Previous Business Experience

The minimum requirement:

  • Shareholdings in a business with a turnover of at least AUD 750,000 for at least two of the last four fiscal years.

Previous business owner or experience within the senior management team of a Plc. is required to own a business in Australia for emigration purposes.

Business Turnover

Points

AUD 750,000+

5

AUD 1.25m+

10

AUD 1.75m+

25

AUD 2.5m+

35

2) Business Innovation qualifications or experience

Those deemed to have experience in more sophisticated business arrangements may be eligible for further points.  

Business Qualifactions

Points

Registered Trademark used in the business for over 1 year

5

Owned and managed a formal joint venture for over 1 year

5

Patent or registered design used in the business for over 1 year

10

Owned a business within the past 5-years that:

  • Achieved an increase in turnover above 20% for three consecutive years; and
  • In at least one of those years employed at least ten full-time staff or the equivalent in Part-time staff

10

Ownership in a business that:

  • Received a Government grant of at least AUD 10,000 for early phase start-up, product commercialisation, business development or expansion

or

  • Venture Capital funding of at least AUD 100,000 for early phase start-up, product commercialisation, business development or expansion. (Within the last 4-years)

10

Ownership interest in a company that secured +50% of turnover from exports

15

3) Net personal and business assets

They may include your assets, your partner or combined in each of the preceding two fiscal years immediately before the time of invitation.

Assets Net Value

Points

AUD 1.25m+

5

AUD 1.75m+

15

AUD 2.25m+

25

AUD 2.75m+

35

4) Age

Under 55 years of age, unless the nominating state or territory certifies that you will make an exceptional economic benefit. We have discovered with a persuasive argument there is flexibility around the cut off age.

Age in Years

Points

18 - 24

20

25 - 32

30

33 - 39

25

40 - 44

20

44 - 54

15

55 and over

0

5) English Language

Those holding an Irish, British, New Zealand, Canadian or USA passport automatically secure the points for vocational English. For additional points, you may sit an exam to demonstrate you are proficient in English. 

Standard of English

Points

Vocational

5

Proficient

10

6) Educational qualifications

A person may use a trade certificate or academic qualifications to secure points for education. 

Education

Points

Trade certificate, diploma or bachelor degree

5

A bachelor degree in business, science or technology

10

7) Business Ownership Experience

Additional points are awarded for experience as a business owner.  

Experience

Points

From 4 to 7 years (Within the last 5-years)

5

Over 7 years (Within the last 8-years)

10

8) Special Endorsements

Where a business aligns with a state social or economic plans the State may elect to offer a special endorsement. This endorsement provides additional points.

Endorsement

Points

The proposed business is of unique and important benefit to the State or Territory where the business is located.

10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an English test mandatory?

Your dependents are not required to complete an English language test. It may be helpful in a few cases if the investor completes an English test. 

Is the Investment firm regulated?

Australian Financial Services Regulators strictly oversee all companies offering investment and financial services. For emigration purposes, The Department of Home Affairs will only accept Compliant Investments held by regulated fund managers.

How long am I required to be onshore for PR?

You must be physically present in Australia for at least 2 years in the 3 years immediately before you apply for Permanent Residency. You may extend your visa for up to two years to accommodate this requirement.

Is 65 points a mandatory requirement?

The Investor points table does require a potential investor to secure 65 points. However, there are two options where points are not required to qualify.

State Government also has discretion on who they invite to invest and emigrate to their given State or Territories. 

Can I be an investor if I'm over 55?

Over 55’s are limited in their options. However, a degree of discretion may be applied by the State government if they deem the case warrants approval even if the person is over 55 yrs. 

How quickly can I secure a State Nomination?

State Nomination is also referred to as an invitation to emigrate. The timeline varied from a few weeks to several months. Depending on quotas and availability at the time of filing.

Each state government has its timeframe to assess cases and places available.

When will my visa start?

Your visa starts the next time you enter Australia after receiving your visa approval. You can delay your arrival for up to one year before you must activate your visa.

 

Executive summary

Individual:

  • Age – below 55 years (exemptions may apply)
  • Business experience
  • Accademic qualifications
  • English language competency
  • The net worth of the individual and their spouse


The company Invested in:

  • Does not pose a risk to the Australian Tax Office
  • To be maintained for four years
  • Proven trading records
  • Employs or will employ resident Australians
  • Endorsed by the local business and financial community
  • It was not established primarily for emigration purposes

 

Our principles are the basis of how we work:

  • We offer our services only if we feel we can be of genuine assistance. Without exception.
  • To present all our clients with highly professional and personal service.
  • Employ a rigorous and efficient approach to finding the best solutions available at all times.
  • To base all our business on honesty, integrity and high ethical standards. Without compromise.

Flexibility & Control

Each year, the Australian federal and state governments review the 188 visa programme to ensure it delivers the best possible outcomes for Australia. Where deemed necessary changes are introduced without advanced notice. State governments open and close the investor visa stream within their respective jurisdictions as deem necessary to meet the local economic objectives.

That said, once an investor secures an invitation to emigrate (State Nomination), any future changes to the emigration policy will not affect their case.