Australia Residence for Innovative Investors
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) offers exceptional global talent, including innovative investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and other high-achieving professionals, a pathway to permanent residence in Australia, supporting the country’s long-term economic growth and innovation.
Investment
No financial contribution required
Invitation-Based
Applicants must receive an invitation before applying
About the National Innovation Visa
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent visa designed to attract exceptional individuals who can contribute to Australia’s long-term economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness.
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The programme is targeted at high-impact global talent, including innovative investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, creatives and other internationally recognised professionals with exceptional achievements in their fields.
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Unlike traditional investment migration programmes, the NIV does not require a minimum financial investment, points test or employer sponsorship. Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation before they can apply for the visa.
No Minimum Investment
No prescribed investment amount is required under the National Innovation Visa.
Family Inclusion
Eligible partners and dependent children can be included in the application.
Flexible Age Criteria
No standard upper age limit, subject to additional requirements for certain age groups.
Healthcare & Education
Access to Medicare and Australia’s established education system as a permanent resident.
Stable and Attractive EnvironmentA multicultural society with strong political, social and economic stability.
Benefits
Pathway to Citizenship
Potential eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting applicable requirements.
Program Requirements
To qualify for the National Innovation Visa, applicants must demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement and show that they can make a meaningful contribution to Australia.
Applicants must
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International Recognition: Have an exceptional record of achievement and remain prominent in their field.
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Contribution to Australia: Demonstrate the ability to contribute economic, social, cultural, academic or other value to Australia.
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Ability to Establish: Show they can establish themselves or gain employment in their field in Australia.
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Australian Nomination: Be nominated by an eligible Australian individual, organisation, or government agency with a national reputation in the applicant’s field.
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Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence of achievement, such as major awards, senior leadership, patents, publications or other internationally recognised accomplishments.
Eligible profiles may include: entrepreneurs, innovative investors, researchers, academics, athletes and creative professionals with exceptional international achievements.
Priority Categories
National Innovation Visa EOIs are considered according to four priority levels, with preference given to applicants demonstrating the highest levels of international achievement or strategic value to Australia.
Recipients of internationally recognised awards at the highest level, such as Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes or Olympic gold medals.
Priority 1: Top International Awards
Priority 2: Government-Nominated Applicants
Applicants nominated by an Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency with a supporting business case.
Exceptional achievements in:
Critical Technologies
Health
Renewables and Low-Emission Technologies
Priority 3: Tier One Sectors
Exceptional achievements in:
Agri-Food and AgTech
Defence Capabilities and Space
Education
Financial Services and FinTech
Infrastructure and Transport
Resources
Priority 4: Tier Two Priority Sectors
Highly accomplished individuals in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovative investment, sports and the creative arts may also be considered, particularly with government nomination.
