Australia Golden Visa Program

Program Overview

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Australia’s Significant Investor Visa (SIV), commonly known as the Australia Golden Visa, was officially closed in 2024. This guide provides historical information about the program for reference purposes and may assist those who had applications in progress before the closure.

The Australia Golden Visa (Significant Investor Visa – SIV) was a streamlined investment-based immigration pathway that allowed High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) to obtain Australian Permanent Residency through qualifying financial investments. The program was designed to attract international capital and investment talent to support Australia’s economic growth and innovation sectors.

Program Status – CLOSED 2024

• Program Closure: The Australia Golden Visa was officially discontinued in 2024
• No New Applications: No new SIV applications are being accepted
• Existing Applications: Previously submitted applications may continue processing under existing guidelines
• Alternative Pathways: Other Australian visa categories remain available for investors and entrepreneurs

Historical Program Benefits (Pre-2024)

• Permanent Residency: Pathway to Australian Permanent Residence after 4 years
• Family Inclusion: Coverage for spouse and dependent children
• Minimal Stay Requirement: Only 40 days over 4 years (160 days total)
• No Age Limit: No maximum age restriction for primary applicants
• English Waiver: Option to bypass English language requirements
• No Country Quotas: No limitations based on nationality
• Business Opportunities: Access to Australian and Asia-Pacific markets
• Citizenship Pathway: Route to Australian citizenship after 3-4 years of residency

Historical Investment Requirements

Primary Investment Structure

Total Investment Required: A$5,000,000 (approximately €3.1 million / $3.4 million USD)

Investment Allocation Rules

Maximum 60%: Non-residential real estate, corporate bonds, and shares

• Commercial real estate investments
• Listed and unlisted corporate bonds
• Public and private company shares
• Managed funds investing in complying investments

Minimum 10%: Venture Capital and Growth Private Equity

• Early-stage venture capital funds
• Growth-focused private equity investments
• Start-up and emerging company investments
• Innovation and technology sector focus

Remaining 30%: Balanced portfolio approach across eligible investment categories

Investment Protection

• No investment required until after pre-approval
• Regulated and structured investment framework
• Professional fund management options available
• Clear compliance and reporting requirements

Historical Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 years
• No maximum age limit
• Net worth sufficient to support A$5 million investment
• Clean criminal record and character requirements
• Health insurance and medical examinations
• Genuine intention to maintain business and investment ties to Australia

Two-Stage Process

Stage 1: Temporary Residence (Subclass 188)

• Initial 4-year temporary visa
• Investment commitment period
• Minimal residency requirements (40 days over 4 years)
• Family members included on visa

Stage 2: Permanent Residence (Subclass 888)

• Transition available after 4 years
• Maintained investment requirements
• Compliance with residency obligations
• Pathway to Australian citizenship

Processing Timeline

• Pre-approval Stage: Investment verification and eligibility assessment
• Document Submission: Complete application with supporting evidence
• Assessment Period: Government review and background checks
• Visa Grant: Temporary residence permit issued
• Total Processing Time: Typically 12-18 months from application to approval

Tax Considerations

Temporary Resident Tax Benefits

• Foreign Income Exemption: No tax on foreign income earned while overseas
• Capital Gains Relief: No CGT on foreign property investments
• Tax Residency Flexibility: Favorable treatment for temporary residents
• Extension Options: Possible extension of temporary residence to 8 years

Post-Permanent Residence

• Tax Residency Rules: Australian tax obligations on worldwide income
• Capital Gains Treatment: Standard CGT rules apply to all investments
• Professional Advice: Tax planning essential for optimal structuring

Family Inclusion

Eligible Family Members

• Spouse/Partner: Legal spouse or de facto partner
• Dependent Children: Unmarried children under 18 years
• Adult Dependent Children: Over 18 if financially dependent and studying full-time

Family Benefits

• Same visa rights as primary applicant
• Access to Australian healthcare (Medicare after permanent residency)
• Access to Australian education system
• Work and study rights throughout Australia
• Pathway to Australian citizenship

FAQs

Can I still apply for Australia’s Golden Visa in 2025?

No, Australia’s Significant Investor Visa (Golden Visa) was officially closed in 2024. No new applications are being accepted.

What happened to existing applications when the program closed?

Applications submitted before the closure may continue processing under the existing framework. Applicants should consult with their migration agents for specific case updates.

Are there alternative investment visa options for Australia?

Yes, Australia maintains other business and investment visa categories through the Business Innovation and Investment Program, though with different requirements and structures than the former Golden Visa.

What was the minimum investment for Australia’s Golden Visa?

The program required A$5 million investment with specific allocation requirements: maximum 60% in real estate/bonds/shares, minimum 10% in venture capital, with regulated investment structures.

How did Australia’s Golden Visa compare to other countries’ programs?

Australia’s program required higher investment (A$5 million) but offered minimal residency requirements (40 days over 4 years), no age limits, and access to a strong passport with visa-free travel to 196 countries.