About this Visa
The Business Owner (subclass 890) visa is a permanent resident visa for people who own and manage a business in Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. To be eligible, you must already hold a qualifying provisional visa and have met specific business requirements in Australia.
With this visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia permanently.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's scheme for health-related care and expenses.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years.
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the subclass 890 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Visa Status: You must hold a qualifying provisional visa, such as a subclass 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, or 165.
- Residence: You must have lived in Australia for at least 12 months in the two years immediately before you apply.
- Business Ownership: You must have had an ownership interest in up to two actively operating businesses in Australia for at least two years immediately before applying.
- Business Turnover: Your main business (or businesses) must have had a turnover of at least AUD 300,000 in the 12 months immediately before you apply.
- Assets: You and/or your partner must have held net business assets of at least AUD 100,000 and total net personal and business assets of at least AUD 250,000 in Australia for the 12 months immediately before applying.
- Employees: You must have employed at least the equivalent of two full-time Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand passport holders who are not family members.
Application Charges
The following base application charges apply for 2026. Please note that additional costs for health examinations, police certificates, and biometrics may apply.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant | $2,890 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $1,445 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $720 |
Note: A second instalment charge may be required for applicants aged 18 or over who have less than functional English.
Processing Times
Processing times are updated regularly based on the volume of applications and the complexity of cases handled by the Department of Home Affairs.
| Percentile | Processing Time |
| 50% of applications | 11 Months |
| 90% of applications | 18 Months |
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary depending on whether you have provided all necessary documents and how quickly you respond to requests for additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my family members in the application?
Yes, you can include members of the family unit in your application when you lodge it. Family members who are granted the visa will have the same rights and obligations as the primary applicant.
Do I need to be in Australia to apply for this visa?
You must be in Australia when you apply for the subclass 890 visa. Any family members applying with you must also be in Australia at the time of application.
What is the "Mobile" requirement for contact details?
When providing your contact information in the application, ensure you provide a valid Mobile number and email address to receive updates regarding your application status.
How long is the travel component valid for?
The travel component of this permanent visa is valid for five years from the date of grant. After this period, you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
