Global Citizen

Australia

Australia is one of five countries with the highest living standards. The Australian’s level of economy development outruns the rate of growth of such countries as USA, UK and Germany.

Stable economic and political system makes Australia an attractive country both for investment and immigration.  

Therefore the Government of Australia has developed various immigration programs that could interest potential investors, persons with considerable means for setting up of a business in Australia, as well as for Senior Executives. On this basis there is a number of possibilities for immigration distinguished by categories: Business Owner (as well as State/Territory sponsored Business Owner), Senior Executive (as well as State/Territory sponsored Senior Executive) and Investor (as well as State/Territory sponsored Investor).

Requirements

Requirements to be eligible for the particular visa category differ. We would like to draw your attention to the fact that for each category (Business Owner, Senior Executive and Investor) there is a possibility to enlist the support of the particular state / territory that will facilitate the requirements for residence permit acquiring.

Thus, for Business Owner a person should show that: for at least 2 fiscal years immediately before the application is made, net assets in a qualifying business should be at least 200,000 Australian dollars (AUD) (with State/Territory support – this requirement is not applicable); while annual turnover of the business should be not less than AUD500,000 (with State/Territory support – AUD300,000); business and personal assets should have a net value of at least AUD500,000 (with State/Territory support – 250,000), which are available to transfer to Australia within 2 years after the grant of a visa; age limit for the main applicant is 45 years (55 years with State/territory support); English language certificate should be provided when the application is not supported by State/Territory. Besides, an applicant is obliged to demonstrate that there is a need to be temporarily in Australia to conduct or establish the proposed business activity.   

For Senior Executives the criteria are the following: for at least 2 years immediately before the application is made, an applicant should have occupied a position responsible for strategic policy development; business and personal assets should be not less than AUD500,000 (with State/Territory support – AUD250,000), which are available to transfer to Australia within 2 years after the grant of a visa; age limit for the main applicant is 45 years (55 years with State/territory support); English language certificate should be provided when the application is not supported by State/Territory. Besides, an applicant is obliged to demonstrate that there is a need to be temporarily in Australia to conduct or establish the proposed business activity.   

For Investors it is required to: have at least 3 years experience of direct involvement in managing investments, the net value of assets to be at least AUD2,250,000 (AUD1,125,000 with State/Territory support). The amount of the Designated Investment should be at least AUD1,500,000 (AUD750,000 with State/Territory Support), age limit for the main applicant is 45 years (55 years with State/territory support); English language certificate should be provided when the application is not supported by State/Territory. Besides, an applicant is obliged to demonstrate that there is a need to be temporarily in Australia to conduct or establish the proposed business activity. Moreover, an applicant should meet one of the requirements: to maintain direct involvement in either managing a qualifying business in which at least 10% of the total value of the business are owned by an applicant or maintain direct involvement in managing eligible investment , the total value of which is at least AUD1.5 million (with State/Territory support – 750,000).     

Procedures and Time frame

Initially a foreign business man is issued with a long-term provisional visa valid up to four years (the period of visa processing is from 6 to 16 months). The four years are provided to investors / business men to realize their projects. On the base of the temporary visa, an applicant is obliged to stay in Australia for at least 2 years, thereafter s/he will have the right to apply for the permanent residence permit and after for the citizenship. Application for the permanent visa / residence permit is to be submitted directly to the Immigration Department in Australia. Herein the requirements for applicants (annual turnover, amount of net assets and investments) are considerably different for above mentioned categories and depending on State/Territory support.  After four years residence in Australia, a foreign national has the right to apply for citizenship acquisition.

Dual Citizenship

There are no restrictions stipulated by the legislation of Australia on dual citizenship.

Advantages of Australian Citizenship

High level of life, considerably low prices for real estate and favorable social conditions (state service for new immigrants adaptation, state medial support service, school and university education which level is quite high) are the main advantages of immigration to Australia. 

The Australian passport allows visa-free travel to almost all countries worldwide.