I am interested in learning more about how I could invest directly to gain what I’ve seen called “ownership interest” in a qualifying business. This would be for my Significant Investor Visa application.
Answers
If you are looking at "ownership interest," you will need: (1) a proven track record in that business, (2) approval from the local state and government in your business that qualifies that business and (2) after your visa is granted, you must operate and meet turnover requirements while involved in the qualifying Australian business.
From 1 July 2015, complying investments for the Premium Investor visa and Significant Investor visa must be provided by a manager licensed by Australian Financial Services and domiciled in Australia. A fund manager cannot be the investor, the investor's spouse or de factor partner of the managed fund. A fund manager should have the right or be authorized to sign some declarations in relation to each investment component. Besides, a fund manager with extensive experience in wealth management as well as having a good knowledge of the Significant Investor Programme is beneficial to your SIV application. If you want to invest directly, you might have to choose another visa subclass.
All investments must be through a fund to qualify for SIV. Since the 1 July 2015 changes, it is no longer possible to directly invest in an Australian proprietary company as a complying investment.
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