Australia’s National Innovation Visa: a new frontier for global talents

The Australian government has introduced a new visa called the National Innovation Visa, or NIV.

The visa will replace the Global Talent Visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Visa starting December 6th, 2024.

Here’s what is known about the new visa and who is eligible for it.

Author • Elena Ruda

Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest

national innovation visa Australia requirements

Australia's National Innovation Visa: a new frontier for global talents

Australia’s National Innovation Visa, or NIV, is also known as Subclass 858 Visa. It is designed to attract individuals with globally recognised achievements and talents. This visa allows holders to permanently stay, work, and study in Australia.

The visa also offers eligibility to enroll in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, and the ability to sponsor relatives for their move to Australia. Additionally, visa holders can travel to and from Australia for five years and may apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

Eligibility criteria. To be eligible, applicants are required to:

Be invited to apply for this visa and lodge their application within 60 days of the invitation.
Be located either inside or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, at the time of application and when the visa is granted.
Possess an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in areas such as a profession, sports, the arts, or academia and research.
Have a nominator with a national reputation in the applicant’s area of talent, who can be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation.

Costs and processing times. The application cost for the visa is AUD 4,840, or $3,265. To get an idea of the visa processing times, applicants can refer to the visa processing time guide tool which provides information based on recently decided applications.

How to move abroad without investment?

Options listed below do not require a foreigner to provide an invitation from a host country.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa. This visa enables remote workers from outside the EU to reside and work in Spain. Digital nomads are granted residence permits for three years, which can be extended for an additional two years.

To qualify, applicants demonstrate that they work for a company based outside Spain or have clients primarily outside Spain, with no more than 20% of their income coming from Spanish sources. They must also meet a minimum monthly income requirement of €2,646.

The Digital Nomad Visa to Portugal is tailored for remote workers who can demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least €3,480 from their remote employment. Additionally, applicants need to provide proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement.

Applicants are also required to show savings equivalent to 12 times the minimum wage in Portugal, which amounts to €10,440 in 2025.

The Portugal D7 Visa, also known as the Passive Income Visa, is designed for individuals with a steady passive income of at least €870 per month.

Once the visa is obtained, the holder must apply for a residence permit in Portugal. This permit is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for another three years. After five years, it may lead to permanent residency and citizenship.

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Australia's National Innovation Visa: a new frontier for global talents

Australia’s National Innovation Visa: a new frontier for global talents

​How to move abroad without investment?

Compare Digital Nomad Visas

​How to move abroad without investment?

How to move abroad without investment?

How to move abroad without investment?