Reviewed by Paula McGeown, Principal Lawyer · Updated
Who we help
Founders, co-founders and entrepreneurs who want to live in Australia, whether they plan to run their existing company from here, set up an Australian business, or take a role with an Australian employer. Many of our clients have built and sold companies, raised capital or hold senior roles in international firms.
Advising founders from across Europe, the UK, the US and Asia has been at the heart of our practice for years, with long-standing clients in Belgium, Scandinavia, France and Germany. We understand how overseas companies, management structures and careers translate into Australian visa evidence.
★★★★★
“Paula’s superb service and experience, her insight into taking the right actions at the right moment, were absolutely crucial to our successful visa applications. Her personalised and caring, case-by-case approach was not only highly effective, but also reassuring and stress-relieving throughout this lengthy and potentially stressful process.”
The routes founders usually consider
National Innovation visa (subclass 858). A permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. Exits, capital raised, patents and industry recognition can all be relevant. It is invitation-only, so the expression of interest needs to make the case clearly. More on the National Innovation visa ↗
A role with an Australian employer. If you would rather step back from your company, employer sponsorship is often the most predictable route. More on employer sponsorship ↗
Your partner's route. Sometimes the best option is for your partner to be the main applicant, for example through study or their own sponsored role, with you included. We compare both directions.
Bringing your partner
Most routes let you include a spouse or de facto partner. If you are not married, the relationship evidence needs attention early. We also look at your partner's work rights under each option, because a move only works if it works for both of you.
Protect your brand before you launch
Launching in Australia under your existing name? Check and register the trade mark here first. Our intellectual property team can advise in the same conversation, so the visa and the brand move together. Intellectual property advice ↗
How we work
1. Strategy session. A 45-minute call with a senior immigration lawyer. Tell us your background and plans in advance and we compare the realistic routes, timing and work rights for you and your partner.
2. A clear plan. You receive the recommended route, what evidence it needs and what to do first.
3. We do the work. If you go ahead, we prepare and lodge the expression of interest, nomination or visa application and keep it moving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep running my overseas company from Australia?
Often, yes, but it depends on the visa. Some visas allow work for an overseas business, others tie you to an Australian sponsor or role. We check the work conditions of each route against how you actually plan to work, and you should also take tax and corporate advice in both countries.
Is there still an Australian investor or business visa I can buy into?
The Business Innovation and Investment program closed to new applicants in July 2024. Founders now usually look at the National Innovation visa, sponsorship through an Australian company, or a skilled or employer-sponsored visa. Which one fits depends on your record and your plans.
Can my partner come with me if we are not married?
Many visas let you include a de facto partner as well as a spouse, but you need to show a genuine and continuing relationship, usually with evidence of living together. We look at your relationship evidence early so it does not hold up the application.
Can I visit Australia to meet investors or customers before I move?
Short business visits such as meetings, conferences and negotiations are usually possible on a visitor visa or eVisitor, depending on your passport. Working for an Australian business generally needs a work visa. We can advise on what your trip involves.
Do you work with clients in other time zones?
Yes. Advising founders and entrepreneurs from across Europe, the UK, the US and Asia has been a core part of our practice for years, and calls can be booked at times that suit your time zone.
Official information
Read the current government guidance alongside advice for your circumstances.