Start or Buy a Business in Regional Queensland: Skilled Visa Pathway for Small Business Owners

Introduction

Are you a skilled migrant looking for a pathway to permanent residency in Australia? Do you have entrepreneurial experience or aspire to run your own business? If so, Queensland offers a unique opportunity through the Small Business Owner Visa Queensland pathway, which forms part of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491.

This visa option is designed for skilled migrants who wish to live and operate a small business in regional Queensland. It’s not just a visa — it’s a lifestyle change and a business opportunity rolled into one.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key details, including eligibility, business types, investment requirements, and how to apply. If you’ve got the ambition to run a business and make Australia your home, this could be your ideal route.

What Is the Small Business Owner Pathway?

The Small Business Owner pathway falls under the 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, managed by Migration Queensland (MQ) — the state nomination body for Queensland.

This pathway is tailored to skilled migrants who either purchase an existing business or start a new one in a designated regional area of Queensland. By successfully operating a business and meeting specific requirements, applicants become eligible for Queensland nomination, paving the way to permanent residency through the 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa in the future.

Why Choose the Small Business Owner Pathway?

Here are some compelling reasons:

Lower Points Threshold: Compared to other skilled migration streams, the SBO pathway doesn’t require extremely high points.

Business Ownership: You’re not dependent on an employer sponsor.

Regional Benefits: Access to incentives and support for regional development.

Pathway to PR: Direct progression from 491 to 191 visa.

Primary Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for Queensland nomination under the SBO pathway, applicants must meet Migration Queensland’s general and SBO-specific criteria:

General Requirements

Be under 45 years of age.

Have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the Department of Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Achieve a minimum of 65 points (including state nomination points).

Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

Have lived and operated the business in regional Queensland for at least 6 months.

Be on a valid visa (bridging or substantive visa) while operating the business.

SBO-Specific Requirements

Invest a minimum of AUD 100,000 in a genuine, pre-existing or newly established business.

Own 100% of the business (no partnerships or franchises).

Actively operate the business full-time (at least 35 hours per week).

Employ at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident for at least 20 hours per week (family members cannot be counted).

The business must be profitable and demonstrate clear potential for continued operation.

Provide full financial records including BAS statements, P&L statements, and evidence of salary payments.

Businesses in the automotive mechanical services industry are not eligible.

What Types of Businesses Are Eligible?

You can start a new business or purchase an existing one as long as the business:

Is actively trading in a regional area.

Has a physical location in Queensland.

Is not a home-based business unless it services the broader regional community.

Is not part of a franchise model or rental/property investment scheme.

Examples of eligible business types:

• Retail stores
  
• Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bakeries)
  
• Trade services (plumbing, electrical, carpentry)
  
• Health services (clinics, wellness centres)
  
• Professional services (accounting, IT support, legal)
  

Regional Areas Defined

To qualify under this stream, your business must operate in a designated regional area of Queensland. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the following are considered regional:

Toowoomba
Bundaberg
Rockhampton
Cairns
Townsville
Mackay
Gladstone
Hervey Bay
Gympie
and many more…

Brisbane and the Gold Coast are excluded from this regional classification.

How to Apply for the SBO Pathway – Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simple breakdown of the application process:

1. Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Review both the Home Affairs and Migration Queensland criteria to confirm you qualify.

2. Operate Your Business for at Least 6 Months

You must run your business in regional Queensland for a minimum of 6 months before applying.

3. Gather Business and Financial Documents

Prepare financial records including:

BAS statements

Profit & Loss reports

Evidence of business ownership

Payslips for employed staff

Bank statements showing cash flow

4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Use the Skill Select portal to submit your EOI for a 491 visa, selecting Queensland as your preferred state.

5. Complete the Migration Queensland (MQ) Application Form

After submitting your EOI, fill in MQ’s SBO-specific application form, including all supporting documents.

6. Wait for an Invitation

If successful, you’ll receive an invitation from Migration Queensland to apply for a 491 visa through the Department of Home Affairs.

Supporting Documents Checklist

Here’s what you’ll likely need:

Passport and current visa
Business registration (ABN/ACN)
Lease agreements or proof of business premises
Business financial statements (BAS, tax returns, P&L)
Proof of employment of Australian staff
Detailed business plan
Evidence of ownership and investment (purchase agreements, bank transfers)

Tips for Success

Choose a business aligned with your skills or qualifications.
Maintain transparent and complete financial records.
Avoid any business types excluded by Migration Queensland.
Focus on sustainability and long-term growth in your business plan.
Engage a Registered Migration Agent to help streamline the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I buy into a franchise?

No. Franchises are not eligible under this pathway.

Q: Can I partner with another migrant?

No. You must have 100% ownership of the business.

Q: Do I need a certain occupation on the Skilled Occupation List?

Yes. Your nominated occupation must be on the current Skilled Occupation List and relevant to your business operations.

Q: How long do I need to operate the business before applying?

At least 6 months of continuous operation in regional Queensland.

Conclusion: Is the SBO Pathway Right for You?

The Small Business Owner pathway offers a practical and entrepreneurial route to skilled migration in Australia. By investing in and running a business in regional Queensland, you not only contribute to the local economy but also open a pathway towards permanent residency.

If you’re ready to take control of your future and live in one of Australia’s thriving regional communities, the SBO pathway is well worth exploring.

Let our experts help you determine if you're eligible and guide you through the steps.

Remember:

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent