Queensland’s regional communities thrive when small businesses succeed. From cafés in Toowoomba to trade services in Cairns, local businesses fuel job creation, economic growth, and community resilience. To support this, Migration Queensland offers a unique skilled visa pathway for Small Business Owners operating in regional Queensland.
If you’re an entrepreneur ready to invest in regional Australia, this could be the visa stream that secures your future.
Who Is This Pathway For?
The 491 SBO pathway is for migrants living in and operating a small business in regional Queensland, provided the business was purchased or started before 19 September 2025. If the business was purchased after 19 September 2025, you will not be invited to apply for the Queensland nomination in 2025-26.
There are two streams:
- Pathway 1 – Business Purchase: Buy an existing registered business outside South East Queensland for at least $100,000 and employ at least one Australian resident.
- Pathway 2 – Start-Up: Run your own business for at least 2 years, with a turnover of $200,000 in the 12 months prior to ROI submission.
Eligible Postcodes
Pathway 1 – Business Purchase
- Purchases after 14 September 2024: postcodes 4370-4390, 4400-4428, 4454-4498, 4570-4571, 4580-4895.
- Before September 2024: any 491 regional postcode (full list provided in program update).
Pathway 2 – Start-Up
- Any 491 regional postcode (full list provided in program update).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet both Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland requirements.
Home Affairs criteria:
- Minimum 65 points (including nomination points)
- Positive skills assessment
- Under 45 years of age
- Competent English
Migration Queensland criteria:
- Occupation must be on the list
- Evidence of living in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode
- Own and operate business in an eligible postcode
- Hold 100% ownership of the business
Additional Requirements – Pathway 1 (Purchase)
- Settlement must be within 18 months of ROI submission
- Business must have operated in the same location for at least 2 years prior to purchase
- Purchase price of at least $100,000
- Must operate the business for at least 6 months after settlement (supported by 2 BAS statements)
- Employ at least 1 Australian resident (minimum 20 hrs/week), or 2 residents at 10 hrs/week each (employees cannot be family or subcontractors)
Additional Requirements – Pathway 2 (Start-Up)
- Must operate the business profitably for at least 2 years
- Minimum turnover of $200,000 in the 12 months before ROI submission
Important Notes
- Businesses must be purchased via contract of sale (no share transfers, vendor finance, family sales, or recycled visa businesses).
- Business cannot be relocated or sold without approval from Migration Queensland.
- Operation must continue for at least 3 years after the 491 visa is granted.
- Certain businesses are excluded (e.g. home-based businesses, management rights, daigou businesses, passive investments).
- Franchise purchases require master franchisor approval.
Nomination and Approval
- State nomination is discretionary – it does not guarantee visa approval.
- The Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision on visas.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Holders of the 491 SBO visa may later apply for the subclass 191 visa, provided they:
- Provide ATO notices of assessment for 3 out of 5 years
- Have complied with all 491 visa conditions (living, working, and studying in a regional area)
Conclusion
The Queensland SBO pathway remains open for eligible business owners who purchased or started their business before 19 September 2025. Applicants should carefully check timelines, postcode eligibility, and documentation requirements to ensure compliance.
👉 Aurelia Legal can help you assess your eligibility, prepare your ROI, and guide you through the state nomination process.
📞 (03) 9125 8820
📧 info@aurelialegal.com.au
🌐 www.aurelialegal.com.au
Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, please speak with a registered migration lawyer or agent.