188 Business Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a 188 Business visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a 188 Business visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
A$16,165 – A$25,155
Mandatory Home Affairs fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the 188 Business
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 188 Business application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$12,505 | Business Innovation stream; the Investor stream is not separately published and likely shares this rate. Significant Investor stream is $18,335. Closed to new applications since 31 July 2024; still applies to pending applications. | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$3,250 – A$7,800 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the 188 Business
- 1
Note: closed to new applications
Since 31 July 2024 — this only applies to applicants with a pending application lodged before that date.
- 2
Await processing under current priorities
Pending applications continue to be assessed under a reduced annual program allocation.
- 3
Respond promptly to requests
Provide updated financial, investment, or business evidence as requested.
- 4
Confirm ongoing compliance
Investment/business activity must still meet the relevant stream's conditions before a final decision.
Typical processing time: Not independently confirmed with a specific current figure — a significant backlog exists (~12,778 applications in queue as of Dec 2024), and processing is expected to lengthen given the reduced allocation.
Documents you'll need
- Original state/territory nomination approval
- Evidence of qualifying business or investment
- Identity, health, and character documents
- Evidence of ongoing compliance with visa condition requirements
- Updated financial statements, if requested
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming new streams remain open (they closed 31 July 2024)
- Letting investment or business compliance evidence lapse while awaiting the queue
- Not responding promptly to update requests given the extended backlog
- Failing to plan for the reduced annual allocation slowing an already-pending case
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$12,505 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$15,755 – A$20,305 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$16,165 – A$25,155 |
How to save money on your 188 Business
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$3,250–A$7,800.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
188 Business cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a 188 Business visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a 188 Business visa in 2026 ranges from about A$15,755 to A$25,155, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 188 Business application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a 188 Business visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a 188 Business visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a 188 Business visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a 188 Business visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
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