Considering moving to Australia? Then consider the following issues. Although prepared for Business Visas applicants this list has application to those who are applying under other visa streams and are considering the possibility of permanently residing in Australia or are going to Australia with a long term temporary visa. Consider the items in this list if you are applying for the skill visa, spouse visa, all business visas, partner visa and the retirement visa.

The Australian corporate environment is heavily regulated. For people conducting business in Australia this regulated environment has both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, this regulation is a deterrent to dishonest business practices. On the negative side, the law, business practices and reporting requirements make the commencement and operation of a business an often complex and confusing task.

Following is a list of some issues a prospective business applicant needs to consider when commencing a business and living in Australia. This list cannot identify every issue as each individual and business has different needs and priorities. The visa applicant ultimately will be the sole arbitrator.

After considering these issues you may decide a move to Australia is not appropriate for you at this time.

The issues. Ask yourself the following:

WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS:

• Do I have a successful background in business operations so I understand and can identify potential problems before they occur.
• Am I familiar with my chosen business structure and operation.
• Am I comfortable working in this business structure environment and operation.
• Am I looking to commence a new business, purchasing an established business or looking for a partnership in Australia.
• Do I know where I can seek trusted advice.
• Will the business meet my business and personal needs in the short and long term.
• Will there be critical situation or date milestones built into my business plans.
• Do I have a business and 'life' plan.

SETTING UP THE BUSINESS

• Do I want to set up my business in a city or in the country.
• What climate and environmental situations do I like working in.
• What are my 'environmental' tolerances.
• Family issues - schooling, recreation facilities, housing affordability and availability.
• What establishment assistance is available to me if I move.
• What assistance is available from State/Territory governments to help me move and start my business.
• What is my knowledge concerning Taxation issues both in my new home and in my departing country.
• Cost in relocating.
• What arrangements need to be made to move my family and personal items.
• When living in my new location, what will be the impact on my family and myself in terms of travel time and expense to travel in Australia and overseas.
• Is my family willing to move.
• Purchase of equipment, building, employment of staff.
• Visa Issue. Type of visa issued. Time and cost to process visa applications.
• What am I leaving behind in terms of skills, assets and experience.
• Will the move be detrimental to my job prospects should I attempt to resume my previous life.

FINANCE & INVESTMENT

• Finance availability and cost of finance to set up the business.
• Am I personally going to fully fund the business or will there be part financing by borrowings from financial institutions.
• Requirement to meet government guidelines when investing in Australia and transferring funds internationally.
• Selling up my business and home in my home country.
• What risk exposure of my personal and corporate assets am I prepared to accept.

THE LAW AND YOU

• How much of my time and expense am I prepared to devote to learning and complying with new legislations concerning both my business and personal life.
• Will I be able to cope with these legal issues in a new Australian environment. If not, have I explored ways which will allow me to overcome these hurdles.
• How much do you know about your legal rights. Knowledge about what happens if you breach Federal, State or local government laws.
• What, who and how to deal with government bureaucracy.

YOUR BUSINESS

• What is my market.
• What are my supply resources
• What are my business strengths and weaknesses
• How long do I wish to operate from my chosen location.
• What conditions will precipitate expansion, relocation or reevaluation of my business strategy
• How much will it cost to set up the business
• Availability of facilities, the cost of those facilities and your employee needs
• Licensing and skill/qualification recognition
• How familiar am I with the business I plan to set up. If unfamiliar, where can I get this experience
• What is my competition.
• What circumstances threaten my ability to obtain a profit from my business
• What are my fixed and variable costs.
• Is my family supportative of the proposed business.
• What are my start up expenses
• What is my worst case scenarios and what remedies can I put in place to minimize the potential damage

CONCLUDING SUMMARY:

As a guide:

• If it does not seem right or is too good to be true - then there is something wrong. Verify everything in writing and always get independent legal and accounting advice.
• You have a life outside work; Family and personal interest. Look after these outside interests by identifying them and placing them as a high priority.
• Australia is a long way from everywhere and may be completely alien

Do you qualify:Check if you are eligible for a visa