Can International Students Start a Business in Australia in 2025?

Guide to Starting a Business as an International Student Visa Holder

by Emerson Migration Law

As of November 2025, Australia continues to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and a growing number of international students are eager to explore business opportunities while studying. This naturally raises the question: Can international students start a business in Australia?

The short answer is yes, but their study commitments must always remain the top priority. Below, we outline exactly how international students can legally start, own, or operate a business in Australia in 2025 while staying fully compliant with their student visa requirements.

Table of Contents

1. Work Rights under the Student (Subclass 500) Visa
2. What Student Visa Holders Are Allowed to Do
3. How to Start a Business as a Student Visa Holder
4. Legal Guidance to starting a business in Australia
5. Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa: A Pathway After Study
6. Common Questions about Student Visas and Business Ownership

Work Rights under the Student (Subclass 500) Visa

The Student visa allows holders to live in Australia while pursuing full-time study with an approved education provider. When granted, it comes with Condition 8105, which restricts the number of hours a student can work to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. This rule exists to ensure that international students prioritise their studies, which are the primary purpose of their stay in Australia.

During official course breaks, there is no limit to the number of hours a student can work. However, these limits apply not only to traditional employment but also to time spent managing or operating a business. Failing to comply with these conditions can result in visa cancellation.
(Source: Department of Home Affairs – Visa Conditions)

What Student Visa Holders Are Allowed to Do

While Condition 8105 restricts working hours, there is no provision that prevents international students from registering or owning a business in Australia. The key distinction lies between ownership and active management.

As a student visa holder, you may establish a business, but your involvement in daily operations must stay within the permitted working hours. You can register as a sole trader, become a shareholder in a company, or invest in an existing business. However, you cannot manage it full-time or treat it as your main occupation during study periods.

The guiding principle is that your studies must remain your primary focus, and your business activity must not breach the 48-hour limit while your course is in session.

How to Start a Business as a Student Visa Holder

International students can start a business in Australia provided they follow all legal and compliance requirements.

1. Choose a Business Structure
The first step to start a Business in Australia is to determine the business structure. Many students begin as sole traders, which is the simplest option and allows you to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) in your own name. Others may form a partnership if running a joint venture, or a company, which is a separate legal entity requiring at least one Australian resident director and registration with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). More complex structures, such as trusts, generally require professional legal or accounting advice.

2. Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Once you have chosen your structure, you must apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register. The process is free and typically completed online within minutes. You will need your visa and passport details, an Australian address, and information about your intended business activities.

3. Register a Business Name
If you plan to trade under a name that is not your own, you must also register your business name with ASIC via the ASIC Connect portal. For instance, if your name is “Maria Santos” but you wish to operate as “Maria’s Tutoring Services,” a business name registration is required.

4. Set Up Your Business Properly
After registration, it is advisable to open a dedicated business bank account, maintain clear records of your income and expenses, and consider obtaining public liability or professional indemnity insurance depending on your field. Establishing these systems early helps ensure compliance and credibility.

5. Meet Tax Obligations
Every business in Australia must also meet tax obligations. You must report income to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) each financial year and keep your records for at least five years. If your turnover is expected to exceed AUD 75,000 annually, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). Students who employ others may also need to register for Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding. (See: ATO – Small Business Tax Essentials)

6. Check for Licences or Permits
In addition, depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific licences or permits. Food businesses, beauty salons, and wellness providers, for example, often require health or council permits. You can identify the relevant requirements through the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).

7. Stay Compliant with Visa Conditions
Throughout this process, remember that your business activities count toward your 48-hour-per-fortnight limit during study periods. You can work full-time on your business only during official course breaks.

Support for International Student Entrepreneurs
Many states and territories in Australia actively support student entrepreneurship. Programs such as Study Melbourne and LaunchVic offer mentoring, funding, and networking opportunities to help students develop and grow their business ideas while staying compliant with visa conditions.
(See: Study Melbourne – Start a Business)

Participating in these programs can be an excellent way to gain local experience, refine your business model, and connect with other entrepreneurs.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): A Pathway After Study

After completing your studies, you may apply for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia full-time. This visa has no work-hour restrictions, giving you the opportunity to expand your business or gain professional experience.

Many graduates who started small ventures as students use this period to grow their operations or prepare for long-term business pathways, such as the Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) visa.

Common Questions about Student Visas and Business Ownership

– Can I get an ABN as a student visa holder?
Yes. International students can apply for an ABN and operate as sole traders, provided their activities comply with visa work limits.
– Can I start an online business while studying?
Yes. Many students run online stores or provide freelance services. All work must still fall within the 48-hour limit during teaching periods.
– Can I register a company while on a student visa?
Yes, but Australian law requires at least one company director to be an Australian resident. Many students start as sole traders before later forming a company.
– Can I work full-time in my own business?
Not while on a Student visa. Working full-time, even in your own business, may breach Condition 8105. Once you hold a visa without work restrictions, such as the Subclass 485, you can manage it full-time.
– Do universities allow students to run businesses?
Most do, but certain scholarships or programs restrict outside work. Always check your education provider’s policies before starting a business.

Legal Guidance to starting a business in Australia

While international students can legally start a business in Australia, each case is unique. The interaction between visa conditions, taxation, and business law can be complex.

If you are considering starting or investing in a business while holding a Student visa, our experienced migration lawyers based in Brisbane can provide tailored advice to ensure that your plans comply with visa conditions and Australian law.

If any of these apply to you

⤷ You’re seeking clarity on your application and peace of mind through a smooth process.
⤷ You want to eliminate costly errors and ensure all requirements are accurately met.
⤷ You need to complete your registration easily, quickly, and stress-free.
⤷ You’re looking for expert guidance and access to a network of Australian specialists.

Request Your Initial Consultation Here