Australia’s controversial Golden Visa program, officially known as the Significant Investor Visa (SIV), could be making a comeback. Just a year after the government scrapped the program, opposition leader Peter Dutton has publicly declared that his party would consider bringing it back, citing its value in attracting high-net-worth individuals and boosting economic investment.
This announcement has reignited discussions around investment migration, the role of wealthy foreign investors in national economies, and whether the Golden Visa model still fits Australia’s immigration strategy in 2025.
A Short History of Australia’s Golden Visa Program
Launched in 2012, Australia’s Significant Investor Visa was aimed at individuals willing to invest at least AUD 5 million (approx. USD 3.3 million) into approved Australian assets, such as venture capital, private equity funds, and emerging companies.
The goal was to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and attract global business talent. In return, investors and their families received a fast-tracked path to permanent residency.
However, over time, the SIV attracted criticism for:
• Failing to deliver expected economic benefits.
•Serving as a backdoor entry route for the ultra-wealthy.
•Lacking sufficient oversight on the quality and impact of the investments.
In 2023, the Labor government led by Anthony Albanese officially abolished the SIV, calling it “not delivering value for money” and “inconsistent with the integrity of Australia’s migration system.”
Peter Dutton’s Comments Revive Investor Interest
Now, in a surprising political pivot, Peter Dutton — leader of the Liberal Party and former Minister for Immigration — has stated that his party would review the decision and potentially reinstate the Golden Visa scheme.
Speaking at a recent event, Dutton emphasized the importance of attracting high-value migrants and fostering a migration system that supports economic innovation and long-term prosperity.
“If we come back into government, it’s something that we would absolutely have a look at,” Dutton said.
This shift in rhetoric reflects a broader global trend: countries that once tightened immigration policies are now reconsidering investment migration as a tool for post-pandemic economic recovery.
A Divided Debate: Who Supports the Revival?
Supporters of the Golden Visa’s return argue that:
•High-net-worth individuals bring substantial capital into the economy.
•It helps Australia compete with global rivals like Canada, the UK, and the U.S., who offer similar investment residency options.
•A revised program with better safeguards could address previous issues.
Critics, however, remain skeptical. They point to:
•Poor job creation outcomes from the previous version.
•The risk of money laundering or passive investments with little domestic impact.
•Ethical concerns around selling residency to the wealthy while other skilled migrants face long queues.
How Would a New Golden Visa Look?
If revived, experts suggest that a future Australian Golden Visa program would need:
•Stricter investment criteria to ensure funds are directed to productive sectors (e.g., renewable energy, tech startups).
•More transparent reporting and tracking of investment outcomes.
•A balanced migration policy that aligns investment with long-term national goals.
Australia could also draw from Portugal’s new model, which replaced real estate-based Golden Visas with innovation and research-based routes—an approach better aligned with economic development.
What It Means for Global Investors
For international investors, especially from Asia and the Middle East, Australia has long been an attractive destination due to:
•A stable economy and high quality of life.
•Access to world-class healthcare and education.
•An English-speaking environment and strong legal protections.
The potential return of the Golden Visa would give investors another pathway to Australian residency, especially in the absence of other fast-track routes for passive investors.
However, much will depend on the details of the revised program, if and when it is announced. Investors are advised to monitor political developments closely and consult migration experts to prepare ahead.
Is Australia’s Golden Visa Set for a Comeback?
While nothing is confirmed yet, Peter Dutton’s comments have placed the Significant Investor Visa back in the national spotlight. The possible return of Australia’s Golden Visa would represent a significant policy reversal and reflect changing attitudes toward economic migration.
Whether it ultimately returns or not, the conversation signals that investment-based immigration is far from dead—and for investors, Australia may once again offer a compelling entry point into the Asia-Pacific region.
