Look, if you are from Southeast Asia and you do business in Australia, this is the change you have been waiting for. The business visitor visa just got extended from 3 years to 5.
That is a significant shift. Fewer applications. Less time chasing paperwork. More time actually doing business.
What the ASEAN Visa Extension Means for You
For applications lodged after 1 April 2024, business visitors from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste can apply for a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa valid for up to 5 years.
You can stay in Australia for up to 3 months at a time. Multiple entries. One visa. Five years of access.
This came out of the Melbourne Declaration at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. The government wanted to strengthen business ties with the region. This is how they did it.
What You Can Actually Do on This Visa
The Subclass 600 business visitor stream lets you:
• Negotiate contracts and explore business opportunities
• Make general business or employment enquiries
• Attend conferences, seminars, or trade fairs
• Participate in official government visits
Here is what you cannot do: work for an Australian employer. This is not a work visa. If you need to actually work here, you are looking at a skilled work visa or employer sponsorship. Different pathway entirely.
Which Countries Qualify for the 5-Year Visa
All ASEAN member states are included: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Plus Timor-Leste.
Myanmar is not included in these arrangements.
The 10-Year Frequent Traveller Stream Is Coming
If you travel to Australia regularly, there is more good news. The government is extending the 10-year visitor visa Frequent Traveller stream to ASEAN states and Timor-Leste later this year.
Ten years. Multiple entries. If your business requires you to be in and out of Australia constantly, that is the one to watch.
What Should You Do Now
If you are doing business between Australia and Southeast Asia, the extended visa validity changes your planning. One application covers you for five years. That is less time dealing with immigration and more time closing deals.
Not sure if the business visitor stream is right for your situation? Maybe you need something with work rights. Book a consultation and I will tell you exactly where you stand.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific circumstances, book a consultation.