Moving to Aus with a UK business that will remain active - how does this work?

[JPsych]

Hello, I am new here and really need some opinions and advice.

I am 27, have a PhD in my field and have my own consultancy business which is successful. I am married and have two children. My business is really taking off in the UK and is growing very quickly. Next summer, I plan to launch my second service which will be global and entirely online. I already have contracts and travel to work in US, NZ and AUS about once per year.

We have always wanted to emigrate but never really thought it was possible until last month when I was offered a consultancy contract in Aus which will last five years. This is offered via my UK registered business. The commissioner has said that I can remain living in UK and they will fly me out 6-8 times a year but I would rather just live there to be honest.

I'm struggling to know what to do here. I can't find much information on applying for visas and such if you plan on remaining self employed in your own business. As an example, I often get commissioned to write research or government guidance. I can do that from anywhere in the world, so I don't need a job when I get to Aus as my diary is fully booked for about 18 months in advance. I spoke to a guy who was an emigration specialist and he said that this is not seen as a good thing and that Aus govt would want to see how I am contributing to their economy and would likely reject the visa. Is this true? Do Brits with successful businesses ever go to Aus and operate the business from UK and set up a second one in Aus?

The contract value I have been offered in Aus for the whole 5 years is $2.2m ($440k per year - which would be paid into an Aus bank account and I would pay Aus tax on it - so I thought this would be seen as a good thing? Could someone let me know their thoughts? 

(Husband is 33, and is CEO of our charity here, which we will have to close down when we emigrate to Aus - but he has many qualifications and experience so I think he would be fine for a visa too - our kids are 10 and 8 if that helps anyone).

 

Thanks to anyone who can provide any insight, J x

[Guest The Pom Queen]

Hi @JPsych welcome to the forum.

I think there is a way of doing this, whether it’s possible for you I’ve no idea, but the man who I think could help is @Alan Collett. I have seen him help other members who have had their own or considered their own business. 

I do agree with what you were told though, from the tax mans eyes,  unless you were employing Australian staff what would you be bringing to the economy.

If you do want to make the move it sounds like you could very well qualify for a visa following a different path so it would be well worth chatting with Alan or one of the other agents like @Raul Senise @wrussell Etc.

[Alan Collett]

Yes, please feel able to contact my PA at our Southampton office - 023 81 66 11 55.

She can tee up a date and a time for us to speak.

Best regards.