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Australia Subclass 190 Visa 2026:
Skilled Nominated Visa Complete Guide
The Subclass 190 grants permanent residency in Australia through state or territory government nomination — adding a critical +5 points to your SkillSelect score. More accessible than the 189 and faster to process, the 190 is the smart choice for applicants with 75–85 points who are open to one Australian state for two years.
Bonus Points from State Nomination
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Permanent Residency from Day One
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State Commitment Period
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What Is the Australia Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Like the Subclass 189, it is a points-tested visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme — but with one key advantage: state nomination automatically adds +5 points to your SkillSelect score.
This makes the 190 significantly more accessible than the 189 for most applicants. If your base points score is 70–80 points, you become genuinely competitive for a 190 invitation in the right state — whereas the same score might wait years in the 189 pool. The 190 also processes faster (6–9 months on average) and has a broader occupation list (MLTSSL and STSOL), giving more professionals access to a direct PR pathway.
The trade-off: once granted, you are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years. After completing that commitment, you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia with no further restrictions.
✓ 190 vs 189 — Which is right for you? If your base points score is 85+ and your occupation is in Tier 1 or 2, the 189 may invite you within a year. If your score is 70–84 and you are willing to spend 2 years in one state, the 190 is almost certainly faster and more reliable. TEG Consultancy assesses both simultaneously — and typically recommends lodging EOIs for both 189 and 190 at the same time to maximise chances of receiving any invitation.
Subclass 190 Visa — Key Facts (2026)
Feature | Detail |
Visa Type | Permanent Residence — granted from day of visa approval |
Points Bonus | +5 points automatically added upon state nomination approval |
Sponsor Required | Yes — must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government |
Occupation List | MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) OR STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) — broader than the 189 |
Minimum Points | 65 points total (including the +5 nomination bonus — meaning your base score needs to be at least 60 before nomination) |
Competitive Score | 75–85+ points total depending on occupation and state |
Age Limit | Under 45 years at time of Invitation to Apply (ITA) |
English Requirement | Minimum Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent) |
Skills Assessment | Positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian authority required |
Location Obligation | Live and work in the nominating state/territory for 2 years after visa grant |
After 2 Years | Free to live and work anywhere in Australia — no further restrictions |
Processing Time | 6–9 months from visa application lodgement (faster than 189) |
Visa Application Charge | AUD $4,640 (primary applicant); AUD $2,320 (secondary adult); AUD $1,160 (child) |
Path to Citizenship | After 4 years total (including minimum 1 year as PR) |
Australian Passport Rank | 6th globally — visa-free access to 185+ countries |
How State Nomination Works — The Two-Stage Process
The Subclass 190 involves two separate and sequential stages: first obtaining state nomination from a state or territory government, then applying for the federal visa from the Department of Home Affairs. Both stages must be completed successfully for a visa grant.
1
Lodge EOI in SkillSelect (Department of Home Affairs)
You first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian government’s SkillSelect portal. In your EOI, you indicate that you are seeking Subclass 190 state nomination and nominate the state(s) you wish to be nominated by. There is no cost to lodge an EOI.
2
State or Territory Reviews Your EOI
Each state and territory government independently reviews EOIs from SkillSelect, using their own occupation priority lists, scoring criteria (some use a separate state matrix system), and points thresholds. States invite applicants from SkillSelect when they have allocation places available for an occupation.
3
State Nomination Invitation (14-Day Window)
If selected, the state sends you an invitation to apply for state nomination. Critical: NSW nominations expire in just 14 days. Do not change your SkillSelect EOI after receiving a state nomination invitation, as this may invalidate the nomination.
4
State Nomination Application & Assessment (4–6 Weeks)
You submit your state nomination application through the relevant state government portal, along with supporting documents. The state assesses your application — verifying employment, qualifications, and state ties — within approximately 6 weeks in most states.
5
Home Affairs Issues Federal ITA (Invitation to Apply)
If your state nomination is approved, Home Affairs automatically reflects the +5 nomination points in your SkillSelect EOI and, if your total points score ranks you in an invitation round, issues your federal ITA.
6
Visa Application — 60-Day Window
You have 60 days from ITA to lodge your complete Subclass 190 visa application with Home Affairs via ImmiAccount. TEG Consultancy prepares all documents in advance so you are ready to submit immediately.
7
Visa Application — 60-Day Window
You have 60 days from ITA to lodge your complete Subclass 190 visa application with Home Affairs via ImmiAccount. TEG Consultancy prepares all documents in advance so you are ready to submit immediately.
Portugal Golden Visa — Residency Through Investment
The Portugal Golden Visa (officially: ARI — Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento) is a five-year residence by investment programme for non-EU nationals. It is uniquely flexible — requiring just seven days per year in Portugal — making it ideal for internationally mobile investors who want European residency as a Plan B without relocating immediately.
Investment Options in 2026
| Visa / Programme | Best For | Key Requirement | Min. Stay | Processing Time | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa (ARI) | Investors, high-net-worth individuals, Plan B seekers | From €250,000 investment | Only 7 days/year | 12–24 months | After 5 years |
| D7 Passive Income Visa | Retirees, landlords, dividend earners | €920/month passive income | ~6 months/year | 6–9 months | After 5 years |
| D2 Entrepreneur Visa | Business owners, freelancers, self-employed professionals | ~€11,040 in funds + business plan | 6 months/year | 9–12 months | After 5 years |
| D8 Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers employed by foreign companies or clients | ~€3,480–€3,680/month remote income | ~6 months/year | 6–9 months | After 5 years |
Key Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa
- Visa-free access to all 26 Schengen Area countries
- Right to live, work, and study in Portugal
- Include your spouse, children, and dependent parents in the same application
- Minimum stay of just 7 days per year — no relocation required
- Eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years
- Access to Portugal’s public healthcare (SNS) and education system
- Keep your existing citizenship(s) — Portugal allows dual nationality
D7 Passive Income Visa — Residency for Retirees & Passive Income Earners
The Portugal D7 Visa — also known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa — is the most affordable and accessible route to Portuguese residency. If you can demonstrate a stable, recurring income of at least €920 per month from outside Portugal, you may be eligible.
Who Is It For?
- Retirees receiving a pension from their home country
- Landlords earning consistent rental income from properties abroad
- Investors drawing regular dividends or interest income
- Remote workers with stable passive or investment-based income
- Anyone with regular income from royalties, savings transfers, or annuities
Minimum Income Requirements (2026)
| Visa / Programme | Best For | Key Requirement | Min. Stay | Processing Time | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa (ARI) | Investors, high-net-worth individuals, Plan B seekers | From €250,000 investment | Only 7 days/year | 12–24 months | After 5 years |
| D7 Passive Income Visa | Retirees, landlords, dividend earners | €920/month passive income | ~6 months/year | 6–9 months | After 5 years |
| D2 Entrepreneur Visa | Business owners, freelancers, self-employed professionals | ~€11,040 in funds + business plan | 6 months/year | 9–12 months | After 5 years |
| D8 Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers employed by foreign companies or clients | ~€3,480–€3,680/month remote income | ~6 months/year | 6–9 months | After 5 years |
D2 Entrepreneur Visa — Residency for Business Owners & Freelancers
The Portugal D2 Visa is designed for non-EU entrepreneurs, freelancers, independent professionals, and startup founders who want to build their business in Portugal. Unlike the Golden Visa, there is no fixed minimum investment — but you must demonstrate a viable business plan and sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself during the first year.
Who Can Apply?
- Entrepreneurs starting a new company in Portugal
- Business owners opening a Portuguese branch of an existing company
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals with service contracts in Portugal
- Startup founders accepted by a certified Portuguese incubator (Startup Visa route)
Key advantage of the D2 Visa: No sector restrictions — you can open a business in any industry, from a restaurant or consultancy to a technology startup. There is also no requirement to obtain pre-approval from a Portuguese business incubator (unless applying under the Startup Visa route).
D8 Digital Nomad Visa — Residency for Remote Workers
Launched in 2022, the Portugal D8 Visa — Portugal’s official Digital Nomad Visa — allows non-EU remote workers and digital professionals to live in Portugal while earning their income from foreign employers or international clients. Portugal has rapidly become one of Europe’s top digital nomad destinations, with fast internet, a vibrant tech scene in Lisbon and Porto, and a thriving international expat community.
Key Requirements
- Income of approximately €3,480–€3,680 per month in verifiable remote earnings
- Must be employed by — or providing services to — companies or clients outside Portugal
- Proof of employment contract or freelance client agreements
- Valid health insurance covering Portugal
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental or ownership)
Frequently Asked Questions — Portugal Residence Program
How much do I need to invest for a Portugal Golden Visa in 2026?
The minimum investment for the Portugal Golden Visa in 2026 starts at €250,000 for support of artistic production or national cultural heritage (€200,000 in low-density areas). The most popular route — investment fund units — requires €500,000. The real estate route was permanently closed in October 2023 and is no longer available. TEG Consultancy can advise on which investment option best suits your financial goals.
What is the minimum income for the Portugal D7 Visa in 2026?
The minimum passive income required for the Portugal D7 Visa in 2026 is €920 per month for a single applicant (approximately €11,040 per year). If you are bringing a spouse, add €460/month per adult dependent. For each child under 18, add €276/month. Eligible income sources include pensions, rental income, dividends, interest, royalties, and regular overseas transfers.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship after 5 years with a Golden Visa or D7 Visa?
Yes — under current rules, both Golden Visa and D7 Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of legal residency. Note: In April 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved amendments that could extend this timeline to 10 years (7 years for EU and CPLP nationals). These changes are not yet law and are pending Presidential review. TEG Consultancy monitors all legislative changes and will advise clients accordingly.
What is the difference between the Portugal Golden Visa and the D7 Visa?
The Golden Visa requires a qualifying investment (from €250,000) and only 7 days per year in Portugal — ideal for investors who do not plan to relocate immediately. The D7 Visa has no investment requirement but needs €920/month passive income and approximately 6 months per year in Portugal. The D7 is better suited for retirees and those planning to make Portugal their primary home.
Can I include my family in my Portugal residency application?
Yes. All Portugal residence programmes allow family reunification, including your spouse or civil partner, children under 18, financially dependent adult children, and first-degree ascendants (parents). Note: From October 2025, D7 Visa holders must first complete 2 years of residency before bringing family members under family reunification rules.
How long does a Portugal residence application take in 2026?
Processing times vary by programme: D7 and D8 visas typically take 6–9 months; the D2 Entrepreneur Visa takes 9–12 months; the Golden Visa can take 12–24 months due to AIMA’s significant backlog. TEG Consultancy prepares comprehensive, error-free applications to minimise delays at every stage.
Do I need to live in Portugal full-time to maintain my residency?
It depends on your visa type. The Golden Visa only requires 7 days per year in Portugal — the most flexible option. The D7, D2, and D8 visas all require approximately 6 months per year in Portugal to maintain your residency status.
What is the income requirement for the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa?
The Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa requires verifiable remote income of approximately €3,480–€3,680 per month in 2026. This income must come from employment with, or service contracts for, companies or clients based outside Portugal. This is roughly four times the Portuguese national minimum wage, reflecting that applicants should not compete with local workers.
⚠ April 2026 Legislative Update: The Portuguese Parliament approved amendments to the Nationality Law in April 2026 that could extend the citizenship timeline from 5 to 10 years for most nationalities (7 years for EU and CPLP citizens). These changes are not yet in force — they are pending Presidential review. TEG Consultancy will update all clients as soon as the law is promulgated. Contact us for the latest guidance →
Renewal, Citizenship & Long-Term Support
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with a TEG Consultancy immigration expert. We’ll assess your eligibility, explain your options, and create a personalised roadmap to your Portuguese residence permit.