Australia Digital Nomad Visa
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Nadia Dardón
Freelance writer
Last update
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Australia Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
4.4
Internet Infrastructure 5.0
Country Stability 5.0
Cost of Living 3.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 5.0
Taxes 4.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length 12 months (Visitor Visa)
Possible to extend? No
Who can apply? All nationalities
Minimum Income Requirements Enough to support yourself
Time for visa applications 35 days
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Australia Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Australia does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. However, that does not mean that it is impossible for digital nomads to live in Australia. In fact, there are other visa options that work perfectly well to visit the country while working remotely. There are visas that allow you to stay for three, six, or even twelve months. There’s an option that will work for you.
Most digital nomads use the Visitor Visa, eVisitor, or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). These are short-term visas and some of the easiest to obtain. It will give you multiple entries to the country, and it may be granted for 3, 6, or 12 months. The Visitor Visa is available to all nationalities.
Another good option for a digital nomad visa for Australia is the Working Holiday Visa. This is a long-term visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia for one year. The Working Holiday Visa has two subclasses, 462 and 417, each eligible to different countries or jurisdictions.
Australia Remote Work Visa Options
As you can see, there are multiple visa options for digital nomads looking to live in Australia. It does not matter what’s your nationality, there is an option for you.
Here is a more detailed guide of all the digital nomad visa options for Australia.
The Visitor Visa
The Visitor Visa is basically a tourist visa. It allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, and it is available to all nationalities.
Technically, this visa is only meant to be there as a tourist, for a cruise, or for purposes other than business or medical treatment. However, if you’re working remotely, you shouldn’t have a problem working and visiting with this visa.
This is a temporary visa, and the length is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on how long you want to stay and why you want to stay in Australia.
You can’t extend visa time. If you wish to stay for longer, then you must apply again.
The eVisitor Visa
The eVisitor Visa is available to EU citizens. This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you wish within a year, as long as the trip is shorter than three months.
With this visa, you can visit Australia as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or as a business visitor.
You can’t extend this visa. If you wish to stay in Australia for longer, then you must apply for another visa.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
The ETA is an electronic visa for Australia. The visa is valid for up to 1 year. You can enter Australia multiple times, as long as your stays are a maximum of 3 months.
This visa is available to specific countries. It can’t be renewed. If you wish to stay in Australia for longer, then you must apply for another visa.
The Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa is a short-term visa for people 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries).
There are two subclasses for this visa, subclass 417 and subclass 462. Each subclass is available for different nationalities.
This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 4 months. This visa is specifically for doing short-term work in Australia to help pay for your holiday. You can do any kind of work on this visa.
What Australia Visa Type Is The Best For Digital Nomads?
The best Australian visa for digital nomads is the Visitor Visa. This is available to all nationalities, and you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months. It is relatively easy to obtain, and you can work remotely while enjoying everything Australia has to offer.
Hand-picked just for you: How to Work from Anywhere
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Australia
As mentioned above, there is no digital nomad visa for Australia.
However, all nationalities can apply for a Visitor Visa. There are no restrictions regarding your country of origin or the type of work you perform.
The eVisitor is available to European Union citizens.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa is available to citizens of the following countries:
Canada
Brunei
Hong Kong
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
United StatesThe Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is available to citizens of the following countries:
Argentina
Austria
Ecuador
Chile
China
Czech Republic
Greece
Hungary
Indonesia
Israel
LuxembourgMalaysia
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San MarinoSingapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
UruguayUnited States
VietnamThe Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is available to citizens of the following countries:
BelgiumCanada
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
GermanyHong Kong
Republic of Ireland
ItalyJapanRepublic of Korea
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan
United KingdomIf You Are An United States Citizen
If you’re a USA citizen, you can apply to the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), the ETA, or the Visitor Visa.
If You Are An EU Citizen
If you’re an EU citizen, you can apply for the Visitor Visa, the eVisitor, or Working Holiday Visas.
If You Are A US Green Card Holder
If you are a US green card holder, you can apply for the same visas as a US citizen: the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), the ETA, or the Visitor Visa.
If You Are A Citizen from Canada or New Zealand
If you’re a Canada citizen, you can apply for the Visitor Visa or the ETA.
If you’re a citizen of New Zealand, you can apply for a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and do not have a limit on how long you stay in Australia.
If You Reside In Any Other Country
If you’re a resident of a country not mentioned above, you can apply for a Visitor Visa.
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Australia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Here’s a list of all necessary requirements to obtain a visa in Australia.
Visitor Visa
You must not work in Australia.
Must have adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia.
You must leave before the visa expires.
You cannot stay for more than 12 months in any 18-month period.
eVisitor and ETA Visas
You must not work in Australia.
Must not engage in more than 3 months, in any studies or training.
You must be free from tuberculosis.
You must not have any criminal convictions for which the sentences total 12 months or more.
Working Holiday Visa
You cannot work in Australia unless it is relevant to the business or tasks specified in the visa application.
You must not stop working for your employer.
You must satisfy outstanding public interest criteria after you enter Australia and before the visa ceases.
You must not become involved in activities disruptive to, or violence threatening harm to, the Australian community or a group within the Australian community.
Must have adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia.
You must notify the Department in writing of your place of residence in Australia, 7 days before the visa ceases.
You must not be employed by any one employer for more than 6 months.
You can’t study or train for more than a total of 4 months while you are in Australia on this visa.
Document Requirements for Paying Taxes in Australia
If you work in Australia with a Working Holiday Visa, your employer will withhold tax from your pay, and you may need to lodge a tax return each year. This applies to both subclasses.
If you enter Australia with an eVisa, ETA, or Visitor Visa, you are not required to pay taxes.
Australia Bank Account Requirements
You can open an Australian bank account as a foreigner without a problem. Australia’s four main banks NAB, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac offer online applications, so you can easily open one from wherever you’re at the moment.
You must provide:
An arrival date to Australia
Be 18 or over
Your passport
Your visa
Proof of address
Tax information e.g., TFN (Tax File Number)
Employer details and salary
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency
You might need to present bank statements for the past 3 months with a closing balance of at least $5,000 AUD.
Proof Of Accommodation
While you’re applying for any of the Australian visas, you must start looking for your accommodations. This is an important step for your trip, since it is likely you’ll need to present proof of where you’ll be staying while applying.
Full Health Insurance
The Australian government requests that you have an adequate health insurance for the whole of your stay in Australia.
You should look for health insurance that provides benefits at least equivalent to the following:
Public hospital
overnight and day-only hospital accommodation
emergency department fees
admitted patient care and postoperative services
Surgically implanted prostheses
Pharmacy
Medical services
Ambulance services
Looking for health insurance? We’ve got you covered!
Clean Criminal Record
In order to apply for any of the Australian visas, you must have a clean criminal record. Additionally, you must not become involved in activities disruptive to, or violence threatening harm to, the Australian community or a group within the Australian community.
Minimum Stay Requirement
The official website of the Department of Home Affairs in Australia does not specify a minimum income for any of the visas available for digital nomads.
All it requires is “you must have, or have access to, enough money to support yourself while you are in Australia.”
How to Apply for the Visitor Visa – Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Acquire All The Necessary Documents
Before you start the application process, make sure you have all the documents necessary. And make sure to include English translation to your documents, if needed.
Here’s a list of all the documents you’ll need:
Identity documents
Pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue, and expiry dates.
A national identity card
Proof of change of name, if applicable
Proof you have enough money for your stay and to leave Australia
Personal bank statements for a 3-month period
Payslips
Audited accounts
Tax Records
Credit card statements
A letter from your relative or friend in Australia, inviting you to visit.
Your plans while in Australia.
Proof that you have reasons to return home
A letter from your employer stating you plan to return to your job
Proof that you study at a school, college, or university in your home country
Proof that you have immediate family members in your home country
Military service record or discharge papers, if applicable.
Step 2 – Fill Out The Application Form
You must apply online for the Visitor visa. In order to fill out the application form, you must log in or create an ImmiAccount.
Step 3 – Submit Your Documents
Once you have an ImmiAccount, you can attach all the documents listed above.
The platform will tell you what documents to attach and whether to attach documents before or after you submit.
Additionally, if you’re applying with your family, make sure to submit the family applications together.
Step 4 – Pay The Application Fee
After you submit your documents, you must make the payment of the visa fee. They will not process your application until you pay the fee.
You pay directly with your ImmiAccount, using one of the following payment methods:
Credit Card
PayPal
UnionPay
BPAY
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Timeline To Apply For Australia Nomad Visa
The processing time will vary, depending on the demand. You can expect a processing time of 12 to 35 days.
How Much Does Apply for a Visitor Visa for Australia Cost?
The Visitor Visa costs $150AUD per applicant.
Taxes for Australia Visitor Visa
If you enter Australia with a Visitor Visa, you are not required to pay taxes.
Australian Digital Nomad Visa Denial
If your application for a Visitor Visa is denied, you have to apply for an appeal at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). In cases where you have a sponsor/nominator, they can also apply on your behalf.
You must send the request within 28 days after the decision notice. The Immigration Office will send a written decision regarding your visa.
You’ll also need to pay for the Appeal Fee, which is around $1,826 AUD.
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Living in Australia as a Digital Nomad
Australia is a beautiful country that has a lot to offer to everyone who visits. Where you choose to live will depend on what lifestyle you wish to have, but there is something for everyone.
While living in Australia as a digital nomad, you can expect to explore all of its different climates. Australia is a big country where you’ll find beaches, mountains, and deserts. There’s plenty of things to discover, so you’ll never grow bored.
Capital Canberra
Form of Government Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
Population 25.69 million
Climate Equitorial, sub-tropical, and temperate
Language English
Currency Australian dollars (AUD or AU$)
9 people in Australia!
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Attractions and best places to visit
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Queensland
This barrier reef is a World Heritage-listed natural wonder, and one of the largest living structures on the planet. If you want to explore Australia’s marine biodiversity, this is the place to go.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory
Uluru is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. Uluru, meaning “shadowy place” in the local Aboriginal dialect. The red monolith has a height of 348 meters. You can also see the red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta.
Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Blue Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise. And the best thing, it is just an 81-kilometer drive away from Sydney, which makes it the perfect destination for a one-day trip.
Melbourne, Victoria
If you enjoy city life, then Melbourne is for you. It is Australia’s second-largest city. It has many galleries, theaters, restaurants, and shops. It’s also a green city, with plenty of parks, gardens, and open spaces.
Digital nomad hotspots
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Sydney
City in Australia
Sydney is the top destination for many digital nomads. It is a big metropolis that offers the perfect balance between leisure and working facilities. You won’t have a problem finding a good spot to work. Plus, it’s close to many beaches and other natural wonders, which you can explore during the weekends.
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Melbourne
City in Australia
Melbourne has a very European-feel to it, which is why many digital nomads decide to live there. It has earned the title of World’s Most Livable City, popular for its music, café culture, and diverse arts.
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Brisbane
City in Australia
Brisbane is another popular city for digital nomads. It is the capital of Queensland and its best feature is that it has a desirable climate all year round. Plus, this is a cheaper city compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
Benefits Of Working In Australia as a Digital Nomad
There are many benefits to living in Australia as a digital nomad.
It is a top livable country. There’s plenty of cities with good accommodations and lots of options for you to work and enjoy your life. Plus, many of these cities are booming coworking spaces.
You’ll also find a stable internet connection in most places.
Their official language is English, so you won’t find any language barriers. You won’t struggle to communicate or to make new friends.
If you’re an adventurer, Australia will be a paradise for you. There are so many things to see and explore!
Cost of Living
The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). $1AUD = $0.67USD approximately.
The current cost of living in Australia is roughly $4,318 per month for a single person. For a family of four, the cost of living in Australia is around $7,699 per month.
Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay per month in Sydney:
One-bedroom apartment $2,920AUD ($1,958)
Three-bedroom apartment $2,116AUD ($1,419)
Monthly electricity, water, and related bills $250AUD ($167)
Meal at a simple restaurant $25AUD ($16)
Meal for two at a restaurant $130AUD ($87)
Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay per month in Melbourne:
One-bedroom apartment $2,240AUD ($1,502)
Three-bedroom apartment $1,737AUD ($1,165)
Monthly electricity, water, and related bills $288AUD ($193)
Meal at a simple restaurant $25AUD ($16)
Meal for two at a restaurant $110AUD ($73)
Digital nomad essentials
Internet (speed) 791.8 Mbps
Time Zone Kingston (GMT+12), Adelaide (GMT+10:30), Perth (GMT+8), and Christmas Island (GMT+7)
Socket Type Type I
Calling Code +61
How to get a SIM card in Australia
You can purchase an Australian prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.
The popular phone providers are:
Telstra
30 GB, valid for 28 days for $30AUD ($19.44)
90 GB, valid for 6 months for $150AUD ($97.19)
200 GB, valid for 12 months for $300AUD ($194.39)
Vodafone
40 GB, valid for 28 days for $30AUD ($19.44)
150 GB, valid for 365 days for $250AUD ($161.99)
Optus
30 GB, valid for 30 days for $30AUD ($19.44)
200 GB, valid for 365 days for $300AUD ($194.39)
Make Australia Your Next Digital Nomad Destination!
As you can see, Australia is a paradise of great-locations and amazing scenery. Even though it doesn’t have a visa specifically for digital nomads, it is still an accessible country. There’s plenty of visa options to live and work remotely while enjoying everything it has to offer.
So what are you waiting for? Make Australia your next destination in your digital nomad journey!
FAQs About Australian Remote Work Visa
Does Australia Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
No, it does not. However, it has other visa options perfect for digital nomads.
What is the length of the Australia Visitor Visa?
The length varies between 3, 6, and 12 months.
Is it possible to extend the Australia Visitor Visa?
No, if you wish to extend you must apply again.
Will You Get a Refund for Visa Application If You Are Denied?
No, the application fee is non-refundable.
Can I Work Remotely in Australia?
Yes! As long as you’re not working for an Australian company, you’re free to work remotely.
Can I Work in Australia on a Tourist Visa?
It is illegal to work for an Australian company with a tourist visa. However, if you work remotely for a foreign company, there won’t be an issue.
Unless you have the Working Holiday Visa, then you are allowed to work in Australia.
Can You Work in Australia Without a Visa?
No, you must have a visa in order to work in Australia.
How Much Money Do You Need per Month in Australia?
As a single person, you’ll need approximately $1,044.5 per month. As a family, you’ll need approximately $3,684.8.
Is there a Digital Nomad Community In Australia?
Yes! Australia is quickly becoming one of the most popular digital nomad destinations.
What Australian Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?
New ZealandAuthor
Nadia Dardón is a freelance writer from Guatemala. In early 2022 she embarked as a digital nomad, traveling through Europe, focusing mostly on the literary history of each country. She has worked fully remotely for the past four years as a reader, writer, and content creator with experience creating pieces for different industries. She also has a personal blog where she writes about her cultural and literary travels.
