➡ 2024 UPDATE
Australia doesn’t offer a visa specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers, and there are no current plans to introduce such a visa. However, digital nomads can still experience Australia by obtaining a Working Holiday or Tourist Visa. These visas allow you to work remotely and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in Australia.
Most travelers to Australia can obtain a three-month tourist visa (Electronic Travel Authority Visa 601, eVisitor Visa 651, or Visitor Visa 600) which must be secured before entry. Officially, tourist visas do not permit working in Australia. However, the situation is less clear regarding remote work and many people stays in Australia while working for a remote company.
As mentioned, many digital nomads use these visas for short-term remote work while exploring Australia before potentially applying for a working holiday visa for a longer stay.
Nomad Visa Australia 2024
Australia does not offer a specific visa tailored for digital nomads, but this does not preclude the possibility of digital nomads living and working remotely in the country. In fact, several visa options exist that are well-suited for this purpose, allowing stays of three, six, or twelve months, ensuring that most digital nomads can find a suitable arrangement.
Many digital nomads opt for either the Visitor Visa, eVisitor, or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). These visas are relatively straightforward to obtain and offer short-term entry into Australia, typically allowing multiple entries for periods of 3, 6, or 12 months. The Visitor Visa is particularly inclusive, open to applicants from all nationalities.
For those seeking a longer stay, the Working Holiday Visa presents an excellent option. This visa permits living and working in Australia for up to a year and is available in two subclasses—462 and 417—each catering to different nationalities.
The Visitor Visa
Primarily a tourist visa, the Visitor Visa permits a stay of up to 12 months in Australia and is accessible to all nationalities. Although intended for tourism or leisure, it accommodates remote workers who wish to combine work with travel. It’s important to note that the visa’s duration is decided on an individual basis, depending on the applicant’s intended length of stay and reasons for visiting. Extensions are not permitted; those wishing to stay longer must reapply.
The eVisitor Visa
This visa is exclusive to EU citizens, allowing them to visit Australia multiple times within a year for stays up to three months each. Intended for tourists, family visits, or business trips, the eVisitor does not permit extensions. For longer stays, another visa application is required.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
The ETA facilitates multiple short visits (up to three months per visit) to Australia over a year. Specific to certain countries, this electronic visa does not allow for extensions; a new application is necessary for additional stays.
The ETA is accessible to citizens from a select group of countries, including Canada, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.
The Working Holiday Visa
Available to young people aged 18 to 30 (35 in some cases), this visa supports short-term work in Australia, enabling visitors to finance their travels. Subclass 417 and subclass 462 cater to different nationalities and permit a stay of up to 12 months, allowing work in various industries.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) designed for younger travelers, this visa allows citizens from countries such as Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, the United States, and Vietnam to work while traveling in Australia.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) available to nationals from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, this visa also supports working while exploring Australia.
Which Visa is Best for Digital Nomads in Australia?
The Visitor Visa is arguably the most advantageous for digital nomads, available to all nationalities and permitting stays of up to 12 months. It is relatively easy to secure and allows for remote work, making it ideal for those wanting to explore Australia while continuing their professional activities.
Requirements for Digital Nomad Visas in Australia
Visitor Visa Requirements
- Employment: You must not engage in any employment while in Australia.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is required for the duration of your stay.
- Duration of Stay: Your visit cannot exceed 12 months within an 18-month period.
- Exit Requirement: You must leave Australia before your visa expires.
eVisitor and ETA Visa Requirements
- Employment: Work is prohibited during your stay.
- Study Limitation: You are allowed to engage in studies or training but for no longer than three months.
- Health Requirement: Applicants must be free from tuberculosis.
- Criminal Record: You must have no criminal convictions totaling 12 months or more.
Working Holiday Visa Requirements
- Employment Conditions: Work is permitted only in jobs relevant to the business or tasks specified in your visa application, and you cannot cease employment with your designated employer.
- Duration of Employment: You may not be employed by any single employer for more than six months.
- Study and Training: Limitations are placed on studying or training for more than four months during your stay.
- Health Insurance: Full health coverage is necessary throughout your stay.
- Residence Notification: You must inform the Department of Home Affairs of your residence in Australia at least 7 days before your visa expires.
- Public Interest Criteria: You must meet specific criteria after your entry into Australia and before the visa expires.
- Conduct: You must avoid involvement in activities that could be disruptive or pose a threat to any part of the Australian community.
Tax and Financial Requirements for Working Holiday Visa Holders
- Taxation: If you are employed in Australia, your employer will deduct tax from your wages. You are required to file a tax return annually.
- Bank Account: Opening a bank account in Australia is straightforward. Major banks such as NAB, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac allow online applications, requiring:
- An anticipated arrival date in Australia.
- Proof of age (over 18).
- Your passport and visa.
- A proof of address.
- Tax File Number (TFN) and other tax information.
- Employer details and salary information.
General Requirements for All Visa Applicants
- Proof of Funds: Applicants should demonstrate financial sufficiency, typically by showing bank statements from the past three months with a closing balance of at least $5,000 AUD.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of arranged accommodation is often necessary when applying for visas.
- Health Insurance: It is crucial to secure health insurance that covers:
- Hospital stays (both overnight and day-only).
- Emergency department fees.
- In-patient care and post-operative services.
- Surgically implanted prostheses.
- Prescriptions, medical, and ambulance services.
- Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is essential, and applicants must not engage in any activities that could disrupt public order or cause harm within the community.
Minimum Stay and Financial Support
While there is no specified minimum income requirement stated by the Department of Home Affairs, applicants must prove they have, or have access to, sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. This is a general prerequisite for all types of visas aimed at digital nomads and other visitors.
How to Apply for the Visitor Visa for Australia
Applying for a Visitor Visa to Australia involves a comprehensive process to ensure that all necessary criteria are met. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process smoothly.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Before initiating your application, compile all required documents. It’s crucial that all non-English documents are accompanied by a certified English translation. Here’s a checklist of documents you’ll need:
- Identity Documents:
- Passport pages showing your photo, personal details, and the issue and expiry dates.
- A national identity card.
- Proof of name changes, if applicable.
- Financial Proof:
- Personal bank statements covering a three-month period.
- Recent payslips.
- Audited accounts.
- Tax records.
- Credit card statements.
- Supporting Documents:
- A letter from a friend or relative in Australia inviting you to visit.
- An itinerary or plans for your stay in Australia.
- Evidence of ties to your home country such as a job, school enrollment, or family commitments.
- Military service records or discharge papers, if applicable.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
The application for the Visitor Visa must be completed online:
- Create or log in to your ImmiAccount.
- Follow the prompts to fill out the application form accurately.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
Using your ImmiAccount, upload all the documents prepared in Step 1. The platform will guide you on which documents to upload and whether they should be attached before or after submitting your application. If you are applying with family members, ensure to link your applications for simultaneous processing.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Your application will only be processed after the payment of the visa fee, which can be done through your ImmiAccount using various payment methods such as credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY.
Community Engagement
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Application Timeline
The processing times for a Visitor Visa can range from 12 to 35 days, depending on current demand.
Visa Cost
The cost for a Visitor Visa is approximately $150 AUD per applicant.
Tax Information
Holders of a Visitor Visa are not required to pay taxes in Australia as they are not allowed to engage in employment.