Oceania
Australia is a high income, English speaking country with strong infrastructure, major cities like Sydney and Melbourne and easy access to nature and beaches. Almost all foreign visitors need a visa, but many can obtain a quick electronic authorisation such as an eVisitor (subclass 651) or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), which usually allows multiple visits of up to three months at a time within a 12 month period. Others must apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600), with streams that can allow stays of up to 12 months. Longer stays for work and study are mainly covered by the Working Holiday Maker visas for young travellers, student visas and skilled work visas sponsored by Australian employers. Australia does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa, so remote workers usually enter on visitor visas or working holiday and work routes, taking care to respect what each visa actually allows.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Work and travel in Australia for up to 3 years (with extensions). For young adults aged 18-30 (or 35 for some countries) from 19 eligible nations. Full work rights with no employer restrictions.
Full work rights with no restrictions on the type of work. You can work for any employer in any industry. The 6-month employer limitation has been relaxed — you can now work for the same employer for longer than 6 months in most circumstances. Study is limited to 4 months.
Extension: 365 days (max 2x)
Cost: 670 AUD
Process: Apply for a 2nd visa after completing 88 days of specified work in regional Australia during your 1st year. Apply for a 3rd visa after completing 179 days of specified work during your 2nd year. Specified work includes agriculture, mining, construction, and other regional industries.
Renewal: Not renewable, but you can apply for a 2nd and 3rd Working Holiday visa (up to 3 years total) by completing specified regional work.
Working holiday makers (417 and 462 visa holders) pay a special tax rate: 15% on the first AUD 45,000 of income, then standard non-resident rates apply (30% up to AUD 135,000, 37% up to AUD 190,000, 45% above). Must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Superannuation contributions by employers are mandatory and can be claimed as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) when leaving.
Short-stay electronic visas for tourism and business. ETA (601) for 8 Asian-Pacific countries (AUD 20 fee). eVisitor (651) free for EU/European passport holders. Up to 3 months per visit.
Condition 8101 (no work) applies to both ETA and eVisitor. The Department of Home Affairs considers that working online for an overseas employer while visiting (incidental to a holiday) is not a concern, but sustained remote work may breach visa conditions.
Visitor visa holders are generally non-residents for tax purposes. Non-residents pay 30% on Australian-sourced income up to AUD 135,000, 37% from AUD 135,001 to AUD 190,000, and 45% above AUD 190,000 (2025-26 rates). No Medicare levy for non-residents.
Temporary visa for tourism, business visits, or visiting family in Australia. Available in Tourist, Business Visitor, and Sponsored Family streams. Stay up to 3, 6, or 12 months.
Condition 8101 (no work) applies to the Tourist stream. Working online for an overseas employer while visiting may be tolerated if incidental to the visit, but sustained remote work could breach visa conditions. The Business Visitor stream allows limited business activities but not employment.
Visitor visa holders are generally non-residents for tax purposes. Non-residents pay 30% on Australian-sourced income up to AUD 135,000, 37% from AUD 135,001 to AUD 190,000, and 45% above AUD 190,000 (2025-26 rates). No Medicare levy for non-residents.
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa with three streams: Core Skills (AUD 76,515+ salary), Specialist Skills (AUD 141,210+ salary), and Labour Agreement. Up to 4 years with a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Full work rights but only for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. Cannot work for a different employer without a new nomination. Can do secondary employment of up to 10 hours per week in any occupation if earning above the Core Skills threshold.
Visa holders are tax residents if they meet the residency tests (e.g., 183-day rule). Residents pay standard progressive rates (0% on first AUD 18,200, then 16% to AUD 45,000, 30% to AUD 135,000, etc.). Non-residents pay 30% from the first dollar up to AUD 135,000. Medicare levy of 2% applies to residents. Employer superannuation contributions are mandatory.
Study full-time at a registered Australian institution. Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. Visa length matches your course duration, up to 5 years.
Condition 8105 limits work to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. Unlimited work hours during scheduled course breaks. Masters by research and Doctoral students have no work hour limits. Remote work for an overseas employer counts toward work hour limits.
Student visa holders who are tax residents pay standard progressive rates with the AUD 18,200 tax-free threshold. Non-resident students pay 30% from the first dollar up to AUD 135,000. Must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Employer superannuation contributions are mandatory.
Work and travel visa for young adults aged 18-30 from over 25 eligible countries. Similar to the 417 but with additional requirements including tertiary education and government support for some nationalities. Up to 3 years with extensions.
Full work rights with no restrictions on the type of work. You can work for any employer in any industry. Same 6-month employer limitation applies as with the 417 visa. Study limited to 4 months.
Working holiday makers (417 and 462 visa holders) pay a special tax rate: 15% on the first AUD 45,000 of income, then standard non-resident rates apply (30% up to AUD 135,000, 37% up to AUD 190,000, 45% above). Must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Superannuation contributions by employers are mandatory and can be claimed as DASP when leaving.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: March 25, 2026