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Australia

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.

4
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

ETA / eVisitor (short stay electronic visitor visas)

Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651) for eligible passport holders, allowing multiple short stays in Australia for tourism or business visitor activity, generally up to 3 months at a time within a 12 month period.

90 days
Duration
AUD 0
— fee

✅ Key Benefits

✓Simple, mostly online process for eligible passports with fast processing and no need to visit an embassy.
✓Allows multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business visitor activity, usually up to three months per stay.
✓Widely used by digital nomads who want to spend a few months in Australia without working for Australian employers.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Hold a passport from a country that is eligible for the eVisitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority programme according to the latest Department of Home Affairs list.
  • •Visit Australia for tourism, to see friends and family or to undertake permitted business visitor activities, without working in Australia.
  • •Meet health and character requirements and have sufficient funds to cover the trip and onward travel.
  • •Apply from outside Australia and, for ETA, generally use the official Australian ETA app or authorised channels.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Most ETA and eVisitor applications for eligible passports are processed quickly, with many decisions issued within minutes or a few days for straightforward cases. Applications that raise health, character or travel history questions can take longer.
  1. 1Use the official Department of Home Affairs guidance or visa finder to confirm that your passport is eligible for an ETA or eVisitor.
  2. 2Create or use an ImmiAccount or the Australian ETA app as directed, complete the online form with your passport details and travel plans and answer health and character questions.
  3. 3Pay any applicable ETA service or government charge, if relevant, and submit your application; most straightforward applications are decided quickly, often within a short period.
  4. 4Once your ETA or eVisitor is granted, travel to Australia within the validity period and, on each entry, comply with the condition that you stay no longer than three months and do not work in Australia.
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Apply well before booking non refundable flights so you have time to resolve any additional document requests.
  • •Carry evidence of onward travel and proof of funds, as airlines and border officers may ask to see them.
  • •If you intend to work in Australia, even temporarily, use a visa that permits work rather than relying on ETA or eVisitor.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work

Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) lets eligible young adults from certain countries work and travel in Australia, usually for up to 12 months for each visa, with options for a second and third visa if specified regional or critical sector work is completed.

365 days
Duration
AUD 0
— fee

✅ Key Benefits

✓Allows young adults to fund extended travel in Australia by working legally in a wide range of jobs.
✓Permits multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa validity.
✓Can provide valuable Australian work experience and a bridge to other visa options for some people.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Hold a passport from a country eligible for the Working Holiday Maker programme (subclass 417) and be within the age range specified for your nationality, often 18 to 30 or 18 to 35.
  • •Genuine intention to holiday in Australia, with work as a secondary way to support your stay rather than the main purpose.
  • •Sufficient funds to support yourself at the beginning of your stay (often evidenced as at least several thousand Australian dollars) and to depart at the end of the visit.
  • •Meet health and character requirements, and not be accompanied by dependent children during your stay.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Processing times for Working Holiday visas vary but many straightforward applications are decided in a matter of weeks, with more time needed if further documents or checks are required.
  1. 1Confirm that your nationality, age and circumstances fit the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) criteria using the Department of Home Affairs website.
  2. 2Gather evidence of your identity, proof of funds, and any required health or character documents and create or log into an ImmiAccount.
  3. 3Complete the online application form, pay the visa application charge and upload your documents as directed.
  4. 4Wait for a decision and, if granted, enter Australia within the validity period to activate your visa. Once in Australia, you can work, travel and, if desired, complete specified work to become eligible for a second and potentially third Working Holiday visa.
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 365 days (max 2x)

Cost: Free

Process: Holders who complete the required specified work in eligible regions and sectors can usually apply for a second and then a third Working Holiday visa, each allowing up to 12 months, giving a potential total of around three years in Australia under this programme.

Renewal: Even across multiple Working Holiday visas, stay is temporary and subject to continuing to meet age, specified work and other criteria. Long term residence or permanent migration require a separate skilled, family or other visa pathway.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Understand the specified work rules, including industry sectors and regional requirements, if you plan to apply for a second or third Working Holiday visa.
  • •Keep thorough records of your work, including payslips and employer references, in case they are needed for future visa applications.
  • •Be aware of tax and superannuation obligations when working in Australia and consider obtaining a Tax File Number promptly after arrival.

Visitor visa (subclass 600) – tourist streams

TouristPopular

Visitor visa (subclass 600) tourist streams allow people who are not eligible for ETA or eVisitor, or who need longer or more flexible stays, to visit Australia for tourism, family visits or certain business visitor activities, often for up to 3, 6 or 12 months.

90d
Duration
AUD 190
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Processing times for Visitor visas vary significantly by nationality, stream and season. Some straightforward applications are decided in a few weeks, while more complex cases can take longer. Applicants should check the indicative processing times on the official website and apply well before intended travel.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
AUDUSD
Required
Visitor visa government feeOfficial guidance for the tourist stream shows a base application charge starting from around AUD 190 for most applicants, but exact fees depend on stream, location and any subsequent changes.
AUD 190—
Additional (estimated)
Biometrics collection and service centre feesIn some countries applicants must provide biometrics through a visa application centre that may charge additional fees.
AUD 0—
Migration agent or legal advisory costsSome applicants choose to use registered migration agents or lawyers, which adds professional fees on top of government charges.
AUD 0—
Required Total
AUD 190—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Passport from a country that is eligible to apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) and not prohibited under current sanctions or policy.
  • •Genuine visitor intention to stay temporarily in Australia for tourism, visiting family and friends or permitted business visitor activity.
  • •Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and return travel and evidence of ties to your home country such as employment, study or family commitments.
  • •Health and character requirements, and in some cases health examinations or police certificates.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Use the official visa list and visa finder on the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm that the Visitor visa (subclass 600) tourist stream is appropriate for your situation.
  2. 2Create or log into an ImmiAccount, complete the online application form, upload required documents such as bank statements, employment letters and itinerary and pay the visa application charge.
  3. 3Provide biometrics or attend any requested health examinations or interviews if you are instructed to do so.
  4. 4Monitor your ImmiAccount for updates and, if granted, read the visa grant notice carefully to understand your visa conditions, including how long you can stay and whether you are allowed single or multiple entry.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not grant permission to work in Australia and only allows limited study.
  • •Higher documentation burden and cost compared with ETA or eVisitor and longer processing times.
  • •Using repeated Visitor visas to live long term in Australia without another visa pathway can lead to refusals and concerns about genuine temporary entry.

💡 Tips

  • •Demonstrate strong ties to your home country and realistic travel plans to support your genuine temporary entrant position.
  • •Avoid booking non refundable travel until a decision is made, especially in peak seasons.
  • •Keep copies of all documents and your grant notice, and always check your visa conditions before making future plans.

Skilled and employer sponsored temporary work visas

WorkPopular

Range of employer sponsored and skilled temporary work visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, that allow qualified workers to live in Australia and work for an approved employer in an approved occupation, often for several years with options for renewal or permanent residence.

1460d
Duration
AUD 0
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Processing times for employer sponsored and skilled work visas vary widely depending on the subclass, occupation, demand and completeness of applications. Some cases are resolved within a few months, while others can take longer, especially if further information or checks are required.
🔄Extendable +1460d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
AUDUSD
Required
Government visa application charges (primary and secondary applicants)Employer sponsored and skilled temporary work visas generally involve substantial application charges for the main applicant and any family members, as set out in the official fee schedule.
AUD 0—
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy for sponsorsAustralian employers that sponsor foreign workers usually pay a training levy based on business size and visa length.
AUD 0—
Additional (estimated)
Skills assessment, English tests and professional registrationMany occupations require formal skills assessments and English language tests; fees vary by provider.
AUD 0—
Migration agent or legal advisory servicesGiven the complexity of these visas, many employers and applicants use registered migration agents or lawyers.
AUD 0—
Required Total
AUD 0—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Job offer in an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list and meets salary and conditions requirements.
  • •Australian employer approved as a sponsor and willing to nominate the role and support the visa application.
  • •Relevant qualifications and skilled work experience for the nominated occupation, often proven through formal skills assessment.
  • •Meeting English language, health and character requirements, and satisfying any additional criteria set for the specific visa subclass.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Confirm that your occupation, prospective employer and salary meet the current criteria for an employer sponsored or skilled temporary visa using official Department of Home Affairs guidance.
  2. 2The employer applies or maintains approval as a standard business sponsor and lodges a nomination for your position, including evidence of labour market conditions and salary.
  3. 3You lodge your own visa application, usually online via ImmiAccount, submitting personal documents, skills assessments, English test results and health and character evidence as required.
  4. 4If your application is approved, you and any accompanying family members receive visa grant notices that specify the length of stay and conditions. You then travel to Australia or, if already there, commence or continue work under the terms of the visa.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Complex and documentation heavy processes that can change frequently as policy evolves.
  • •Ties the worker to a specific employer and occupation, limiting flexibility without new nominations or visas.
  • •High government charges and levies, plus the risk that policy changes can affect future options.

💡 Tips

  • •Use only official Department of Home Affairs information or registered migration agents when planning employer sponsored routes.
  • •Keep clear records of your employment, salary, role and compliance with visa conditions to support future visa or permanent residence applications.
  • •Monitor policy updates so you can adjust your long term plans if skilled occupation lists, salary thresholds or age limits change.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalCanberra (seat of government) / major gateway cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
CurrencyAUD (Australian dollar)
LanguageEnglish (de facto national language)
TimezoneUTC+8 to UTC+11 (multiple time zones)
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Australia have a digital nomad visa
Australia does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers usually visit using ETA or eVisitor visas, Visitor visas or, for eligible young people, Working Holiday Maker visas. However, these visas have strict conditions and do not allow employment in Australia unless expressly stated, so using them primarily to live and work from Australia involves immigration risk and you should make sure your plans match what the visa allows.
How long can I stay in Australia as a tourist
Most ETA and eVisitor holders can stay in Australia for up to three months on each visit and can make multiple trips during the validity period. Visitor visas can be granted for longer stays, such as six or twelve months, depending on the stream and circumstances. The visa grant notice and entry conditions always control the exact period you can stay, and overstaying is a serious breach.
Can I work remotely from Australia on an ETA, eVisitor or Visitor visa
Australian immigration law focuses on whether you are working in Australia rather than where your employer or clients are located. ETA, eVisitor and most Visitor visas do not allow you to work in Australia. While many travellers answer emails or do light remote work while visiting, using a visitor visa as your main basis to live in Australia and work remotely is legally sensitive. If your primary purpose is to work, you should look at visas that permit work, such as Working Holiday Maker visas or employer sponsored skilled visas.
What is the difference between ETA, eVisitor and Visitor visa 600
ETA and eVisitor visas are fast, mostly electronic visas for eligible passport holders that allow multiple short visits, usually up to three months per stay, mainly for tourism or business visitor purposes. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a broader category used by people who are not eligible for ETA or eVisitor or who need longer or more specific visits, such as six or twelve month stays or sponsored family visits. It requires a more detailed application and has a higher fee and longer processing times.
Is the Working Holiday visa a good option for digital nomads
The Working Holiday visa is primarily designed for young travellers who want to fund an extended holiday in Australia by taking casual or short term jobs. It does allow work and flexible travel and can therefore be attractive to digital nomads who are in the right age group and hold an eligible passport. However, it has age limits, nationality restrictions, work rules and specified work requirements if you want a second or third visa. It is not a general solution for older or less mobile professionals.
Are border runs a safe way to stay long term in Australia
Repeatedly leaving and re entering Australia on short stay visas to try to live there long term is risky. Border officers can see your travel history and may question your intentions, shorten your stay or refuse entry if they think you are using visitor visas to reside or work in Australia. For longer term plans it is safer to use structured visa pathways such as student visas, skilled work visas or, where eligible, Working Holiday Maker visas, rather than relying on back to back visits.
Do I need health insurance to visit or live in Australia
Short term visitors using ETA, eVisitor or Visitor visas are not always legally required to have health insurance, but the Australian government strongly recommends it because medical treatment can be expensive, especially in private hospitals. Certain visas, such as student visas and some work visas, require specific types of health cover as a condition of grant. Anyone planning to spend significant time in Australia should have comprehensive health insurance appropriate to their visa and circumstances.
Where can I find official information about Australian visas
The authoritative source for Australian visa and migration information is the Department of Home Affairs website, which provides detailed pages for each visa subclass, eligibility criteria, fees and processing times. For country specific guidance you can also consult Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates, and the official australia.com site offers traveller focused explanations and links to official resources. Always rely on these official sources rather than outdated blogs or unofficial social media posts.
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Important Disclaimer

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: December 1, 2025

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