Australia
Australia taxes residents on worldwide income. Establishing non-residency requires demonstrating a permanent place of abode overseas and no intention to return.
Tax situation for Australians
- - Worldwide taxation for residents; residence determined by 'resides' test and statutory tests
- - No formal departure tax, but CGT event I1 applies to assets that cease being taxable Australian property
- - Superannuation: cannot access until preservation age (60) even if non-resident; DASP available for departing temp residents
- - Medicare levy ceases for non-residents
- - Tax treaties with 40+ countries
Exit tax & departure rules
Australia has no formal exit tax like Canada's deemed disposition. However, CGT event I1 triggers when assets cease being 'taxable Australian property.' Superannuation remains locked until preservation age. Non-residents lose the CGT discount (50%) on Australian property sales.
Free citizenship by ancestry
Australians may qualify for citizenship in these countries through ancestry — often free or near-free:
Top destinations for Australians
Singapore
Proximity, low tax, business hub, EntrePass/EP options
United Kingdom
Ancestry Visa if eligible, familiar culture, career hub
Portugal
Golden Visa, D7, NHR 2.0, European lifestyle
Thailand
LTR visa, low cost, proximity, large Australian community
United Arab Emirates
0% income tax, growing Australian expat community
New Zealand
Trans-Tasman arrangement, similar culture, lifestyle
Tax situation for Australians
Establishing non-residency is the key step — once confirmed, Australia only taxes Australian-source income. The main complexity is superannuation (locked until preservation age) and ensuring you pass the non-residency tests.
Best countries to move to from Australia
Australians moving abroad are often driven by proximity to Asia/Europe, career opportunities, or escaping high property costs. Singapore, UK (via Ancestry Visa), and Bali are the top picks.
Second passport options for Australians
Australian passport is strong (#6 globally). Second passport seekers typically want UK Ancestry Visa (free if eligible), EU citizenship via ancestry, or Caribbean CBI for diversification.
Remote work & digital nomad visas for Australians
Australian non-residents can work remotely tax-free from most countries. Popular nomad destinations: Bali, Thailand, Portugal, Spain. Note: Australian super remains locked regardless.
Retiring abroad from Australia
Australian Age Pension portability is limited — reduced after 26 weeks overseas for those who didn't accumulate sufficient Australian working life residence. Super can be accessed at preservation age regardless of location.
Renouncing Australian citizenship
Almost never done since non-residency stops worldwide taxation. Only relevant for countries requiring single nationality.
Renunciation note: Renunciation of Australian citizenship is possible but rarely done for tax reasons since non-residency is sufficient. Costs ~AUD 470.
Recommended for Australians
Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Portugal
DE Rantau Nomad Pass
Malaysia
Georgia Remotely from Georgia
Georgia
Second Home Visa
Indonesia