View the full digital nomad guide for Australia
Australia
Canberra
Australia tribunal rules dual resident nomads can use treaty tie-breaker
A landmark Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruling clarifies how expats can use tax treaty tie-breaker rules to determine residency. This precedent helps dual-resident nomads and expats prevent being taxed on the same income by two different countries.
Australia keeps paper Incoming Passenger Card as digital pilot hits 380,000
The Australian Border Force has reaffirmed that all international arrivals must complete a physical or digital Incoming Passenger Card. Travelers and expats must also present a valid passport or approved travel document to clear border controls when entering or leaving the country.
Australia mandates sponsorship and nomination before Training visa lodgement
Australia has modified the application process for the Training visa (subclass 407), which allows foreigners to undertake occupational training or professional development. These changes affect expats and temporary migrants seeking structured workplace-based training programs within the country.
Australia raises student visa savings floor to AUD 29,710
International students must now prove significantly higher financial reserves to qualify for an Australian visa. The new threshold requires applicants to show at least AUD 29,710 in savings to cover living expenses during their stay.
Australia's new tax draft targets foreign residents with AUD 50 million threshold
Proposed changes to Australia's capital gains tax rules could create massive liabilities for foreign residents on assets held for decades. The retrospective nature of the policy means expats may face unexpected tax bills on Australian property and business assets dating back to the early 2000s.
Iranian Visitor (Subclass 600) holders lose entry to Australia until Sept. 25
Starting March 26, Australia has imposed a 6-month travel restriction on most Iranian passport holders using Visitor (Subclass 600) visas. Affected travelers currently outside the country cannot enter unless they obtain a specific exemption or special permission from the government.
What to Know About Australia's Temporary Visa Arrival Pause Power
The Migration Amendment Act 2026 allows the Immigration Minister to issue 'arrival control determinations' to temporarily block specific groups of valid visa holders from entering. This change means a valid temporary visa no longer guarantees entry, potentially affecting digital nomads and expats planning travel to Australia.
Virgin Australia Rolls Out Points Calendar Tool
On April 7, 2026, Virgin Australia launched an Australian-first all-in-one flight search tool ("Points Calendar"). It integrates cash fares, Points + Pay, Velocity Frequent Flyer reward seats, and cabin types into a single monthly calendar view. The feature rolls out progressively from April 7 and is designed to simplify booking and comparison for travelers, including digital nomads and expats managing frequent flights.
What Digital Nomads Need to Know About Australia's Rental Reforms
National rental reforms, including the abolition of no-fault evictions and rent increase caps, significantly improve the legal stability and cost predictability for expat renters.
Australia Updates Graduate Visa Fees
The cost to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa in Australia has nearly doubled to AUD 4,600, significantly increasing the financial barrier for foreign graduates and trainees.
Australia Updates Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds
The minimum income requirements for employer-sponsored visas will increase by 3.9%, with the Core Skills threshold rising to AUD 79,499. These changes affect the Employer Nomination Scheme and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, impacting eligibility for future applicants and renewals.
Australia Updates Travel Rules for Temporary Visa Holders
Under the new Section 84B of the Migration Act, the Australian government can now temporarily suspend travel rights for specific classes of temporary visas even after they have been issued. Travelers and digital nomads may face 'Do Not Board' instructions at airports if their visa class is affected by an active Arrival Control Determination.
Australia Updates Rental Protections in Victoria and Tasmania
Expats in Victoria and Tasmania benefit from reduced upfront rental costs and increased housing rights regarding pets, facilitating easier long-term settling.
Why Australia’s Energy Sector Is Limiting Remote Work
Origin Energy's 4-day office attendance requirement significantly reduces remote work autonomy in the Australian energy sector, impacting regional and international flexibility.
Australia Rolls Out Higher Tax on Large Superannuation Balances
A new 15% tax on high-balance superannuation earnings over A$3 million will require wealthy expats in Australia to restructure their long-term retirement and investment strategies.
Australia Updates Entry Rules for Travelers from Conflict Zones
The Australian government will have the power to suspend entry for valid visa holders from specific zones, creating significant travel uncertainty for expats and travelers from impacted regions.
What to Know About Australia's Foreign Resident Capital Gains Tax
Australia has delayed the implementation of stricter capital gains tax rules for foreign residents, providing a temporary reprieve for expats holding Australian assets.
Victoria Mandates Hybrid Work Rights for Employees
This legislation provides a legal precedent and protection for hybrid remote work, making Victoria a more stable base for workers who wish to split time between a home office and travel.
Australia Tightens Post-Study Work Rules for International Graduates
Starting July 1, 2024, the age limit for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa will drop from 50 to 35. The update also shortens stay durations for most graduates, significantly impacting long-term residency paths for older international professionals and nomads.