As the global demand for flexible work locations grows, Australia has become a prime destination for digital nomads.
While there is no specific digital nomad visa for Australia, there are still suitable visa options for undertaking remote work. These include the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and eVisitor Visa, which you can easily apply for online right here on Australia Go eVisa.
In this article, we’ll cover
- The purpose of a digital nomad visa
- Which visa types are suitable for working remotely in Australia
- Who can apply for each option
- What you need to be a digital nomad in the country
We also offer guidance on some of the jobs that are best suited to remote work in Australia and where you can find them!
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa specifically for remote workers who wish to live in a foreign country while continuing to work for an employer or clients located elsewhere.
This type of visa allows you to legally reside in a host country without participating in the local labour market.
Digital nomad visas typically have criteria related to income levels, ensuring that applicants can support themselves independently during their stay.
While not every country offers a digital nomad visa, those that do are becoming increasingly popular among the global remote working community.
Does Australia have a digital nomad visa?
At present, Australia does not have a designated digital nomad visa. Given the country's popularity among digital nomads, it’s likely that a specific visa tailored for this group will be introduced in the future.
Nevertheless, digital nomads can currently use a variety of other Australia visa types to work remotely in the country.
These include:
- Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
- eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462)
Australian visas that permit remote work
The eVisitor visa and the Electronic Travel authority are the most convenient options: they are available online through a simple electronic application.
Both of these online visas are multiple-entry permits valid for 1 year from approval. You can stay in Australia for up to 3 months with each entry, and work remotely for short-term periods.
The Visitor Visa and the Working Holiday Visa may be issued for a stay up to 12 months. However, the application process for these visa types requires you to apply in person at an embassy or consulate of Australia.
Additionally, you have to be within a certain age range to apply for a Working Holiday visa. This is 18-30 for most countries, but up to 35 years for others.
Which countries are eligible for Australia’s remote work visas?
The type of remote work visa for Australia you can apply for depends both on your nationality and the motive of your stay
For example:
- EU Citizens: eVisitor, Visitor Visa, or Working Holiday Visa (subclass varies by nationality)
- US citizens and permanent residents: ETA, Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
- Canadian citizens: ETA or Visitor Visa
- Citizens of New Zealand: Special Category Visa (subclass 444)
- All other nationalities: Visitor Visa
Not sure which visas you’re eligible for? Check out our guide to Australia visa requirements.
What do I need to be a digital nomad in Australia?
To become a digital nomad in Australia, you’ll need to organize:
- Valid visa or travel authorization: for specific details, refer to the information provided above
- Valid passport: ensure your passport remains valid throughout your stay in Australia
- Reliable internet connection: high-speed internet is essential for remote work, and Australia provides strong connectivity, especially in its major cities and towns
- Accommodation: you might want to consider short-term rental agreements or co-living spaces, both of which are favored options among digital nomads
Additionally, upon arrival in Australia, you’ll need to comply with the country's entry requirements, which include filling out an Australian Immigration Card (IPC).
Tax obligations for foreign digital nomads in Australia
Understanding the tax implications in Australia is crucial for digital nomads:
- Residency for tax purposes: Staying more than 183 days typically makes you a tax resident, subjecting your worldwide income to Australian taxes.
- Non-resident taxes: Those not meeting the residency criteria are only taxed on their Australian-sourced income.
Residents are taxed progressively, whereas non-residents face a starting tax rate of 32.5%. We advise you to consult a tax expert to navigate through Australia's tax system effectively and ensure compliance.
Most in-demand jobs for digital nomads in Australia
Digital nomads in Australia find certain job sectors are more suited to remote working:
- IT and tech: software development, system
- Creative industries: content creation, graphic design, video editing, and digital marketing
- Consultancy services: business, education, or healthcare consulting where professional advice can be delivered remotely
- Sales and customer support: roles that can be performed via phone or online communication tools
If you don’t already have a job that permits you to work remotely in Australia, you may find the following platforms and resources useful:
- Online job portals: websites like Seek, Indeed, and Jora
- Freelancing platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer a range of contract-based and freelance roles suited to digital nomads
- Remote-specific job boards: sites like We Work Remotely and Remote.co specialize in listing jobs that offer the flexibility to work from anywhere, including Australia
By targeting these resources, you can find suitable employment opportunities that may allow you to live and work in Australia effectively.
