Boasting some of the best beaches in the world, sophisticated cosmopolitan cities, and some of the planet's most unique wildlife, Australia is a popular destination for both expats and tourists. Add to that the easy-going lifestyle and a focus on work/life balance, and it's no wonder the digital nomad community in Australia is thriving.
Good to know:
Van life has also gained popularity in Australia since borders closed and Australians were banned from leaving the country during COVID. Caravanning and motorhomes have long been popular ways to explore this wide brown land, but the ban on international travel led to a surge in people adopting the flexibility of van life. Younger people are now embracing vanlife, and . Living and working on the road offers the flexibility to explore a new country while working along the way, so it's easy to see why expats find it appealing!
Visa options for digital nomads in Australia
Unfortunately, being a free-spirited digital nomad doesn't exclude you from the tedious rigmarole of acquiring a visa.听Anyone arriving in Australia needs a valid Australian Visa, unless you are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand. And although some countries offer dedicated digital nomad visas, Australia hasn't yet joined the club. Despite this, there are other visa options available to digital nomads that provide the chance to work remotely while immersing themselves in a brand-new culture.
Visitor Visas
If you want to听travel to Australia for a short period,听迟丑别苍 Visitor Visas such as the , the , and the are the most straightforward and most affordable options. If you hold a passport from an ETA or eVisitor Visa-eligible country, you will be issued a visa that allows you to stay in Australia for three, six, or 12 months. It is also possible to extend your visa for one or even two years in some cases. These visas must all be applied for before arriving in Australia. There is no cost for the ETA; however, a fee of AUD 20 (USD 13) applies for using the ETA app. Meanwhile, the eVisitor (subclass 651) is free, while the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) costs AUD 200 (USD 130).
Visitor visas have conditions that prevent you from engaging in any paid work; however, you may be able to conduct some business activities or engage in volunteer work, as long as it is not for a position that an Australian would usually hold. According to the , online work, such as a stockbroker checking emails, share prices, etc., is not of concern as long as the work is 'incidental' to the holiday. Those intending to continue full-time work for an overseas employer may raise concerns regarding the genuine 'temporary stay requirement'; however, they are unlikely to be in breach of condition 8101 and are not taking a job away from an Australian.
If you are concerned that a visitor visa may prohibit you from working, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the visa's conditions and determine whether your particular online work situation complies. You can check your visa details and entitlements via the .
Working Holiday Visa
罢丑别听Working Holiday Visa subclasses听are for individuals between 18 and 30 (or 35 in some cases), allowing you to remain in Australia and work for 12 to 36 months (if you extend your original visa). While on a working holiday visa, you can do any kind of work, including online work for Australian employers. If you wish to work for more than six months with the same employer, you must obtain permission. However, there are some . Both the and the cost AUD 670 (USD 439).
As the situation regarding Australian visas and remote work is not clear-cut, and there is no dedicated Digital Nomad Visa for Australia, it is best to seek professional advice regarding the Visitor Visa and Working Holiday Visa options if you intend to work in Australia as a digital nomad. To determine your听eligibility for specific visas, please visit the听听飞别产蝉颈迟别.
Benefits of being a digital nomad in Australia
Australia has a lot to offer travelers and visitors. Its laid-back culture, natural beauty, and wealth of 肠补蹿茅蝉 and co-working spaces make it an excellent choice for the remote worker. As a digital nomad in Australia, you can expect to find the necessary comforts and a听stable Internet connection in most parts of the country, which has helped to fuel the rapid development of the country's digital nomad community.
Co-working spaces are booming in Australia: from shared offices specifically designed for digital nomads to an abundance of coffee shops serving up stable Wi-Fi and strong brews, it's easy to find the perfect spot to work from. Australia's vibrant major cities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, are bustling hubs where you'll be able to grow your professional network with like-minded remote workers. You can also check out .
Things to be aware of as a digital nomad in Australia
Though being a digital nomad comes with numerous benefits, there are some things you need to be mindful of when planning for your new, untethered lifestyle. As a digital nomad in Australia, you should prepare for the following:
- High cost of living:听Australia is an expensive country to live in, with high costs for accommodation, food, and transportation. It's important to be prepared and budget accordingly. If you plan to stay in an Airbnb, research its viability and average costs beforehand to ensure a smooth experience. If you plan to rent a camper van and live and work from it, factor in petrol prices and camping fees. Short-term rentals in Australia听can be found online via websites, such as or local area Facebook groups.
- Visa requirements:听As mentioned above, you need to have the correct visa to work as a digital nomad in Australia. Remember that if your employment situation changes, you must ensure that your visa conditions permit such a change. If you have any concerns about the legality of your plan, please investigate these before traveling to Australia.
- Internet and Wi-Fi availability:听Most of Australia has good internet infrastructure, but some areas may have limited connectivity. Ensure you research the availability of Wi-Fi and internet access in the areas you plan to stay in, and check with your听accommodation听in advance to confirm that their plans meet your data needs.
- Time zone differences:听Australia's time zones can be challenging for remote workers who need to collaborate with teams in other parts of the world, so plan your work schedule accordingly. Remember, time zones also differ from state to state, so you may need to adjust your schedule if you plan to travel across different states and territories.
- Weather conditions:听Australia's weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Take precautions and stay safe during periods of extreme heat, bushfires, or severe weather events. This might rule out living in a camper or mobile home during the heat of summer or planning your route through cooler regions during the hottest months of the year.
- Tax: You are generally not required to pay tax as a digital nomad in Australia if you are in the country temporarily and you are working for a foreign employer. You will typically not have to pay tax on your overseas earnings because you are not considered an Australian tax resident. It is vital to keep track of the number of days you are in the country due to the . If you are in Australia for more than 183 days over 12 months, you may be considered a tax resident.
The best Australian cities to work from remotely
Sydney is Australia's largest city and one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. And the reasons are obvious: this big, cosmopolitan city has plenty to offer when it comes to working facilities and leisure. Here, you can work against the backdrop of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, enjoying the city's beautiful landscapes both day and night. The only downside of听living in Sydney听is the cost. The assessed 94 major property markets, with Sydney named the second least affordable city in the world for middle-income earners to buy a house. .
Melbourne is the second-largest city in the country and is another popular destination for remote workers. However, the sporting capital of Australia, with its fabulous 肠补蹿茅蝉 and restaurants and reputation as the style and fashion heart of the country, also comes with a rather steep price tag. So, be sure to research the prices of things and work out a budget in advance if you plan to spend time in Melbourne.
Adelaide is quieter than Sydney and Melbourne and is surrounded by some of Australia's most famous wine regions. The South Australian capital boasts plenty of co-working spaces and remote working hubs. Home to approximately 1.4 million people, this cosmopolitan city is filled with fine dining restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene.
Brisbane is highly popular among remote workers and tourists due to its nearly perfect climate all year round and its proximity to Queensland's major attractions. The capital of Queensland is less expensive than Melbourne and Sydney, and offers a more laid-back approach to life. Despite the slower pace, digital nomads will still be able to access all the big-city offerings, with a strong focus on supporting innovative new businesses and start-ups.
Co-working spaces in Australia
Australia, unfortunately, doesn't boast the best internet in the world, but it's usually fine for most types of work. With a growing digital nomad community,听Australia has seen a massive increase in co-working spots听dotted across the nation. In these locations, you'll find the fastest and most reliable internet, as they are equipped to manage a high volume of data. Co-working spaces are a better option than using Wi-Fi in a caf茅, and they are ideal for making connections and meeting like-minded people. If you're new to Australia, it's worth visiting a co-working space at least once a week to get out of the house and into a professional environment.
A simple Google search by location will provide a decent amount of co-working space results, with companies like 听having locations all across the country. Remember to shop around, as you will want to make sure you are getting the best price for what you need. Some co-working spaces are a lot more expensive than others due to their amenities and 'brand'.
Useful links:
Melbourne:
Sydney:
Brisbane:
Good to know:
If you are looking to become a digital nomad in Australia, there are a few good websites to keep your eye on, which advertise openings specifically for remote workers, such as , and听.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
