Australia: all programs

Australia in brief

Australia is a federation of six states and two territories occupying an entire continent. The population is about 27.5 million, most of whom live in the large coastal cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The capital is Canberra. The British King is head of state, and the country is run by a federal parliament and prime minister. The economy rests on iron ore, coal, gas and lithium, agriculture, education of international students and services. The language is English, and the currency the Australian dollar, worth about $0.70.

Australia suits specialists in in-demand occupations, scientists and entrepreneurs with outstanding achievements, and families who value high salaries, strong healthcare and education, safety and life by the ocean. It suits less those seeking low taxes, a quick move without a job or inexpensive housing in the big cities.

How to move in 2026

Business visa 132 has been closed since 1 July 2021, and the business innovation and investment programme stopped taking applications in 2024, so for entrepreneurs the main route is now visa 858. Citizenship is granted after 4 years of lawful residence, at least one of them as a permanent resident, with a citizenship test, and dual citizenship is allowed. More on the page about Australian residence.

Rules for specific nationalities

Some rules in Australia depend on the passport.

• Russia. Russian citizens need a tourist visa for a trip, applied for online.

Taxes

The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June. A resident pays no tax on the first 18,200 Australian dollars, then rates of 15%, 30%, 37% and 45%, plus a 2% levy for public healthcare. A non-resident pays from 30% from the first dollar. Goods and services tax is 10%, corporate tax 30% or 25% for small businesses, and the employer pays 12% on top of salary into a pension fund. There is no inheritance tax, and temporary visa holders do not pay tax on foreign income. More on the page about Australian taxes.

Property

Foreigners need approval from the foreign investment review board to buy housing. From 1 April 2025 foreigners are banned from buying established homes, and the 2026-27 budget extended the ban to 30 June 2029; they may mainly buy new builds and land for construction. States charge foreign buyers a higher stamp duty, and some an annual land tax surcharge. Permanent residents and citizens are not subject to these restrictions. More on the page about property in Australia.

Cost of living

Australia is expensive: rents in Sydney and Melbourne are among the highest in the world, and groceries and services cost more than in most of Europe. On the other hand, the minimum wage is also among the highest in the world. Citizens and permanent residents use public healthcare, while temporary visa holders need private insurance for their whole stay. State schools are free for citizens and permanent residents, and in some states charge fees for temporary residents.

Where to live

• Sydney. The largest city and financial centre, with its harbour, beaches and the most expensive housing.
• Melbourne. The cultural capital with cafés, universities and sport, and changeable weather.
• Brisbane and the Gold Coast. A subtropical climate, fast growth and housing cheaper than Sydney.
• Perth. The west coast, mining companies, sunny and calm, but far from the rest of the country.
• Adelaide. A small and affordable city with wine valleys nearby.
• Canberra. The capital with ministries and a university, and high public sector salaries.

Practicalities

• Entry. Even a trip requires a visa or electronic authority, and both are applied for online.
• Roads. Traffic drives on the left, distances are huge, and people usually fly between cities.
• Climate. From tropics in the north to a temperate climate in the south, with seasons opposite to the northern hemisphere. The sun is very strong, so UV protection is needed.
• Documents. After arrival you obtain a tax file number and a bank account, and permanent residents a public healthcare card.
• Getting there. From Europe it is about a day's flight with a connection, and Singapore and Bali are 5-8 hours away.

Business and companies

A company is registered online in a day, but at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. The company receives a business number and registers for goods and services tax at turnover of 75,000 Australian dollars a year. For a foreign entrepreneur the company itself does not give the right to live in the country; a suitable visa is needed. More on the page about company registration in Australia.

Who Australia suits

Australia is a choice for specialists and scientists with a strong occupation and English who want high salaries, safety, nature and permanent residence with a clear 4-year path to citizenship. For those without an in-demand occupation or outstanding achievements the move is hard. Write in the chat and we will check your points and choose a visa.