Moving to Australia: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Australia: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 3 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In Australia the top income tax rate is 47%, dividends are taxed at up to 24.3% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Australia from arrival once you take up residence (Resides test: move with family/home intending to stay → resident from arrival). The typical route is None realistic (Significant Investor visa closed July 2024): Business Innovation & Investment program closed; only talent (National Innovation visa) or skilled routes remain There are 3 open residence programmes in Australia — see the list below.
Living there
Sydney has a humid subtropical climate with winter highs around 17 °C and summer highs around 26 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 47% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 24.3% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Skattemessig bosted | fra ankomst — Resides test: move with family/home intending to stay → resident from arrival |
| Din vei | None realistic (Significant Investor visa closed July 2024) — Business Innovation & Investment program closed; only talent (National Innovation visa) or skilled routes remain |
| Klimatype | humid subtropical · 17° / 26° (Sydney) |
Residence programmes in Australia
Active programmes
- National Innovation visa – subclass 858 — other · 2026-10
- Skills in Demand visa – subclass 482 (and skilled 186/189/190 PR) — Inntekt / år CHF 40'600 · 2026-10
- Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) — family · 2026-10
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Australia to become tax resident?
fra ankomst. Resides test: move with family/home intending to stay → resident from arrival Temporary visa holders exempt on most foreign income; 183-day test only if usual home not abroad
How much tax will I pay in Australia?
In Australia the top income tax rate is 47%, dividends are taxed at up to 24.3% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Australia offer?
National Innovation visa – subclass 858; Skills in Demand visa – subclass 482 (and skilled 186/189/190 PR); Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)
What is the usual way to move to Australia?
None realistic (Significant Investor visa closed July 2024). Business Innovation & Investment program closed; only talent (National Innovation visa) or skilled routes remain
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · India · Indonesia
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.