Do I have to tell the Australian government that I'm moving overseas?

Asked by: Lottie Jaskolski V  |  Last update: July 27, 2026
Score: 5/5 (64 votes)

Yes, you may need to notify Australian government agencies when moving overseas, particularly if you receive benefits, have tax-related obligations (like study loans), or are moving permanently. Key actions include updating your details with Services Australia for Centrelink/Medicare, filing a final tax return, and notifying the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you have a HELP/VET debt.

How do you let the ATO know you're moving overseas?

You can submit your Overseas travel notification through ATO online services via myGov or through an Australian registered tax agent.

Who to notify when moving overseas from Australia?

Before moving overseas from Australia, notify key government agencies like Medicare, the ATO, and the Electoral Commission.

How long can an Australian citizen live outside of Australia?

Acquiring citizenship entitles you to stay indefinitely in Australia as well as to re-enter the country whenever you want and you will not be subject to arbitrary travel exclusions as temporary visa holders (refer Covid-19 type scenario). You also get the privilege of staying outside Australia as long as you wish to.

What is the 183 day rule in Australia?

183-day test

You will be a resident under this test if you're actually present in Australia for more than half the income year, whether continuously or with breaks. unless it is established that your 'usual place of abode' is outside Australia and you have no intention of taking up residence here.

Brutally Honest Advice for People Moving to Australia (2025)

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Do I have to pay tax in Australia if I live overseas?

If you are going overseas to live but you remain an Australian resident for tax purposes, you'll still need to lodge an Australian tax return. If you're unsure of your tax situation, see Your tax residency. If you work while living overseas, you must declare: all your foreign employment income.

How to stop being an Australian tax resident?

How to Cease Australian Tax Residency

  1. Establishing a Permanent Home Overseas. To successfully cease Australian tax residency, you must establish strong ties to another country. ...
  2. Cutting Ties with Australia. ...
  3. Demonstrating Intention to Leave Permanently. ...
  4. Filing a Final Australian Tax Return.

Can I keep my bank account if I leave Australia?

Most banks in Australia will permit you to keep your account as a foreign non-resident.

What happens if you stay out of the country for more than 6 months?

What will happen if I am out of the United States for more than six months? Staying outside the United States for more than 6 months but less than one year will subject you to additional questioning when you return to the United States but you are not required to have a Reentry Permit.

What is the 10 year rule in Australia?

The ten year rule refers to the residency limitation placed on criminal deportation in s. 201 of the Migration Act. Under existing law, once a "permanent" resident has lived in Australia for ten years he or she is no longer liable for criminal deportation.

Can I withdraw my super if I leave Australia permanently as an Australian citizen?

If you're an Australian citizen leaving permanently, the same rules apply to your super, as if you were living in Australia. This means your super must stay in your super fund(s) until you are eligible to access it. Find out when you can withdraw your super.

Which countries accept Australian Medicare?

Understanding Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement

  • What is the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement? The RHCA may cover partial costs for emergency medical care required for illnesses or injuries that cannot wait until you return to Australia. ...
  • Belgium. ...
  • Finland. ...
  • Italy. ...
  • Malta. ...
  • The Netherlands. ...
  • New Zealand. ...
  • Norway.

What to cancel when moving overseas?

Cancel your subscriptions and inapplicable insurance policies. This is the time to cancel any service you don't need or won't be able to use when you move. That includes any streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu. Cancel insurance policies that won't apply abroad.

What is the exit tax in Australia?

The exit tax applies to CGT assets other than 'taxable Australian property' (TAP). It is the tax you may need to pay on certain CGT assets when you stop being an Australian tax resident. If so, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may deem that you have disposed of the assets you own.

Can an Australian citizen living overseas get a Medicare card?

To be eligible for Medicare, a person must ordinarily live in Australia, be located in Australia at the time of the service, and be: an Australian citizen. an Australian permanent resident. a New Zealand citizen.

Can you avoid taxes by moving to another country?

US citizens and green card holders living abroad can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate their US tax bill using several key provisions: foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE), foreign housing exclusion, and foreign tax credit (FTC).

What is the 4 year 1 day rule?

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.

How many months can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country?

If you plan to stay outside of the United States for more than one year but less than two years, you will need a reentry permit. You must be physically present in the United States when you apply for the permit.

Can I lose my US citizenship if I live abroad?

No, you generally cannot lose U.S. citizenship just by living in another country, as it's a permanent status; however, you can lose it through specific voluntary acts like formally renouncing it at a U.S. embassy or by performing certain actions with the intent to give up citizenship, such as serving in a foreign military against the U.S. or committing treason. Prolonged absence doesn't automatically revoke citizenship, but maintaining ties like filing taxes and visiting helps prove you still intend to remain a citizen.

Do I need to tell the ATO if I move overseas?

If you plan to move overseas for 183 days or more (around 6 months) in any 12-month period, you must notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You do this by completing an overseas travel notification through ATO online services in your myGov account.

Am I still an Australian resident if I live abroad?

In very simple terms, if you are moving away from Australia on a permanent basis then you will usually be a non-resident, provided the ATO would be satisfied that you have a home in another country. If you are only going overseas on a short-term basis then you continue to be considered an Australian tax resident.

How to avoid double taxation in Australia?

Strategies to Avoid Double Taxation in Australia

  1. Claim Tax Credits and Exemptions. As an Australian tax resident, you can claim tax credits and exemptions for foreign tax paid on foreign income. ...
  2. Utilise Tax Treaties. ...
  3. Establish a Company Structure. ...
  4. Utilise Trusts and Partnerships. ...
  5. Seek Professional Advice.

How long can an Australian resident stay out of Australia?

Permanent residents can live outside Australia indefinitely, but travel rights are limited after five years.