Moving to Australia: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Australia: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 3 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
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. The economy grew +1.8% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2.1% for 2026. Its passport opens about 161 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 47% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 24.3% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Résidence fiscale | dès l'arrivée — Resides test: move with family/home intending to stay → resident from arrival |
| Voie de résidence typique | None realistic (Significant Investor visa closed July 2024) — Business Innovation & Investment program closed; only talent (National Innovation visa) or skilled routes remain |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 161 pays |
| Economic growth | +1.8% (2025), forecast 2.1% (2026) |
| Type de climat | humid subtropical · 17° / 26° (Sydney) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — No conflict exposure |
| Tous les risques naturels | 7.1/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 9/10 · AAA |
| Protection de la propriété | 8.5/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 5.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Australia
- National Innovation visa – subclass 858 — other · open · 2026-10
- Skills in Demand visa – subclass 482 (and skilled 186/189/190 PR) — Revenu / an CHF 40'600 · open · 2026-10
- Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100) — family · open · 2026-10
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Australia to become tax resident?
dès l'arrivée. 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
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.