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% |
| 税务居所 | 自抵达起 — Resides test: move with family/home intending to stay → resident from arrival |
| 您的路径 | None realistic (Significant Investor visa closed July 2024) — Business Innovation & Investment program closed; only talent (National Innovation visa) or skilled routes remain |
| 护照 | 可免签或落地签前往 161 个国家 |
| Economic growth | +1.8% (2025), forecast 2.1% (2026) |
| 气候类型 | humid subtropical · 17° / 26° (Sydney) |
| 战争与冲突 | none — No conflict exposure |
| 所有自然灾害 | 7.1/10 |
| 银行稳健度 | 9/10 · AAA |
| 财产保护 | 8.5/10 |
| 冬季住宅温暖度 | 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) — 收入 / 年 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?
自抵达起. 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.