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Australian citizens are allowed to live outside of the country, and at any time, there are around one million Australians living and working overseas. There are a few things that Australian citizens living abroad should keep in mind, such as the rules regarding voting, taxation, superannuation, and currency laws. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the implications of local laws in the host country, especially if you are a dual national. Proper preparation is key to making the transition less stressful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Australian citizens living and working outside the country | 1 million |
| Requirements for Australian citizenship | Must be over 18, have passed a citizenship test, be a permanent resident, be likely to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia |
| Voting options for Australian citizens living outside the country | Voting in-person at an overseas voting centre, voting by post |
| Accessing money while living outside the country | Debit and credit cards, traveller's cheques, cash, international bank transfers |
| Superannuation | Cannot be accessed until reaching preservation age and retiring or satisfying another condition of release |
| Working outside the country | Australians can work while on holiday in countries that have reciprocal arrangements with Australia; a working holiday visa is required |
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What You'll Learn
Voting options for Australian citizens living abroad
Australian citizens living abroad have several voting options. Firstly, it is essential to note that if you have been overseas for more than three years, you are not eligible to enrol to vote from outside Australia. However, if you have been overseas for less than three years, you can enrol to vote from outside Australia. Here are the options available for Australian citizens living abroad:
Overseas Enrolment
If you are an Australian citizen living abroad, you can enrol to vote from outside Australia. You can enrol as an overseas elector if you intend to return to Australia within six years and have an Australian address. This can be done by completing an overseas notification form.
Postal Voting
Once enrolled as an overseas elector, you can register as a general postal voter. This will allow you to automatically receive your postal ballot at your overseas address. It is important to keep your overseas address up to date to ensure you receive your ballot.
Voting at Australian Embassies or Consulates Overseas
In some cases, you may be able to vote in person at an Australian embassy or consulate overseas. However, not all embassies or consulates offer this service, and opening times may vary. It is recommended to check with your nearest embassy or consulate to find out if this option is available to you.
Voting in Federal Elections
If you are the spouse, de facto partner, or child of a person who is registered as an overseas elector, you may be eligible to enrol and vote in federal elections. To do so, you must intend to return to Australia within six years of your 18th birthday.
It is important to note that failure to vote while enrolled as an overseas elector will result in removal from the electoral roll. Therefore, it is recommended to act quickly when an election is called and to keep your enrolment and postal vote details up to date.
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Working overseas
There are several things to consider when planning to work overseas as an Australian citizen. Firstly, it is important to understand the tax implications. Australian residents working abroad are required to declare all foreign and worldwide income, even if they pay taxes in the country where they earn that income. This is because Australian residents for tax purposes are taxed on their worldwide income. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of any tax obligations before leaving Australia and to declare foreign income while overseas, which can be done online through a myGov account linked to the ATO.
Additionally, there are specific considerations for those with higher education study or training support loans. These loans must be repaid while working overseas, and any foreign earnings must be included in tax returns. It is also important to note that if you have a Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS), Student Start-up Loan (SSL), or ABSTUDY Student Start-up Loan (ABSTUDY SSL) debt, the debt will not be waived, and you will be required to make repayments while abroad.
Another important aspect is superannuation. Superannuation remains subject to the same rules for Australian citizens living abroad, meaning that individuals cannot access their superannuation until they reach the preservation age and retire or meet another condition of release. However, if transferring funds to a different country, it is worth noting that Australia has bilateral social security agreements with several nations, which may impact superannuation.
Furthermore, it is recommended to prepare for practical considerations before moving overseas. This includes informing the necessary Australian government departments of your change in circumstances, setting up a Centrelink online account linked to myGov, and understanding the implications of living abroad on any payments or pensions received from the Australian government. Additionally, it is important to check with your bank about the functionality of your ATM card overseas and any associated international transaction fees. Making copies of essential documents, such as credit and ATM cards, travel insurance policies, passports, and visas, is also advised.
Lastly, it is worth noting that Australia has reciprocal arrangements with several countries that allow Australians to work while on holiday. To participate in these programs, individuals must apply for a working holiday visa through the appropriate channels.
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Currency laws and accessing money
Australian citizens are allowed to live outside of the country, and there are several things they should consider regarding currency laws and accessing money. Firstly, Australian citizens should be aware of the rules regarding superannuation. If they are leaving Australia temporarily or permanently, their superannuation remains subject to the same rules, meaning they cannot access their superannuation funds until they reach the preservation age and retire or meet another condition of release. Combining multiple superannuation accounts can help reduce fees and charges. Additionally, if they are moving to New Zealand, they have the option to leave their superannuation in Australia or transfer it to a New Zealand KiwiSaver scheme.
When it comes to moving money across international borders, Australian citizens should be aware of the reporting requirements under Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006. There is no limit to the amount of money that can be travelled with, received, or sent overseas. However, individuals must declare cash and non-cash forms of money, such as traveller's cheques, cheques, and money orders, if the combined value is AUD10,000 or more. This declaration must be made when entering or leaving Australia, as well as when receiving money from overseas through means other than a bank or remittance service provider.
To comply with the reporting requirements, individuals can submit an online declaration form through AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) before passing through customs. This form is securely stored and only accessible to AUSTRAC and authorized partner agencies, including law enforcement. Failure to declare monetary instruments of AUD10,000 or more can result in penalties, including prison and/or fines. Additionally, it is important to note that sharing cash or dividing it among travellers to avoid reporting obligations is illegal and can lead to penalties.
Australian citizens living outside the country should also consider setting up a Centrelink online account linked to myGov before departing Australia. This account can be used to keep the government updated on any changes in circumstances, especially if they are receiving payments from Centrelink. By properly preparing and understanding the currency laws and accessing money considerations, Australian citizens can ensure a smoother transition when living outside the country.
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Adoption and surrogacy
Australian citizens are not prohibited from living outside the country. In fact, at any given time, there are around one million Australians living and working abroad. However, citizens who are considering surrogacy or adoption while living outside Australia should be aware of the legal implications surrounding these processes.
For Australians considering surrogacy outside of Australia, it is important to understand that legal parentage may not be recognized in Australia, and each country has its own rules regarding who is recognized as the legal parent(s) of a child born via surrogacy. In some countries, only the birth mother and her husband are recognized as the legal parents. Local legal issues surrounding surrogacy arrangements may also impact your ability to leave the country with your child, as authorities may intervene and put you or your child on a no-fly list until the matter is resolved.
To bring a child born via surrogacy outside of Australia back to Australia, you will need to arrange Australian citizenship or a visa, and a passport for the child. This process can be lengthy and may involve additional steps, such as providing evidence of a surrogacy agreement or obtaining the surrogate's consent for the child's passport or visa. The Australian government cannot intervene in visa matters relating to babies born via surrogacy in a foreign country. Therefore, it is essential to seek legal advice and understand the citizenship and passport processes before confirming any travel plans.
Adopting a child from another country as an Australian citizen living abroad also carries legal implications, both in Australia and in the child's country of origin. Each country has its own adoption laws, and these laws may be influenced by factors such as age, gender, and sexual preferences. Understanding these laws and seeking legal advice is crucial to ensure a smooth adoption process.
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Privileges and responsibilities of citizenship
Australian citizenship comes with a set of privileges and responsibilities. Acquiring citizenship can be done automatically or by application, with the most common method being citizenship by conferral. This process involves meeting residency requirements, such as having lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least four years, and not having been away from the country for more than 12 months during that period. Applicants must also satisfy a character requirement, demonstrating a commitment to obeying Australian laws and fulfilling the pledges of citizenship.
One of the key privileges of Australian citizenship is the ability to obtain an Australian passport, which grants visa-free travel to approximately 160 countries. Citizens can also freely leave and re-enter Australia without needing a resident return visa. Additionally, citizens can seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas. Australian citizenship allows individuals to make Australia their permanent home, providing the right to live, work, or study in the country. This includes the ability to seek employment and own property.
Citizenship also brings certain responsibilities. Citizens are expected to maintain a close and continuing link with Australia, even when living abroad. This could include having a source of income or employment tied to Australia, or having family or social relationships with other Australian citizens. Applicants for citizenship are required to pass a test designed to ensure their capacity for full participation in the Australian community and to promote social cohesion.
Australian citizenship is a privilege that requires a long-term commitment to the country and its values. While citizens are free to live and work outside of Australia, they are expected to uphold their responsibilities as citizens, including maintaining ties to the country and representing its values abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australian citizens can live outside of Australia. There are around one million Australians living and working overseas.
Australian citizens living abroad must adhere to the laws of their host country and Australia. They should also inform themselves about issues such as military service, divorce, child custody, and adoption laws.
Yes, Australian citizens living abroad can vote in-person at an overseas voting centre or by post.
Yes, Australia has reciprocal agreements with several countries that allow Australian citizens to work while on holiday. Australian citizens must apply for a working holiday visa through the embassy or consulate of the respective country.
Yes, Australian citizens living abroad should consider the following:
- Organising access to their money overseas, including setting up international bank accounts and accessing their superannuation.
- Understanding tax requirements, including worldwide income declarations and loan repayments.
- Complying with currency laws and international transfer limits.
