Visa pathways for remote workers in Australia are built around existing temporary visa systems, as there is no dedicated digital nomad visa yet. Currently, overseas workers, digital nomads, and international employees typically combine short-term or temporary work visas, employer-sponsored visas, and regional visas to support their remote work arrangements while ensuring compliance with Australian immigration laws.
Can Remote Workers Legally Work in Australia?
Remote workers can legally work in Australia provided they hold a valid passport and a valid visa with clear work rights and comply with all relevant immigration laws. Remote workers without Australian citizenship or permanent residency take several visa pathways to live in the country temporarily and work online.
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
- Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
- Visitor Visa or Business Visitor Stream (subclass 600)
- eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Whether it is a temporary visa or a permanent visa with a work permit, performing work in Australia is still considered work, even if the income is sourced from a foreign client. Visa holders must meet the requirements, hold a valid passport, and comply with rules set by the Department of Home Affairs and Australian government authorities.
Short-Term Visa Options for Remote Workers
Short-term visa arrangements are for temporary stays with limited activities, with the primary options being a working holiday visa and a visitor visa, each having distinct conditions and durations of stay. These options are suitable for digital nomads who seek flexibility without enrolling in a skilled migration programme. However, temporary work visas are subject to strict visa conditions and time limits.
Working Holiday Visa (417/462)
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462) allows eligible individuals aged 18 to 30 years to undertake an extended holiday in Australia while working to fund their trip expenses. Visa holders may work remotely for international employers or undertake short-term work in Australia, provided all visa conditions are met.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
A visitor visa with different streams (tourist stream, business visitor stream, sponsored family stream, frequent traveller stream, and approved destination status stream) is designed for holidaymakers who are primarily visiting Australia for tourism and working remotely. Some streams allow limited business activity, like online meetings with foreign clients.
Although it is suitable for young applicants from eligible countries, including pathways for eligible New Zealand citizens, a visitor visa may not be appropriate for international students or individuals seeking an employment visa or permanent residence.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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Business Activity Visa: For Overseas Employees on Short Trips
Business activity visas allow international employees and overseas workers to undertake short professional visits. These temporary work visas permit entry for meetings and negotiations but restrict the visa holder from:
- Undertaking work for or supplying services to an Australian-based company or individual
- Selling goods or services directly to the public
- Performing any job-related work for an Australian employer
- Replacing a suitably skilled Australian employee
What Business Tasks Are Allowed?
The following business tasks are allowed under the Business Activity Visa:
- Attending conferences, trade fairs, or seminars (without taking payments from the organisers)
- Making general business or employment inquiries
- Negotiating, investigating, signing, or reviewing business contracts
- Meeting Australian government or state or territory government officials
Length of Stay and Processing Times
A business activity visa allows stays of up to 3 months. Each visa application should include identity documents, such as a national identity card, birth certificate, and police certificates. The processing times depend on the assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (400 Visa)
This visa allows a skilled worker to perform short-term tasks in a highly specialised job. If you possess specialised skills, knowledge, or expertise that are not readily available in Australia, this visa subclass may be suitable for you. However, the work or activity must be non-ongoing.
Who Should Use This Visa?
You can apply for this visa if you have specialised knowledge, skill sets, or experience to:
- Assist an Australian business
- Fill a position that an Australian worker cannot
Stay Period and Eligibility Requirements
The authorities grant the visa for up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances. However, for any stay beyond 3 months, your visa application should include a strong case.
Eligibility requirements for a visa grant letter include:
- Highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience
- Proof of work
- Bank statements that demonstrate your ability to support yourself and your family members
- Health and character requirements
- No intention of staying in Australia permanently
- Clean immigration history
- Compliant with visa guidelines
Long-Term Visa Options for Remote Workers
Remote workers or digital nomads planning to stay in an Australian state beyond temporary visits should consider long-term visas and move to a provisional visa, which may lead to a permanent visa or permanent residency.
Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand)
This visa, under the skilled migration programme, allows an Australian employer to sponsor foreign workers to address labour shortages in metropolitan and regional Australia.
Subclass 482 Visa for Overseas Employers
The subclass 482 visa allows overseas employers to set up an Australian business or use an EoR to sponsor suitable international workers. The overseas employer becomes an approved Australian employer for immigration and takes responsibility for the nomination process while following the compliance guidelines.
Employer of Record (EoR) and ‘On-Hire’ Sponsorship Arrangements
An EoR lets a specialist employer, often referred to as a Global Professional Employer Organisation (Global PEO), sponsor overseas employees and then hire them for international clients. This allows foreign employers without an Australian state entity to hire skilled workers with proper work visas and visa requirements.
When Overseas Companies Should Use an On-Hire Labour Agreement
Overseas companies should consider an on-hire labour agreement when they want remote workers in Australia without setting up a local entity. This approach is most effective in scenarios where a skilled employer manages a consistent employee visa structure for multiple overseas employees.
Challenges for Overseas Companies Without an Australian Entity
Without an entity in regional Australia, international employers may struggle to pay Australian income tax, superannuation, and payroll guidelines and comply with the Department of Home Affairs.
How On-Hire Sponsorship Solves These Problems
On-hire sponsorship centralises immigration, payroll, visa requirements, and compliance with state or territory government regulations, enabling workers to focus on their roles without concern for administrative tasks. This may also support pathways to regional visas or permanent visas if the worker qualifies for permanent residency.
Comparison Table: Visa Options for Remote Workers in Australia
How to Choose the Right Visa for Remote Work in Australia
Selecting the most suitable visa for remote workers depends on their individual criteria, such as the intended duration of stay in Australia, preferred employers, and aspirations regarding permanent residency. Careful skills assessment for regional visas, provisional visa options, and employer-sponsored pathways is mandatory.
Why Professional Migration Advice Is Important
Australian immigration laws are subject to change, and each visa subclass has specific eligibility criteria. Australian Migration Agents can review your remote work and future goals and explain the best choices, including temporary work visas, a bridging visa and a tourist visa, and pathways to permanent residency. Schedule a call today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Work Remotely in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
Yes, you can work remotely (e.g., checking emails or meetings with overseas clients) in Australia on a visitor visa (subclass 600), provided it is for an overseas employer. However, full-time remote employment might violate specific visitor visa conditions.
Do I Need a Work Visa If I Am Working for an Overseas Employer?
You need a valid Australian visa with work rights (Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (186), or other skilled/temporary visas), even if it is for a foreign employer, as long as you are physically working in Australia.
What Is the Best Visa for Remote Workers Staying More Than 6 Months?
Australia does not have a provision for a digital nomad visa. The best Australian visa options for remote workers staying over six months involve:
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462)
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600/eVisitor/eTA)
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
Can Overseas Companies Sponsor Employees to Work Remotely in Australia?
Yes, international companies can sponsor overseas workers by using an on-hire sponsor or Employer of Record to ensure they hold a valid employment visa and meet all visa requirements.
How Does On-Hire Sponsorship Work for Overseas Employers?
On-hire sponsorship allows an approved employer to sponsor skilled foreign workers on temporary visas and assign them to work for third-party clients while remaining the direct, legal employer, handling work visas, managing payroll and Australian income tax, and ensuring HR and legal compliance.
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