If you’d like to spend your retirement years in Australia, you’ll have a better chance of doing so if you’re financially independent. But it's important to know that retirement visas in Australia are temporary. So there’s no guarantee you'll be able to spend your whole retirement "Down Under". And the Australian government has no plans to introduce a permanent retirement visa. Officials say that would add undue strain to Australia’s health and welfare budgets.

Those interested in spending their golden years in Australia and who are applying for the first time are limited to the Investor Retirement category visa (subclass 405). The Regular Retirement visa (subclass 410) is reserved for current retirement visa holders who wish to renew their temporary visa in order to stay in Australia.

Retirees with children in Australia may be eligible to apply for a sponsored contributory parent visa. Learn about our Family Migration Services for more information.

Investor Retirement (subclass 405) About this visa

• Temporary;
• For self-funded retirees who have no dependents other than a spouse, and who want to live in Australia during their retirement years;
• Available to new and first-time applicants;
• Option to apply for an additional Investor Retirement visa to extend stay for four years;
• No limit on how many times a visa holder can apply for another Investor Retirement visa as long as applicant continues to meet requirements.

Benefits

This visa allows you to:

• Live in Australia for 4 years;
• Work in Australia for up to 20 hours a week;
• Leave and re-enter Australia at any time, as long as visa is valid;
• Have your spouse accompany you to Australia.

Requirements

To apply for this visa you must meet these conditions:

• Be 55 or older with no dependents other than spouse;
• Partner must have no dependent children or other dependent family;
• Must be sponsored by an Australian state or territory government agency (other than New South Wales or Australian Capital Territory);
• Must have assets of at least $750,000 to meet initial settlement and ongoing costs of living in Australia ($500,000 if applicant plans to live in regional Australia);
• Assets must be legally owned and lawfully acquired at least two years before the visa application and must be available for transfer to Australia;
• You and/or your spouse must have access to a minimum net income of $65,000, including pension rights.
• You and/or your spouse must be able to make a designated investment of $750,000 in the state or territory in which you have been sponsored.
• Must show evidence of adequate health insurance;
• Must pass medical test;
• Must have no intention of working full-time in Australia;
• Must be of good character.

Retirement Visa (subclass 410)

About this visa

• Temporary;
• For self-funded retirees and their spouses who want to spend some of their retirement years in Australia;
• Available to valid subclass 410 visa holders and their spouses to renew their current visa;
• Available to former subclass 410 visa holders and their spouses who have not held another substantive visa since their retirement visa expired;
• Not available to new or first-time applicants;
• Holder is not entitled to government financial assistance or welfare;
• Medicare benefits generally not available.

Benefits

This visa allows you to:

• Live in Australia for 4 years;
• Leave and re-enter Australia at any time, as long as visa is valid;
• Work for up to 20 hours a week in Australia;
• Study in Australia.

Requirements

To apply for this visa you must meet these conditions:

• Be 55 or older with no dependents other than spouse;
• Be a valid retirement visa holder;
• Must show evidence of adequate health coverage;
• Must be self-supporting and have no requirement to work to earn an income;
• Must be of good character;
• Rollover applicants must file police clearance;
• Must sign values statement.

Daniel & Associates can help retirees move to Australia or remain in the country by advising them about the requirements and which retirement category is open to them. If neither retirement category is suitable, we can provide legal and consulting advice to explore other options, such as application under another category.

Our Retirement Visa Services

When you come to Daniel & Associates for help with your retirement visa application, here's what we do for you:

• assess whether you meet the visa requirements;
• assess your finances to determine if they meet the visa requirements;
• advise you on the Immigration Department fees you will be expected to pay throughout the visa/immigration process, as well as on the cost of our services;
• advise you regarding the health requirements associated with retirement visas;
• represent you before the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship or the Australian Embassy abroad, when required;
• thoroughly prepare you for interviews, when required;
• answer your questions during the entire process.

How To Get Started

We have two consulting services to choose from, depending on your goals:

1. Our Visa Assessment service is designed to answer your questions about Retirement Visas and advise you on how to file your application in the correct category.
2. Our Visa/Immigration Plan goes one step further, providing you with a complete Retirement Visa plan that will show you what to do every step of the way. Along with a timeline, your personalised plan will let you know exactly when various government fees are due so you won’t have to worry about missing an important deadline.

Contact us and we can help you with personal visa assessment