DTV for Australians 2026: Complete Aussie Application Guide

The DTV visa has become incredibly popular with Aussie digital nomads, offering a 5-year alternative to constant visa runs across Southeast Asia. With Thailand just 9 hours from Sydney and amazing lifestyle at fraction of Aussie costs, it's the perfect base.

This complete guide covers everything Australians need: best embassies, AU-specific documentation, tax residency test, superannuation implications, Medicare considerations, and real approved cases.

Quick Summary for Aussies

• Best Embassy: Taipei (flexible, 3-5 days) or Canberra/Sydney e-Visa (14-21 days)
• Cost: $430 AUD visa fee + $2,000-4,000 embassy trip (if Taipei)
• Bank Statement: $20,000 AUD minimum (500,000 THB)
• Income Proof: Employment contract, tax return, payslips OR business docs
• Tax Residency: DTV helps you become AU non-resident (save 0-45% tax)
• Medicare: Lose access when non-resident (need private insurance)
• Superannuation: Can't contribute as non-resident, existing super continues
• Success Rate: Very high for employed or established businesses

New to DTV? Start with our complete DTV visa guide before diving into Aussie-specific details.

Why Australians Love DTV

The Bali-Thailand problem solved:

• Previously: Aussies doing endless Bali-Thailand visa runs every 60-90 days
• Now: Single DTV = 5 years, 180 days per entry
• Can base yourself in Thailand long-term legally

Compared to other options:

Visa Type	Duration	Cost (AUD)	Requirements
DTV	5 years	$430	Remote work/soft power
Tourist	60 days	$45	None
Thai Elite	5-20 years	$22,000-90,000	Just money
Retirement	1 year	$90	Age 50+, $35K deposit

DTV wins for: Under-50 remote workers who don't want to spend $22K+ on Elite visa or do constant visa runs.

Flight proximity:

• Sydney/Melbourne to Bangkok: 9-10 hours direct
• Brisbane to Bangkok: 9 hours
• Perth to Bangkok: 6.5 hours
• Much closer than Europe or Americas

Best Embassies for Australians

Option 1: Taipei (Taiwan) - Most Popular

Why Aussies love Taipei:

• ✅ Fast processing (3-5 business days)
• ✅ Flexible on documentation
• ✅ English-friendly
• ✅ Close to Australia (8-9 hours)
• ✅ High approval rate
• ✅ No appointment needed (walk-in)

Requirements:

• All standard DTV documents
• Bank statement with $20,000 AUD+
• Proof of remote work
• Flight booking

Timeline:

• Day 1 (Monday): Fly Syd/Mel to Taipei, submit application
• Day 2-5: Wait (explore Taipei)
• Day 5 (Friday): Collect passport with DTV
• Weekend: Continue to Thailand or return home

Total cost estimate:

• Flights Sydney-Taipei return: $800-1,500
• Hotel (6 nights): $400-800
• Food/transport: $300-400
• Visa fee: $430
• Total: $1,930-3,130

Tips for Taipei:

• Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
• Book accommodation near Taipei Main Station
• Embassy hours: 9am-4pm weekdays
• Bring printed documents (they prefer paper)

Option 2: Canberra/Sydney e-Visa - Most Convenient

Why it's convenient:

• ✅ Apply from home (no travel)
• ✅ No time off work needed
• ✅ All online submission
• ✅ Cheapest option (just $430 visa fee)

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Slower (14-21 business days)
• ❌ Stricter documentation requirements
• ❌ Less flexibility (can't answer questions in person)
• ❌ Higher rejection rate than Taipei

Best for:

• Aussies with perfect documentation
• Strong employment contract or established business
• Can wait 3-4 weeks
• Want to save $1,500-2,700 on Taipei trip

Application process:

1. Go to thaievisa.go.th
2. Create account
3. Fill application (30-45 minutes)
4. Upload documents (PDF format)
5. Pay $430 AUD online
6. Wait 14-21 days
7. Receive DTV via email

Option 3: Jakarta (Indonesia) - Good Alternative

Why Aussies consider Jakarta:

• Close to Australia (cheap flights)
• 5-7 day processing
• Can combine with Bali trip
• Less crowded than Taipei

Requirements:

• Similar to Taipei but slightly stricter
• Want 6-month bank statements (vs 3-month Taipei)
• More scrutiny on remote work proof

Cost estimate:

• Flights Perth-Jakarta: $300-600
• Flights East Coast-Jakarta: $500-900
• Hotel (7 nights): $250-500
• Visa: $430
• Total: $980-2,430

Best for: Perth-based Aussies (closest major city)

Option 4: Vientiane (Laos) - Avoid

Why Aussies should avoid:

• Strictest embassy for DTV
• Unpredictable requirements
• Often rejects applications Taipei would approve
• More expensive (need to get to Laos first)

Only go if:

• Already in Southeast Asia
• Rock-solid documentation
• No other option available

Australian-Specific Document Requirements

1. Proof of Remote Work (Aussie Version)

If employed:

Employment Contract:

• Must state "remote work allowed" or similar
• Should specify international remote work (not just WFH)
• Include job title, salary, start date

Supporting documents:

• Last 2 years tax return (via myGov)
• 3-6 months payslips
• Letter from employer on company letterhead
• Payment summaries showing income

Example employer letter:

[Company Letterhead]

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter confirms that [Your Name] is employed by [Company Name] as [Job Title] since [Start Date].

[Name] is authorized to work remotely from any location, including Thailand, while maintaining full-time employment with our company.

Annual salary: $[Amount] AUD

Please contact us if you require further information.

Sincerely,
[Manager Name]
[Title]
[Contact Details]

If self-employed/business owner:

Business registration:

• ABN registration document
• ASIC company registration (if Pty Ltd)
• Business name registration (if sole trader)

Client contracts:

• Agreements with 2-3+ clients
• Should show ongoing relationships
• Include payment terms, scope

Proof of income:

• 2 years tax returns showing business income
• BAS statements (if registered for GST)
• Bank statements showing client payments
• Invoice samples to clients
• Website/portfolio

Australian business structures that work:

• Sole Trader (ABN only)
• Pty Ltd company
• Partnership
• Trust (with proper documentation)

2. Bank Statement (Australian Banks)

Requirements:

• $20,000 AUD minimum (500,000 THB at ~25 THB/AUD)
• 3-6 months history (embassy-dependent)
• Personal account (current or savings)
• Australian bank is fine

Banks that work well:

• Big 4: CommBank, Westpac, NAB, ANZ
• Other majors: Macquarie, ING, Bendigo
• Digital: Wise (less preferred but usually accepted)

Statement format:

• PDF from online banking OR official mailed statement
• Must show: Name, BSB, account number, dates, balance
• Each page should have bank logo

Tips for Aussie bank statements:

• Show consistent balance over months
• Don't deposit $20K suddenly right before applying
• Explain large deposits if unusual (tax refund, super access, property sale)
• Transaction history should look normal (regular expenses, income)

Read our complete DTV bank statement guide for more details.

3. Tax Returns

Embassy wants to see:

• 1-2 years personal tax returns
• Download from myGov (ATO section)
• PDF format showing income, tax paid
• Notice of Assessment

Why they want this:

• Verify income claims match tax records
• Confirm you're legitimate taxpayer
• Show financial history

If you haven't lodged recent return:

• Lodge it before applying (even if late)
• Pay any penalties
• Get Notice of Assessment
• Embassy will verify with ATO

4. Passport and Photos

Passport requirements:

• Valid 6+ months beyond application date
• At least 2 blank pages
• Good condition (no damage)
• Current biometric passport

Photo requirements:

• Australian passport photo standard (45mm x 35mm)
• Recent (within 6 months)
• White background
• No glasses, neutral expression
• Get at Australia Post, instant photo booths ($15-20)

5. Proof of Onward Travel

What embassies want:

• Flight booking showing you plan to visit Thailand
• Hotel booking for first few weeks in Thailand

Tips:

• Book refundable flights (many airlines offer 24h cancellation)
• Use Skyscanner "flexible dates" options
• Book refundable hotel on Booking.com
• Don't need to book full 180 days (just first 2-4 weeks)

Flight costs Aus-Bangkok:

• Budget (AirAsia, Scoot): $400-700 return
• Full-service (Thai, Qantas): $800-1,500 return
• Direct vs. stopover (direct more expensive but saves time)

Australian Tax Residency and DTV

DTV is perfect tool for becoming AU non-resident and legally reducing tax.

Understanding Australian Tax Residency Test

Australia uses 183-day rule PLUS intention test:

Four tests (if you meet ANY one, you're AU resident):

1. Resides Test: Do you "reside" in Australia? (primary test, subjective)
2. Domicile Test: Is Australia your domicile AND you haven't established permanent home elsewhere?
3. 183-Day Test: In Australia 183+ days AND don't have usual home elsewhere?
4. Superannuation Test: Commonwealth employee super (doesn't apply to most people)

Key: The "intention" matters

Unlike UK's clearer Statutory Residence Test, Australia's is more subjective.

To become AU non-resident, you must:

• ✅ Leave Australia with intention to live abroad
• ✅ Establish overseas home (Thailand rental lease)
• ✅ Cut significant ties (sell/rent out home, move family)
• ✅ Stay out of Australia (under 183 days ideal, but not only factor)
• ✅ Demonstrate permanent change

DTV helps because:

• 5-year visa shows long-term commitment to Thailand
• 180-day entries allow establishing real Thai residence
• Harder for ATO to claim you're just "traveling"

Tax Implications for AU Residents vs Non-Residents

As Australian Resident:

• Pay tax on worldwide income
• Tax rates: 0% (under $18,200), then 19%, 32.5%, 37%, 45%
• Medicare levy: 2% additional
• Must file Australian tax return

As Australian Non-Resident:

• Pay tax ONLY on Australian-sourced income
• No tax-free threshold (taxed from $1)
• Tax rates: 32.5% on first dollar (up to $135,000)
• No Medicare levy
• Foreign income NOT taxed by Australia

Example comparison:

Scenario: Earning $90,000 AUD from remote work (foreign-sourced)

As AU resident:

• Tax: ~$20,797
• Medicare: $1,800
• Total: $22,597 (25% effective rate)

As AU non-resident:

• Tax on foreign income: $0
• Total: $0

Savings: $22,597/year Over 5 years on DTV: $112,985 saved

How to Establish AU Non-Residency

Steps before leaving:

1. Sell or rent out Australian home

   • Having available home in AU = strong tie
   • Renting it out shows you don't need it
   • Selling it even stronger signal

2. Move family (if applicable)

   • Spouse and kids staying in AU = you're likely still resident
   • Whole family moving = clear break

3. Cancel/transfer memberships

   • Gym, clubs, professional associations
   • Shows you're not maintaining AU lifestyle

4. Get long-term Thai accommodation

   • 6-12 month lease agreement
   • Shows genuine Thai residence
   • Keep utility bills as evidence

5. Update ATO

   • Not required, but helpful
   • Show you're establishing overseas residence
   • Claim foreign tax credits if needed

6. Stay out of Australia

   • Under 183 days/year safer
   • Even better: under 45 days/year (minimal ties)
   • Track days carefully

Warning: ATO scrutinizes non-residency claims heavily. Many people think they're non-resident when ATO disagrees.

Common mistakes:

• ❌ Keeping Australian home for own use
• ❌ Spouse/kids staying in Australia
• ❌ Regular visits (60+ days/year)
• ❌ Maintaining AU gym, clubs, etc.
• ❌ Australian driver's license still current
• ❌ Enrolled to vote (should update to overseas)

Medicare and Healthcare

Losing Medicare

Reality check: When you become AU non-resident, you lose Medicare access.

What this means:

• Can't use bulk-billing doctors in Australia
• Hospital visits not covered
• PBS (pharmaceutical benefits) not available
• If you visit Australia and need care: Pay full private rates

Good news: Medicare automatically reinstates when you return to Australia permanently (after qualifying waiting period for some benefits).

Solution while on DTV: Get international health insurance:

• Cost: $2,000-5,000 AUD/year (individual)
• Covers: Thailand + worldwide (including AU visits)
• Providers: Cigna Global, Allianz, Bupa International, Pacific Prime

Thailand healthcare quality:

• Excellent (Bangkok hospitals world-class)
• Many Aussie doctors working there
• Much cheaper than Australian private
  • GP visit: $20-40 AUD
  • Specialist: $50-100 AUD
  • Surgery: 50-70% cheaper than AU private

Health Insurance Options for Aussies

Option 1: Comprehensive International

• Providers: Cigna Global, Allianz, Bupa
• Coverage: Thailand + worldwide including Australia
• Cost: $3,500-5,000 AUD/year
• Benefits: High limits, medical evacuation, dental

Option 2: Thailand + Emergency Global

• Providers: AXA Thailand, AIA Thailand
• Coverage: Full Thailand, emergency elsewhere
• Cost: $1,500-2,500 AUD/year
• Benefits: Cheaper, sufficient for most needs

Option 3: Travel Insurance + Thai Hospital Plan

• SafetyWing + local hospital network plan
• Cost: $1,000-1,500 AUD/year
• Benefits: Budget-friendly, covers basics

Recommendation: Start with Option 2, upgrade if health issues develop.

Superannuation Implications

Can't Contribute as Non-Resident

Key rule: Australian non-residents cannot receive employer super contributions.

What this means:

• Your employer stops super payments (9.5% of salary)
• You can't make personal contributions
• Salary sacrifice super arrangements end

Impact example:

Salary: $90,000 AUD

• As resident: Employer adds $9,500/year to super
• As non-resident: No super contributions

Over 5 years on DTV:

• Lost super: $47,500 (but remember: you also saved $112,985 in tax)
• Net benefit: $65,485 ahead

Existing Super Continues

Good news:

• Your existing super balance stays invested
• Continues to grow (market returns)
• Can't touch it until preservation age (usually 60)

Tax on super earnings:

• As AU resident: 15% tax on super fund earnings
• As AU non-resident: Same 15% (no change)

Accessing Super as Non-Resident

Normal rules:

• Can't access until preservation age (60-65)
• Even as non-resident, same age rules apply

DASP (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment):

• Only for temporary visa holders leaving Australia
• Australian citizens/permanent residents CAN'T use DASP
• Don't try to access early (penalties apply)

Recommendation:

• Leave super invested
• It'll grow for retirement
• Tax savings from non-residency more than offset lost contributions

Returning to Australia Later

When you return:

• Resume AU residency
• Employer super contributions resume
• Your previous super still there
• Continue building retirement savings

Super doesn't disappear because you lived abroad.

Real Approved Cases: Australians

Case 1: Sydney Software Developer (Taipei Success)

Profile:

• Age 31, employed by Australian tech company
• Salary: $110,000 AUD
• Remote work arrangement since 2022

Documents:

• Employment contract stating remote work allowed globally
• Letter from employer (approved Thailand work)
• 6 months CommBank statements ($25,000 balance)
• 2 years tax returns from myGov
• 3 recent payslips
• ABN (did some contracting on side)
• Flight booking to Bangkok
• Apartment booking in Chiang Mai

Embassy: Taipei Processing: 4 days Result: Approved, 5-year DTV

Total cost:

• Flights Sydney-Taipei-Bangkok: $1,100
• Taipei hotel: $450
• Visa: $430
• Food/expenses: $300
• Total: $2,280

Quote: "Taipei was super easy. Submitted Monday morning, approved Friday. Staff barely asked questions. Now living in Chiang Mai, visiting Aus 2 weeks/year. Established non-residency, save $25K+ in tax yearly. Best decision ever."

Tax strategy:

• Became AU non-resident (sold Sydney apartment, under 45 days/year in AU)
• Stays under 180 days in Thailand (avoids Thai tax)
• Travels around Asia for remaining months
• Effective tax rate: 0% (legally)

Case 2: Melbourne Freelance Designer (e-Visa)

Profile:

• Age 28, freelance graphic designer (sole trader)
• Income: $75,000 AUD/year
• 4 years freelancing

Documents:

• ABN registration
• 2 years tax returns showing business income
• 3 client contracts (ongoing retainers)
• Portfolio website
• 6 months NAB statements ($22,000 balance)
• BAS statements
• Invoices to clients

Embassy: e-Visa (applied from Melbourne) Processing: 17 days Result: Approved

Total cost: $430 visa fee only

Quote: "Applied online, took almost 3 weeks but no complaints. Saved $2K+ not flying to Taipei. Had to provide extra client contract mid-process (they emailed requesting it), but got approved. Now based in Bangkok, running Australian business remotely."

Business structure:

• Remains AU tax resident (still has Melbourne home)
• Pays Australian tax (has AU clients + maintaining ties)
• Uses DTV for flexibility to work from Thailand
• Not optimized for tax (but lifestyle improved)

Case 3: Brisbane Couple with Business (Approved)

Profile:

• Husband: Age 39, owns digital marketing Pty Ltd
• Wife: Age 37, employee of the company
• Company revenue: $320,000 AUD/year
• Combined income: $180,000 AUD

Documents:

• ASIC company registration
• Company bank statements ($75,000 balance)
• Personal bank statements ($30,000 combined)
• 2 years company tax returns
• 2 years personal tax returns
• Client contracts showing remote work
• Letter from accountant verifying business

Embassy: Taipei Result: Both approved (applied as couple)

Cost:

• Flights (2 people): $2,200
• Hotel: $700
• Visas: $860
• Total: $3,760

Current situation:

• Maintain AU company (still has staff in Brisbane)
• Established AU non-residency (sold home, under 183 days in AU)
• Company pays them salary + dividends
• Work from Phuket, manage team via Slack/Zoom
• Save $40K+/year in tax

Quote: "DTV plus company structure equals massive savings. Still running Aussie business, just from Thailand. Clients don't care where we are."

Case 4: Perth Mining Engineer (Rejected then Approved)

Profile:

• Age 45, FIFO engineer
• Income: $180,000 AUD/year
• Wanted DTV for time between rotations

First attempt (e-Visa):

• REJECTED - reason: "Employment tied to Australian location"
• FIFO work = must be in Australia for shifts

Pivot:

• Negotiated consulting arrangement with mining company
• Became contractor (ABN) instead of employee
• Contract stated he could work on projects remotely
• Reduced income to $120,000 but location-flexible

Second attempt (Taipei):

• Applied with new contractor setup
• Showed 3-month contracting history
• APPROVED

Lesson: FIFO/location-specific work doesn't qualify. Must be genuinely remote.

Common Mistakes: Australians

Mistake #1: FIFO Work as "Remote Work"

What happened:

• Mining/oil worker applied for DTV
• Argued "I work remotely in the outback"
• Embassy: No, you must physically be at mine site

Reality: FIFO = location-specific, not remote work. Embassy won't approve.

Who qualifies:

• Office workers who can WFH from anywhere
• Consultants/contractors not tied to physical location
• Digital services (design, dev, marketing, etc.)

Mistake #2: Thinking Tax Residency is Automatic

What happened:

• Aussie got DTV, moved to Thailand
• Assumed he was automatically non-resident
• Kept Australian home (rented out)
• Visited AU 90 days that year
• ATO audited, said he remained AU resident
• Owed full AU tax + penalties

Reality: DTV doesn't automatically change AU tax residency. Must actively establish non-residency (cut ties, stay out of AU, demonstrate intention).

Fix: Follow proper steps to establish non-residency BEFORE claiming it.

Mistake #3: Insufficient Business Documentation

What happened:

• Sole trader applied with just ABN
• No client contracts
• Inconsistent income in bank statements
• Rejected: "Insufficient proof of ongoing remote work"

Fix: Sole traders need strong documentation:

• Client contracts showing ongoing work
• Regular income deposits
• Tax returns
• Professional website/portfolio
• BAS statements

Mistake #4: Using Wise as Only Bank Proof

What happened:

• Applicant showed Wise statement with $21,000
• Embassy requested traditional bank statement
• Applicant didn't have one (kept everything in Wise)
• Had to delay application to build AU bank balance

Reality: Some embassies skeptical of digital banks/Wise. Traditional Big 4 bank = safer.

Fix: Use CommBank, Westpac, NAB, or ANZ as primary proof.

Mistake #5: Not Planning Medicare Loss

What happened:

• Aussie became non-resident (left Australia)
• Didn't get insurance
• Broke leg in Thailand
• No insurance, hospital bill $8,000 AUD

Fix: Get international insurance BEFORE canceling Medicare.

Australia vs Thailand Cost of Living

Why Aussies love Thailand financially:

Monthly costs comparison (single person):

Expense	Australia (Sydney)	Thailand (Bangkok)	Thailand (Chiang Mai)
Rent (1-bed)	$2,500	$900	$550
Food (eating out)	$600	$400	$250
Groceries	$400	$250	$180
Transport	$200	$80	$50
Gym	$80	$40	$30
Entertainment	$400	$250	$150
Total	$4,180	$1,920	$1,210

Annual savings living in Thailand:

• Bangkok: $27,120 AUD/year
• Chiang Mai: $35,640 AUD/year

Plus tax savings if non-resident:

• On $90K income: $22,597/year

Total annual savings: $49,717-58,237 AUD (Chiang Mai + tax optimization)

Over 5-year DTV:

• Total saved: $248,585-291,185 AUD
• Deposit on Sydney property or early retirement fund

Practical Tips for Australians

Before Applying

6 months before:

• Get bank balance to $20,000+ AUD
• Secure remote work arrangement (written confirmation)
• Research tax residency implications
• Decide: Taipei trip or e-Visa?
• Check passport expiry (need 6+ months)

3 months before:

• Request employer letter (if employed)
• Gather business docs (if self-employed)
• Download tax returns from myGov
• Research international health insurance
• Consider selling/renting out AU home (if establishing non-residency)

1 month before:

• Book Taipei flights (if going in-person)
• Book Thailand accommodation
• Get passport photos (Australia Post)
• Print all documents (if Taipei)
• Organize insurance to start when moving

After Approval

First month in Thailand:

• Find long-term accommodation (6-12 month lease)
• Open Thai bank account (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn)
• Get Thai SIM card (AIS, DTAC, TrueMove - $10-20/month)
• Activate international health insurance
• Join Aussie expat communities (Facebook groups, meetups)

For non-residency (if applicable):

• Inform ATO (not required but recommended)
• Update electoral roll to overseas
• Cancel Medicare (happens automatically when non-resident)
• Set up voluntary super if desired (can't contribute but can keep)
• Track Australian days (stay under 183, ideally under 45)

Ongoing:

• Track days in Thailand (consider staying under 180 if avoiding Thai tax)
• Track days in Australia (under 183 for non-residency)
• File AU tax return if required (non-residents only file if AU income)
• Keep DTV documents accessible (in case of Thai immigration questions)
• Renew Australian passport before expiry (can do at embassy in Bangkok)

Tax Implications Summary

Read our complete DTV tax implications guide for full details.

Quick summary for Australians:

Optimal tax strategy:

1. Establish AU non-residency

   • Sell/rent out home
   • Stay under 183 days in AU (ideally under 45)
   • Demonstrate intention to live abroad
   • Cut ties (cancel memberships, update addresses)

2. Work remotely for foreign clients/companies

   • Income earned overseas = not AU-sourced
   • As non-resident = no AU tax on foreign income

3. Stay under 180 days in Thailand

   • Avoid Thai tax residency
   • Travel to other countries for remaining days
   • Legally pay 0% tax

Alternative: Accept Thai tax residency (180+ days) but don't remit income to Thailand

Professional advice:

• Aussie expat tax accountant: $800-1,500/year
• Worth it for high earners ($80K+)
• Tax savings exceed professional costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work for Australian companies while on DTV? Yes. DTV allows remote work for foreign companies, including Australian employers.

Will I lose Medicare immediately? Yes, when you become non-resident. Get private insurance before moving.

Can I return to Australia to visit family? Yes, but track days carefully. Stay under 183 days/year (ideally under 45) if claiming non-resident status.

What about my Australian super? Existing super stays invested and grows. Can't make new contributions as non-resident. Can't access until preservation age.

Do I need to tell ATO I'm leaving? Not required, but can be helpful. No formal "exit tax return" like some countries.

Can I keep my Australian bank account? Yes. Most Australian banks allow keeping accounts as expat. Update address to overseas.

What if I want to move back to Australia permanently later? You can. When you return, you become AU resident again. Medicare reinstates after qualifying period. Resume super contributions.

Do I pay GST on my services from Thailand? Depends. If you're AU GST-registered and providing services to AU clients, GST rules still apply (even as non-resident). Consult accountant.

Summary: DTV for Australians

Key takeaways:

1. Best embassy: Taipei (flexible, fast) or e-Visa (convenient)
2. Cost: $430-3,130 depending on embassy choice
3. Bank requirement: $20,000 AUD minimum (500K THB)
4. Remote work proof: Employment letter or business documentation + tax returns
5. Tax opportunity: DTV helps establish non-residency (save $20K-45K/year)
6. Medicare loss: Get international insurance ($1,500-5,000/year)
7. Super: Can't contribute as non-resident, existing balance continues
8. Living costs: Save $27K-36K/year living in Thailand vs Sydney/Melbourne
9. Success rate: Very high for employed or established businesses

Perfect for Aussies:

• Remote workers under 50 (can't get retirement visa yet)
• Digital nomads wanting 5-year flexibility vs constant visa runs
• High earners wanting legal tax reduction
• Couples wanting affordable lifestyle upgrade

Over 5 years on DTV:

• Save $135K-180K on living costs (vs Sydney)
• Save $110K+ on tax (if non-resident earning $90K+)
• Total: $245K-290K saved (life-changing)

Plus:

• Better weather year-round
• Amazing food culture
• Easy weekend trips (Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia)
• Large Aussie expat community
• Only 9 hours from home

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Last updated: February 7, 2026 Based on 80+ approved Australian DTV applications

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