Australian Expat Repatriation Checklist

Repatriating back to Australia after time overseas is a big milestone, often exciting, sometimes daunting, and almost always filled with more moving parts than expected. Tax rules, superannuation, banking, housing, and everyday logistics can feel very different when you return, and planning makes all the difference.

To help make the transition smoother, we’ve created a comprehensive Australian Expat Repatriation checklist specifically for Australians preparing to return. This checklist highlights the essential steps to take before, during, and after your move, giving you the clarity and confidence to navigate your return with ease.

For your convenience, a downloadable, print-ready PDF version of this checklist is available here. 

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PART 1: BEFORE YOU LEAVE (6 to 12 months prior)

Objective: Protect assets, optimise tax outcomes, and ensure financial readiness for relocation.

Preparing to move back to Australia starts well before your departure date. The months leading up to your return are crucial for protecting assets, aligning tax and financial arrangements, and organising the practical details that will shape a smooth transition. This stage is about setting strong foundations.

This stage of our Australian Expat Repatriation Checklist outlines the key actions to take during the 6 to 12 months before you leave, helping you reduce uncertainty, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure you’re financially and personally ready for your relocation.

1. Taxation & Compliance

• Understand when your tax residency status changes with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

• Assess whether it’s more advantageous to arrive before or after the Australian Financial Year begins on 1 July.

• Determine if exit taxes or capital gains taxes apply to property or investments upon departure.

• Re-familiarise yourself with Australian systems such as taxation, superannuation, and healthcare.

2. Housing & Personal Belongings

• Decide whether to rent, buy, or stay with family or friends initially.

• Research housing markets and short-term accommodation options.

• Research shipping companies and compare quotes.

• Arrange shipment, sale or storage of overseas belongings.

• Cancel or transfer overseas utilities, phone and internet services.

3. Banking & Currency Management

• Determine whether you can maintain access to international bank accounts when in Australia.

• Set up a foreign exchange account to facilitate international currency transfers.

• Compare FX transfer rates to minimise conversion costs for moving funds.

• Determine a foreign currency transfer strategy to mitigate currency risk.

4. Property, Investments and Retirement Accounts

• Consider whether to sell, retain, or rent out overseas real estate assets.

• Consider whether to retain, sell or transfer overseas investments to Australia.

• Determine whether you can retain access to investment and retirement accounts when in Australia.

• Establish an appropriate investment strategy for your planned arrival in Australia.

5. Employment & Career

• Update your CV and LinkedIn profile with your recent experience.

• Contact Australian recruiters or employers before returning.

• Research the job market and salary benchmarks in your field.

• Transfer professional memberships or accreditations back to Australia.

• Gather professional references from overseas supervisors.

6. Education & Family

• Research school or childcare options in your preferred area.

• Gather and organise enrolment documents, including transcripts and immunisation records.

• Arrange pet relocation; vaccinations, permits and quarantine requirements.

Key Adviser Notes

Plan Early: Begin financial and legal preparation at least six months prior.

Tax Planning: Schedule your asset transfers before departure to maximise tax planning opportunities and avoid missing potential benefits.

Seek Professional Advice: Tax, superannuation, investment, and estate planning are complex; consult qualified cross-border professionals before departure.

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PART 2: UPON ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA (First 1 to 2 months)

Objective: Establish financial stability, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimise cash flow.

The first few months back in Australia are a critical phase of your return. This is when the practical and administrative tasks begin to take shape, and the decisions you make can have a lasting impact on your financial stability and long-term planning. As part of your Australian Expat Repatriation Checklist, this stage focuses on re-establishing key matters including your banking, healthcare, documentation, superannuation, and personal protections so you can settle in with confidence and clarity.

The following steps will help you meet regulatory requirements, organise essential services, optimise cash flow, and ensure you’re properly set up for life back in Australia.

1. Banking & Cash Management

• Update your Australian address and tax residency with key institutions such as the ATO, banks, and superannuation funds.

• Open Australian bank accounts for your salary, savings, and emergency fund.

• Transfer funds from overseas accounts in stages (Dollar Cost Averaging).

2. Documents and Administration

• Update your electoral roll registration once back in Australia.

• Update your MyGov account and link to Medicare, the ATO, and Centrelink.

• Set up utilities and internet at your new home.

• Register with a general practitioner and dentist.

• Update vehicle registration and general insurance.

3. Medicare and Private Health Insurance

• Re-enrol in the Medicare public health system.

• Organise private health insurance in the first 12 months of arrival to avoid Lifetime Health Cover Loading.

• Request your international movement records from the Department of Home Affairs for your chosen health fund.

4. Superannuation & Retirement Planning

• Review your Australian superannuation strategy.

• Provide your employer with your current superannuation fund details.

• Determine if consolidating overseas retirement funds is tax-efficient.

• Understand contribution limits, tax implications, and withdrawal options.

5. Risk & Protection

• Confirm insurance coverage for family members, including children and dependents.

• Protect against unexpected events with adequate emergency funds and insurance policies.

• Ensure beneficiaries for superannuation, life insurance, and overseas accounts are current.

Key Adviser Notes

Update tax information: Ensure that all relevant financial institutions, both in Australia and overseas are notified of your updated tax residency status. This is essential to ensure the correct application of withholding tax and to avoid compliance issues.

Update employer with super information: Confirm that your Australian employer has your current superannuation fund information so that Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions are made to your existing fund correctly and without delay.

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PART 3: ONCE YOU HAVE SETTLED IN AUSTRALIA (1–6 months post-arrival)

Objective: Achieve long-term financial security, regulatory compliance, and wealth optimisation.

After the initial rush of arriving and getting re-established, the next stage of your Australian Expat Repatriation Checklist focuses on building long-term stability. This period is about shifting from short-term logistics to the bigger-picture decisions that will shape your financial security, lifestyle, and future planning in Australia.

By working through the steps below, you can strengthen your financial foundations and set yourself up with clarity and confidence for the years ahead.

1. Long-Term Financial Planning

• Conduct a comprehensive review of net worth, including assets abroad.

• Develop or update financial plan: investments, retirement, and cash flow strategy.

• Assess insurance coverage, including life, health, property, and income protection.

2. Tax Optimisation

• Review your tax position with a registered tax agent or accountant.

• Consider tax-efficient investments or super contributions that reflect your Australian status.

• Ensure compliance with foreign asset reporting rules.

3. Investments & Property

• Evaluate investment portfolio allocations post-move for currency exposure and market conditions.

• Decide on long-term property strategy: purchase, refinance, or rent.

• Monitor overseas assets for potential repatriation or liquidation opportunities.

4. Estate & Risk Management

• Update wills, powers of attorney, and super beneficiary nominations to reflect Australian residency.

• Establish a legacy and succession plan aligned with Australian law.

  
  

5. Lifestyle & Cash Flow

• Build an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses.

• Ensure ongoing contributions to superannuation, retirement savings, and other investment vehicles in line with your objectives.

Key Adviser Notes

Monitor Currency Exposure: Stagger fund transfers to manage foreign exchange risk.

Prioritise Risk Management: Insurance and emergency funds are critical during the transition.

Conclusion

Repatriating to Australia is a significant life transition that involves much more than just packing and booking a flight. By breaking the process into clear stages:

(1)    Before You Leave;

(2)    Upon Arrival;

(3)    Once You Have Settled;

our Australian Expat Repatriation Checklist helps ensure nothing is overlooked.

Following this checklist allows you to focus less on administrative stress and more on successfully reintegrating into life in Australia, ensuring both a smooth transition and a strong foundation for your future. However, every situation is unique, and your personal circumstances may require additional planning or steps not covered in this checklist. It is strongly recommended to seek professional advice from qualified tax, financial, and legal advisers to ensure your return is tailored to your needs and goals.

Runway Wealth Management is the trusted Financial Adviser to the Australian Expat community. Our tailored advice is backed by expertise, education and experience, which allows us to be at the forefront of Australian Expat Financial Planning.

If you would like to speak to one of our Expat Financial Advisers about this blog or if you have other queries, we would be more than happy to speak with you. Feel free to send us an enquiry through the ‘Contact Us’ tab provided in the link below:

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General Advice Disclaimer: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.