Preparing for 2026: A Financial Checklist for Australian Expats

As 2026 approaches, Australian Expats living overseas have an ideal opportunity to step back and review their financial position. Living abroad adds layers of complexity to tax, investments, superannuation and long-term planning. What works for Australian residents often does not translate well once you move offshore.

Having a clear checklist for Australian Expats helps ensure that nothing important is overlooked and that decisions made today continue to support your lifestyle and goals into 2026 and beyond.

Below is a practical financial checklist for Australian Expats to help you prepare with confidence.

Review Your Tax Residency Status

A key starting point on any checklist for Australian Expats is confirming your tax residency status. While many long-term expats may have addressed this early in their overseas experience, it is still important to revisit as circumstances change.

Before 2026, review your plans for the year ahead and consider whether they could affect your classification as a resident or non-resident for Australian tax purposes. It is equally important to understand how this status interacts with the tax rules in your country of residence. Mistakes in residency classification can lead to unnecessary tax, reporting complications, or penalties.

Review Your Superannuation Strategy

Superannuation should feature prominently in any checklist for Australian Expats.

Key questions to consider include whether you are still eligible to contribute to super, whether concessional contributions make sense given your tax position and whether unused concessional caps can be utilised.

It is also important to review your current super fund. Some funds restrict services for members living overseas and investment options may no longer align with your long term plans. For expats with more complex needs, reviewing whether their super structure remains appropriate ahead of 2026 can be valuable.

Assess Your Investment Portfolio and Asset Location

Investment reviews are often overdue for expats, which is why this is a critical part of the checklist for Australian Expats.

Living overseas changes how investments should be structured. Tax treatment, reporting requirements and currency exposure all matter. Australian-based investments still have a place, though it is important to assess whether your portfolio is tax-efficient and aligned with your current country of residence.

Preparing for 2026 is an ideal time to review asset location, diversification and whether your investments are still supporting your broader financial goals.

Review Currency Exposure and Cash Flow

Currency risk is often underestimated by Australian expats. Income, expenses, assets and liabilities may all be held in different currencies.

A thorough checklist for Australian Expats should include reviewing how currency movements could impact your cash flow, savings and investments. This is particularly important if you plan to return to Australia in the future or have ongoing financial commitments in Australian dollars.

Simple strategies can often reduce unnecessary currency risk and improve long-term outcomes.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance is another area that frequently falls through the cracks for expats.

Policies taken out in Australia may not provide adequate cover while you are overseas. At the same time, local insurance in your host country may not fully protect your assets or family.

As part of your checklist for Australian Expats, review life insurance, income protection, health cover and any relevant personal or business insurance to ensure it remains appropriate heading into 2026.

Update Estate Planning Documents

Estate planning becomes more complex when you live in multiple jurisdictions.

Wills, powers of attorney and beneficiary nominations within superannuation may need to be updated to reflect your overseas residency and the location of your assets. In some cases, having documents prepared in one country can create complications in another.

Before 2026, it is wise to review your estate planning as part of a comprehensive checklist for Australian Expats to ensure your wishes are clear and legally effective.

Plan Ahead for a Possible Return to Australia

Even if a return to Australia feels uncertain, it should still be included in your checklist for Australian Expats.

Planning ahead can help manage tax outcomes when selling assets, transferring investments or re-establishing residency. Decisions made while overseas can significantly affect your financial position when you return. Thinking about this early allows for flexibility and better long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Preparing for 2026 does not require drastic changes, but it does require clarity. A structured checklist for Australian Expats helps ensure your finances remain aligned with your lifestyle, location and future plans.

Regular reviews are particularly important for expats because personal circumstances, tax rules and residency positions evolve over time. Taking action now can reduce uncertainty and put you in a stronger position as 2026 approaches.

If you would like professional guidance tailored to your situation as an Australian expat, speaking with a financial adviser who understands both Australian and international considerations can make all the difference.

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.