Repatriating to Australia with a Non-Australian Spouse: What You Need to Know

Repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse is a common scenario for many Expats returning home. For Expats, the move home might feel familiar, but for your spouse, it could be their first time navigating Australian systems, social norms, and bureaucracy. That’s why it’s essential to prepare together, understand your rights and obligations, and create a shared roadmap for settling in smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most important things to consider when repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse, so you can start your new chapter with confidence.

Visa and Immigration: Plan Early

The most important step in repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse is securing the right visa. The most common pathway is the Partner Visa (subclass 309/100 for offshore or 820/801 for onshore applicants).

Key steps:

• Begin the visa process as early as possible, as it can take 12–24 months.

• Gather thorough relationship evidence (joint bank accounts, leases, travel records, etc.).

• If you're not yet married, consider the Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300).

• Engage a registered migration agent or solicitor for complex situations.

Your spouse will need to meet health and character requirements and may be subject to visa conditions that impact work rights or access to healthcare during processing.

Australian Tax File Number (TFN)

Non-Australians planning to work or invest in Australia must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). A TFN is required to:

• Work legally

• Open a superannuation account

• Lodge tax returns

• Open high-interest savings accounts or investment portfolios

• Avoid higher tax withholding rates up to 47%.

You can apply for a TFN ahead of arriving in Australia, though this must be done with a paper application form and posted to the ATO. Alternatively, once you have arrived in Australia, eligible non-citizens can apply for a TFN online using the Individual Auto Registration (IAR).

Superannuation

Most non-Australian spouses returning with their Australian partner won’t have an Australian superannuation account. It’s important they familiarise themselves with the system:

• Superannuation is Australia's mandatory retirement savings system.

• Once your spouse is working in Australia on an eligible visa, their employer must contribute 12% of their base salary to a superannuation fund of their choosing.

• There are many super funds in the market today, each with different features and functions, so choosing a suitable one is important for your financial future.

• It’s worth learning how super works, including tax rates, investment options, insurance and nominating beneficiaries.

Global Income & Tax Residency

Returning expats are generally considered Australian tax residents upon returning to Australia. This means you will likely need to declare your worldwide income, and there may be tax implications for any foreign investments, pensions, or property.

Your non-Australian spouse’s tax residency status may vary depending on their visa, length of stay, and ties to Australia. It’s encouraged to seek professional tax advice to help understand your Australian tax situation.

Buying Property: Ownership and Stamp Duty

If you plan on buying property after repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse, be aware of the Foreign Buyer Surcharge, a significant additional stamp duty imposed on non-citizens in most Australian states.

Non-citizens and those without permanent residency may pay an additional 7–8% stamp duty surcharge depending on the state. To avoid this, property can be purchased solely in the Australian citizen’s name. In this situation, a lender may still allow a jointly-held mortgage, even if the title is in one name. It’s advisable to consider legal and estate planning implications if the property is not jointly owned and always consult with a solicitor or conveyancer before committing to property purchases.

Accessing Healthcare in Australia

Upon repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse, healthcare is a top priority. Your spouse’s eligibility for Medicare will depend on their visa status and nationality.

What to do:

• Enrol in Medicare if eligible (typically after obtaining a permanent visa).

• Citizens from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements may get temporary Medicare access.

• Private health insurance can bridge any gaps, especially during visa processing periods.

Healthcare access is a key reason many couples choose to pursue permanent residency quickly.

Employment

A non-Australian spouse may face challenges adjusting to the Australian job market, especially if their qualifications or experience aren’t recognised locally. Here are some suggestions:

• Consider having overseas qualifications assessed through the Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI). This is an online resource that helps individuals understand how their qualifications from overseas might be recognised in the Australian context

• Look into bridging courses or local certifications.

Repatriating Assets to Australia: Financial Planning for a Smooth Transition

One of the most complex aspects of repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse is managing your international finances. If you’ve lived overseas for several years, chances are you’ve accumulated assets abroad, whether that’s foreign currency, retirement savings, property, or investments. Bringing those assets back to Australia isn’t always simple. There is tax, legal, and currency implications. Common considerations include:

• Foreign retirement accounts or pensions: These may not be easily transferable, and accessing them could trigger tax obligations in either country.

• Overseas property: Selling foreign real estate may result in capital gains tax, both abroad and in Australia, depending on timing and residency status.

• Currency exchange risks: Fluctuations in exchange rates can erode value during large transfers.

• Tax residency timing: The date you become an Australian tax resident again can significantly affect what income and assets are taxable.

This is where a specialist Expat Financial Adviser can make a big difference through a comprehensive repatriation strategy.

Conclusion

Repatriating to Australia with a non-Australian spouse is a major life event that blends legal, emotional, and financial complexity. However, with the right preparation and advice, it can also be the beginning of a rich and fulfilling chapter for both of you.

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 below link:

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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.