Can You Live Overseas While Working Remotely for an Australian Company?
Imagine living in Bali, Thailand or Portugal while continuing to earn your Australian salary.
You wake up, make a coffee, open your laptop and start working for the same Australian company you worked for before leaving the country.
Your colleagues are still in Melbourne or Sydney, your responsibilities haven't changed and your salary continues arriving in your bank account.
For Australians interested in travelling or living overseas, this can sound like the perfect arrangement.
But is it actually possible?
Yes, you can potentially live overseas while working remotely for an Australian company. However, your employer must permit the arrangement, and you need to comply with the immigration, tax and employment laws that apply to your circumstances.
Having a fully remote job in Australia doesn't automatically mean you can work from another country.
Some employers only permit remote work within Australia. Others allow temporary international arrangements, while a smaller number support employees living overseas long term.
Even if your employer agrees, you may need an appropriate visa, professional tax advice and confirmation that your employment benefits and insurance remain valid.
In this guide, we'll explain how working overseas for an Australian employer works, what happens to your salary and superannuation, which countries may be worth investigating and how to find remote jobs that offer genuine international flexibility.
Can You Legally Work Overseas for an Australian Company?
Potentially, yes.
There is no general Australian rule preventing every Australian employee from performing their work while physically located overseas.
However, the arrangement must be lawful in both Australia and the country where you're working.
For example, someone employed by a Melbourne software company might want to spend six months living in Thailand.
Their employer could potentially approve the arrangement if the employee can perform their responsibilities remotely and the company is comfortable with the legal and operational implications.
However, Thailand's immigration and tax requirements would still need to be considered.
The same principle applies to countries such as Indonesia, Japan, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Importantly, working for an Australian business doesn't automatically exempt you from the laws of the country where you're physically located.
Your employer may also need to consider local employment, payroll and social security obligations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that Australian-based employees working overseas may retain certain entitlements under Australia's workplace relations system, depending on their circumstances.
However, the laws of the overseas country may also apply.
Does Fully Remote Mean You Can Work From Anywhere in the World?
No.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about remote employment.
A position advertised as fully remote might allow employees to work from anywhere within Australia.
However, the employer may prohibit working from overseas.
For example, a job advertisement might state that employees can work remotely from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or regional Australia.
That doesn't necessarily mean employees can relocate to Bali or Europe.
Some employers use phrases such as "remote Australia-wide", "work from home" or "fully remote within Australia".
These descriptions generally indicate domestic flexibility rather than unrestricted international mobility.
If international relocation is important to you, look for employers that explicitly mention global remote work, approved overseas working arrangements or international location flexibility.
Even then, confirm which countries are permitted.
Why Do Australian Companies Restrict Overseas Remote Work?
It can seem strange that an employer would allow you to work from home in Melbourne but not from an apartment in Bali.
After all, you might be performing exactly the same responsibilities.
However, employers need to consider more than whether you can connect to the internet.
Working from another country can create obligations involving local employment laws, taxation, payroll, social security and insurance.
For example, an Australian company may need to investigate whether allowing an employee to work permanently from another country creates local registration or tax obligations.
Some employers also have contractual restrictions concerning where customer information can be accessed.
Others need employees available during Australian business hours.
These considerations help explain why some companies approve short overseas working arrangements but prohibit permanent international relocation.
Can You Work Overseas Without Telling Your Employer?
You shouldn't assume that you can.
Even if your job is fully remote, your employment agreement may contain location restrictions.
Working overseas without approval could breach company policies or contractual obligations.
For example, your employer may require employees to access company systems only from approved locations.
Some organisations also use security systems that detect unusual international logins.
More importantly, working from an unapproved country could create legal, insurance or compliance issues.
If your employer discovers that you've been working overseas without permission, there may be disciplinary or contractual consequences.
The safer approach is to discuss your plans before travelling.
If the employer approves the arrangement, obtain written confirmation covering the location and permitted duration.
Can You Live Overseas Permanently While Keeping an Australian Job?
Potentially, although permanent overseas relocation can be more complicated than a short working trip.
For example, an Australian company might permit an employee to spend four weeks working from Japan.
However, allowing that employee to relocate permanently could create additional legal and payroll considerations.
Long-term arrangements may require the employer to investigate local employment laws, social security contributions and tax obligations.
Some companies manage international employees through local subsidiaries or an employer of record.
An employer of record is a business that employs workers in a particular country on behalf of another organisation, subject to the applicable legal arrangements.
Other companies may prefer engaging overseas-based independent contractors where the relationship is genuinely one of contracting.
However, changing from employee to contractor isn't simply an administrative decision.
The actual working relationship must comply with relevant laws.
If your goal is to relocate permanently, investigate employers that already support international employees.
Do You Need a Visa to Work Remotely Overseas?
Often, yes.
The visa requirements depend on your nationality, destination country, planned activities and length of stay.
Some countries offer visas or residence permits specifically designed for remote workers.
Others have immigration categories that may accommodate particular international employment arrangements.
However, you shouldn't assume that entering a country as a tourist gives you permission to work remotely.
The Australian Government's Smartraveller service warns that tourist visas may not permit work and that obtaining the correct visa or work permit can be essential.
For example, a country might permit tourists to stay for several weeks but prohibit employment activities during that period.
Another country may distinguish between working for a local business and working remotely for an overseas employer.
The rules can be complex and change over time.
Before travelling, check the official immigration requirements of your destination.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a type of visa or residence permission offered by some countries to eligible people who work remotely.
These arrangements are generally designed for individuals who earn income from employers or clients outside the destination country.
For example, a person employed by an Australian business might investigate whether a particular country offers a suitable remote worker visa.
However, digital nomad visas aren't standardised internationally.
Eligibility requirements vary.
Some countries impose minimum income thresholds, require health insurance or restrict local employment.
Others require applicants to demonstrate an existing remote employment arrangement.
A visa may also permit residence without automatically resolving tax or employer compliance issues.
If you're considering this pathway, review the current requirements directly through the destination country's official immigration authority.
Can You Work Remotely From Bali for an Australian Company?
Potentially.
Bali is a popular destination for Australians interested in combining remote work with an overseas lifestyle.
The relatively short travel distance from Australia can make it attractive compared with destinations in Europe or North America.
However, working remotely from Bali requires consideration of Indonesian immigration rules.
You shouldn't assume that a tourist visa permits ongoing remote employment.
Indonesia has introduced visa categories intended to accommodate certain remote workers, but eligibility, permitted activities and documentation requirements must be checked against current official rules.
Your Australian employer must also approve the arrangement.
For example, an employer may permit temporary overseas work but prohibit permanent relocation.
Before booking accommodation, investigate the appropriate visa, tax implications, insurance and working hours.
Can You Work Remotely From Thailand for an Australian Company?
Potentially.
Thailand is another destination that attracts Australians interested in remote employment.
However, the appropriate immigration arrangements depend on your circumstances.
Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa has been designed to accommodate certain eligible remote workers and other specified activities.
That doesn't mean every Australian employee automatically qualifies.
Applicants need to satisfy the relevant immigration requirements.
You should also investigate how long you can remain in Thailand, whether local tax obligations may arise and whether your Australian employer permits the arrangement.
For example, someone working standard Sydney business hours may need to begin earlier in Thailand.
Before relocating, confirm the legal and practical requirements rather than relying on general travel advice.
Can You Work Remotely From Japan for an Australian Company?
Potentially, subject to immigration and employer requirements.
Japan offers a digital nomad arrangement for eligible applicants from certain countries and territories.
However, the program has specific eligibility criteria and a limited permitted duration.
It isn't equivalent to unrestricted permission to live in Japan permanently.
For someone working for an Australian company, Japan's time zone may be relatively manageable compared with Europe or North America.
However, employer approval, insurance and tax considerations remain important.
If you're interested in Japan, consult the official Japanese immigration and consular information before making plans.
Can You Work Remotely From Europe for an Australian Company?
Potentially.
Several European countries offer immigration pathways that may be suitable for eligible remote workers.
However, Europe doesn't have one universal digital nomad visa.
Each country has its own immigration rules.
For example, an arrangement that permits remote employment in Portugal may differ substantially from the rules in Spain or Estonia.
You also need to distinguish between the European Union, the Schengen Area and individual national immigration systems.
Permission to visit one country doesn't necessarily give you unrestricted permission to live and work throughout Europe.
Time zones can also create challenges.
Someone employed by a Melbourne company may need to work unusual hours while living in Europe.
Before relocating, consider whether the working schedule would be sustainable.
Can You Work Remotely From New Zealand for an Australian Company?
Potentially.
New Zealand may be an attractive option because of its proximity to Australia and relatively manageable time-zone differences.
Australian citizens generally have particular rights to live and work in New Zealand, while New Zealand citizens have their own arrangements for living and working in Australia.
However, immigration eligibility depends on citizenship and individual circumstances.
Working from New Zealand can still create tax, payroll and employment law considerations for an Australian employer.
For example, an employee relocating permanently to Auckland may become subject to different tax obligations from someone spending a short period visiting family.
Your employer should review the arrangement before approving it.
What Happens to Your Australian Salary if You Move Overseas?
You may be able to continue receiving your salary from your Australian employer.
However, the payment arrangement depends on your employment contract and the employer's legal obligations.
For example, an Australian business might continue paying an employee into their existing Australian bank account during an approved temporary overseas assignment.
However, a permanent relocation could require different payroll arrangements.
Some employers may also review compensation if an employee relocates to another country.
For example, a business using geographic salary bands might offer different remuneration depending on where employees live.
There's no universal rule that your salary must remain unchanged when you move overseas.
Discuss compensation and payroll arrangements before accepting an international working arrangement.
Do You Still Pay Australian Tax While Working Overseas?
Potentially.
One of the most important considerations is your Australian tax residency status.
Australian tax residency isn't determined solely by citizenship or the number of days you spend outside Australia.
The Australian Taxation Office considers several factors, including your living arrangements, connections to Australia and the relevant residency tests.
If you remain an Australian resident for tax purposes, you generally need to declare your worldwide assessable income.
If you become a foreign resident for Australian tax purposes, different rules apply.
However, becoming a foreign resident doesn't automatically mean that every payment from an Australian employer is tax-free in Australia.
The source of employment income, applicable tax treaties and individual circumstances can affect the outcome.
The country where you're physically working may also impose tax obligations.
Because cross-border employment taxation can be complicated, obtain advice from a qualified tax professional before relocating.
Does the 183-Day Rule Mean You Stop Paying Australian Tax?
No.
It's a common misconception that spending more than 183 days outside Australia automatically means you're no longer an Australian tax resident.
The ATO applies multiple residency tests.
The 183-day test is only one part of the broader framework and isn't a universal rule for Australians leaving the country.
For example, someone spending an extended period overseas may still have significant residential connections to Australia.
Another person relocating permanently may have a different tax residency outcome.
The result depends on the facts.
You should also avoid assuming that spending fewer than 183 days in another country guarantees that you won't owe tax there.
Foreign countries have their own residency and income tax rules.
Can You Be Taxed in Both Australia and Another Country?
Potentially.
Working internationally can create situations where more than one country has a claim to tax particular income.
For example, an Australian tax resident might work physically in another country that also taxes employment income earned within its territory.
However, Australia has tax treaties with a number of countries that can affect how taxing rights are allocated.
Foreign income tax offsets may also be available in certain circumstances.
These mechanisms can help address double taxation, but they don't guarantee that every situation will be simple or that all tax will be eliminated.
Before relocating, investigate the tax treaty, if any, between Australia and your destination country.
Professional advice can be particularly valuable for long-term overseas arrangements.
What Happens to Your Superannuation While Working Overseas?
Your Australian superannuation obligations may continue, depending on your employment circumstances.
The ATO explains that employers may still need to make super guarantee contributions for eligible employees working overseas.
In some situations, an employer may also face social security contribution obligations in the overseas country.
Australia has bilateral social security agreements with certain countries to address potential double contributions.
For eligible temporary assignments, an employer may be able to obtain a certificate of coverage.
However, these arrangements aren't available in every country or situation.
You shouldn't assume that moving overseas automatically ends your superannuation entitlements or that your employer can stop contributions without further consideration.
Ask your employer how superannuation will be handled and obtain specialist advice where necessary.
Does Australian Employment Law Still Protect You Overseas?
Potentially.
The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that employees working overseas may retain entitlements under Australia's national workplace relations system if they qualify as Australian-based employees.
Depending on the circumstances, these entitlements may include provisions relating to minimum wages, leave and other employment conditions.
However, the definition of an Australian-based employee and the applicable entitlements depend on the employment relationship.
The overseas country's workplace laws may also apply.
For example, someone employed in Australia and temporarily working overseas may have a different legal position from someone recruited overseas to work permanently outside Australia.
Don't assume that every Australian employment protection automatically applies in exactly the same way after relocation.
What About Workers' Compensation and Insurance?
Insurance is another important consideration.
An employer's existing workers' compensation arrangements may not automatically cover every overseas working situation.
Coverage can depend on the relevant insurance scheme, the employment arrangement and where the work is performed.
You should also investigate health insurance.
Australian Medicare generally doesn't provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for people living overseas.
Some countries require visa applicants to hold particular types of insurance.
For example, a remote worker may need international health insurance that covers their destination and intended activities.
Before travelling, confirm what protection your employer provides and what additional insurance you may need.
Will Your Australian Employer Let You Work Overseas?
That depends on the company.
Some businesses have formal international remote working policies.
Others consider requests individually.
For example, a company might allow employees to work overseas for a limited number of weeks each year.
Another employer may approve only particular countries.
Some businesses prohibit international remote work entirely.
If you're already employed remotely, the best approach is to ask your manager or HR department about the company's policy.
Be specific about the destination, dates and working arrangements you're proposing.
This makes it easier for the employer to assess the request.
How to Ask Your Employer for Permission to Work Overseas
If you want to spend time overseas while keeping your Australian job, prepare a clear proposal.
Explain where you want to work, how long you intend to stay and whether your working hours will change.
For example, you might propose spending six weeks in Japan while continuing to work your normal Australian schedule.
You could explain that you'll maintain reliable internet access and use approved company equipment.
However, don't suggest that the arrangement is risk-free simply because your responsibilities won't change.
Your employer may need to investigate immigration, tax, insurance and security considerations.
A reasonable proposal acknowledges these requirements and allows time for proper review.
If the company approves your request, obtain written confirmation.
Will Time Zones Make Overseas Remote Work Difficult?
They can.
Time-zone differences are one of the most practical challenges of working for an Australian company while living overseas.
For example, working for a Melbourne employer while living in Bali may involve an earlier local start time.
The difference changes depending on whether daylight saving applies in Melbourne.
Working from Europe can be more challenging.
A standard Australian business day may overlap with late-night or early-morning hours in some European countries.
If your role involves frequent meetings or customer calls, this could affect your daily routine.
However, some employers allow asynchronous work.
This means employees can complete responsibilities without being online at exactly the same time as colleagues.
Before relocating, clarify whether you need to follow Australian business hours or can adjust your schedule.
Can You Work Overseas With an Australian Government Job?
Possibly, but restrictions can be significant.
Government positions may involve security requirements, information handling rules and location-specific policies.
For example, employees who access sensitive government systems may not be permitted to work from overseas.
Even positions advertised as remote may require employees to remain within Australia.
If you're considering government employment, don't assume that remote working arrangements include international flexibility.
Check the agency's specific policies and any relevant security obligations.
Which Remote Careers Are Most Suitable for Living Overseas?
Some professions may be more compatible with international remote employment than others.
Software development, content writing, graphic design, digital marketing and certain data analysis roles can involve substantial independent work.
For example, a developer might complete technical assignments with limited real-time communication.
A content writer could potentially organise research and drafting around different time zones.
However, suitability depends on the employer and responsibilities.
A software developer who participates in daily Australian meetings may have less flexibility than a marketing professional working independently.
Customer service roles can be more restrictive because employees may need to follow scheduled Australian shifts.
If international mobility is important, look for positions with flexible hours and established distributed teams.
Is It Easier to Work Overseas as a Freelancer or Contractor?
Sometimes, but it isn't automatically simpler.
Independent contractors may have more control over where and when they work.
For example, a freelance graphic designer might provide services to Australian clients while living overseas.
However, contractors are responsible for understanding their own business, tax, insurance and immigration obligations.
The destination country may also regulate self-employment differently from employment for a foreign company.
If you currently work as an employee, changing to a contractor arrangement can affect leave, superannuation and other entitlements.
The arrangement must also reflect the genuine nature of the working relationship.
Don't assume that obtaining an ABN or signing a contractor agreement resolves every legal issue.
Can You Work Overseas for an Australian Company While Travelling?
Potentially.
Some employers allow temporary international remote work, which may suit people who want to travel while maintaining employment.
For example, someone might spend several weeks working from one overseas destination before returning to Australia.
However, travelling between countries can create additional complications.
Each destination has its own immigration rules.
Tax obligations may also differ depending on the countries involved and the duration of your stays.
You should also consider internet reliability, accommodation and working hours.
Constant travel can make it difficult to maintain a predictable routine.
If you're interested in combining travel with remote employment, spending longer periods in fewer destinations may be more practical than moving every few days.
What Should You Check Before Moving Overseas?
Before making plans, it's worth reviewing the most important practical requirements.
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This checklist isn't a substitute for professional advice.
However, it can help you identify the questions that need answers before you commit to an overseas move.
How to Find Australian Companies That Allow International Remote Work
If your goal is to live overseas while earning income from an Australian employer, focus on companies with established international working arrangements.
Search for terms such as "work from anywhere", "global remote", "international remote work" and "remote-first".
However, these phrases aren't always used consistently.
A company advertising global remote work may still restrict employees to approved countries.
You can also investigate employers that already operate distributed teams across multiple countries.
For example, a technology company with employees in Australia, Europe and Asia may have more experience managing international employment arrangements than a business whose entire workforce is based in one city.
However, this doesn't guarantee that employees can choose any location.
Always confirm eligibility before applying.
Find Remote Opportunities With Deskless
If you're interested in building a career that offers greater location flexibility, finding employers that support remote work is an important first step.
Deskless is a dedicated remote job board featuring opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.
Rather than relying exclusively on traditional recruitment platforms, Deskless helps job seekers discover remote vacancies published through employer career pages.
New opportunities are added daily, with positions across technology, marketing, finance, administration, customer support, sales and other professions when available.
Deskless operates through a paid membership model.
For Australians interested in international flexibility, employer-sourced listings provide another way to investigate companies with remote working arrangements.
However, not every remote position allows employees to work from overseas.
Some vacancies are restricted to Australian residents working within Australia.
Others require employees to live in particular countries, states or time zones.
Even internationally advertised positions may have specific geographic eligibility requirements.
Before applying, review the employer's location policy and confirm whether working from your intended overseas destination is permitted.
Explore Remote Jobs on Deskless
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live overseas and keep my Australian remote job?
Potentially. Your employer must approve the arrangement, and you need to comply with relevant immigration, tax and employment laws.
Can I work remotely from Bali for an Australian company?
Potentially, subject to Indonesian visa requirements, employer approval and relevant tax and employment obligations.
Can I work remotely from Thailand for an Australian company?
Potentially. You need appropriate immigration permission and approval from your employer. Tax and payroll implications should also be investigated.
Do I still pay Australian tax if I work overseas?
It depends on your tax residency status, the source of your income and any applicable tax treaties. Australian tax residents generally declare worldwide assessable income.
Can I work overseas on a tourist visa?
Don't assume you can. Some countries prohibit work on tourist visas, while others have different rules for foreign remote employment. Check the destination's official immigration requirements.
Will my Australian employer continue paying superannuation?
Possibly. Australian super guarantee obligations can continue for eligible employees working overseas, depending on the circumstances.
Can my employer refuse to let me work overseas?
Yes, an employer may have legitimate contractual, operational, security or compliance reasons for restricting overseas remote work, subject to applicable laws and agreements.
Can I keep my Australian salary while living in a cheaper country?
Potentially, but compensation arrangements depend on your employer. Some companies maintain existing salaries, while others use location-based remuneration policies.
Can I work overseas permanently for an Australian company?
Potentially. Permanent relocation may require additional employment, payroll, tax and immigration arrangements.
Where can I find Australian remote jobs that allow overseas work?
Investigate employers with international remote working policies and use remote job boards such as Deskless to discover opportunities. Confirm geographic eligibility directly with the employer.
Final Thoughts
Living overseas while working remotely for an Australian company is possible in some circumstances.
For the right employee and employer, it can provide an opportunity to experience another country without immediately changing careers.
However, international remote employment involves more than finding accommodation with reliable Wi-Fi.
You need to consider employer approval, immigration permission, tax residency, payroll, superannuation, insurance and working hours.
A fully remote Australian job doesn't automatically provide permission to work from anywhere in the world.
Some employers support temporary overseas arrangements, while others have the infrastructure to employ people internationally on a long-term basis.
The key is understanding exactly what your employer permits and what the destination country's laws require.
If living overseas is part of your long-term plan, look for remote employers that explicitly support international flexibility rather than assuming every work-from-home position offers it.
Before relocating, obtain written approval, verify the applicable visa requirements and seek professional advice about your tax and employment circumstances.
Ready to explore remote opportunities?
Explore remote jobs on Deskless and discover vacancies sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.
Find opportunities across technology, administration, marketing, finance, customer support and more, and investigate which employers offer the location flexibility that suits your plans.