Managing finances as an Australian expat is significantly different from managing them as a resident.
This is the job of Australian expat financial advisors. Tax residency status, investment opportunities, superannuation regulations, and offshore financial compliance are all significant areas in which professional expertise is needed.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.
Some of the facts might change from the time of writing, and nothing written here is financial, legal, tax or any other kind of individual advice, nor a solicitation to invest.
Expats need to understand how their financial decisions impact their tax liabilities in both Australia and their country of residence, as well as how to maximize investment returns, protect their assets, and ensure compliance with cross-border tax regulations.
What does a financial advisor do?
Expat finance is complicated. Expats must consider how to efficiently structure their investments, manage superannuation, and protect their wealth through tax planning and estate management.
Australian expats in particular face financial complexities that do not apply to domestic investors or residents, such as the following:
Australian Expat Tax and Residency Issues
One of the biggest financial challenges for Australian expats is determining tax residency status and complying with tax laws in multiple jurisdictions.
Residency status significantly impacts income tax rates, capital gains tax (CGT) obligations, and superannuation tax treatment.
Tax Residency and Global Tax Obligations
Australian tax law distinguishes between residents for tax purposes and non-residents, with different tax rules applying to each.
Non-residents pay higher tax rates on Australian-sourced income and do not qualify for the tax-free threshold.
In contrast, Australian tax residents must declare worldwide income, meaning that even foreign salary, overseas rental income, and foreign investments may be taxed in Australia, even if already taxed in another country.
Expats must carefully determine their tax residency status to avoid double taxation and unexpected liabilities.
Capital Gains Tax for Expats
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) obligations differ for Australian tax residents and non-residents. Non-residents do not qualify for the 50% CGT discount on capital gains for assets, making property sales significantly more expensive for expats.
Selling Australian property as a non-resident can trigger substantial tax liabilities, and expats planning to sell their former primary residence should seek tax advice before leaving Australia.
Once they become non-residents, they lose access to the Main Residence Exemption, which could result in higher tax bills upon sale.
Australia Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs)
Australia has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with multiple countries to prevent double taxation on income, investments, and pensions.
Expats who pay foreign tax on income earned abroad may be eligible for Foreign Tax Credits (FTC) to offset their Australian tax obligations.
However, not all countries have DTAs with Australia, meaning some expats may face full taxation in both jurisdictions. A financial advisor or tax specialist can help navigate DTAs and ensure expats do not overpay in taxes.
Australian Expat Finance, Investment Strategy and Asset Diversification
Expats must maintain a diversified investment portfolio to mitigate foreign exchange risk, optimize tax efficiency, and ensure global market exposure.
Australian vs. Offshore Investments
Expats can still invest in ASX-listed stocks and Australian property, but the tax treatment varies based on their residency status.
Offshore investments provide currency diversification and access to international markets, but they require compliance with both Australian tax laws and foreign investment regulations.
Some managed funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Australia may not accept non-resident investors, forcing expats to shift to offshore brokerage accounts or alternative investment platforms.
Foreign Exchange (Forex) Risk
Expats earning income in a foreign currency and investing in AUD-based assets must factor in currency fluctuations that may impact investment returns.
A strong Australian dollar can erode profits when repatriating funds, while a weaker AUD may benefit expats investing in foreign assets.
Financial advisors often recommend hedging strategies, including multi-currency accounts and currency-hedged ETFs, to protect against forex risk.
Australian Property Investment for Expats
Australian expats can buy property in Australia, but non-residents must obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchasing.
Rental income from Australian property is taxed at over 30% for non-residents, with no tax-free threshold, making investment property less attractive for expats compared to domestic investors.
Additionally, capital gains on Australian property are taxed at full rates for non-residents, unless they return to Australia and re-establish tax residency before selling.
Retirement Planning and Estate Planning
Australian expats must consider long-term retirement strategies, whether they plan to return to Australia or retire abroad.
Proper planning ensures that superannuation, savings, and investments remain tax-efficient and accessible during retirement.
Returning to Australia for Retirement
Expats planning to retire in Australia must re-establish Australian tax residency to access tax-free superannuation withdrawals.
Selling offshore assets before returning may help reduce foreign tax obligations and streamline retirement income planning.
A financial advisor can help determine the most tax-efficient timeline for returning to Australia and accessing retirement savings.
Retiring Abroad
Expats who choose to retire overseas may not qualify for Australian government pensions unless they meet the 10-year residency requirement.
Additionally, some countries impose inheritance tax on foreign-held assets, which may affect estate planning and wealth transfer strategies.
Expats should carefully research pension eligibility and tax obligations in their host country to avoid unexpected retirement taxation.
Superannuation and Estate Planning
Australian expats must determine whether they need one or multiple wills to manage their assets efficiently.
- If an expat only owns assets in Australia, an Australian will is sufficient.
- If they own property, investments, or bank accounts abroad, they may need a separate will in that jurisdiction.
- Some countries have forced heirship laws, which override wills (e.g., France, Japan, and parts of the Middle East), restricting how assets can be distributed.
Expats should consult a cross-border estate planning lawyer to ensure their wills comply with both Australian law and the legal requirements of their host country.
Meanwhile, unlike other assets, superannuation does not automatically form part of an estate when an expat passes away. Instead, superannuation benefits are distributed based on binding death benefit nominations (BDBNs).
- Expats should update their BDBN to ensure their superannuation is paid to their chosen beneficiaries.
- If no valid BDBN is in place, the trustee of the super fund decides who receives the funds, which may cause delays and legal disputes.
- Superannuation withdrawals may be taxed differently in the expat’s country of residence, which may affect the net amount received by beneficiaries.
Proper estate planning ensures that superannuation is distributed according to an expat’s wishes while minimizing potential tax burdens and legal complications.
Expats should regularly review their superannuation and estate plans to adapt to changing residency, tax laws, and family circumstances.
Foreign Inheritance Tax Laws and Double Taxation Risks
Some countries impose inheritance tax on worldwide assets, which can create double taxation issues if an expat’s estate is subject to both Australian and foreign taxes.
- Countries with high inheritance tax rates include the UK, France, Spain, Japan, and South Korea.
- The United States has estate taxes, but only on estates exceeding USD 13.61 million (as of 2024).
- Australia does not have an inheritance tax, but beneficiaries may still pay capital gains tax when selling inherited assets.
Choosing an Australian Expat Financial Advisor
Selecting the right financial advisor is critical for Australian expats, as many financial advisors lack expertise in cross-border tax regulations, superannuation management, and offshore investment strategies.
Expats must ensure that their advisor is qualified, regulated, or experienced in international financial planning.
ASIC-Registered Advisors vs. International Advisors
Australian expats can work with financial advisors based in Australia or choose international advisors specializing in expat financial planning.
Australian-Based Advisors
Australian expats who seek financial advice from Australian-based advisors benefit from working with professionals who are licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
These advisors have extensive knowledge of Australian tax laws, superannuation regulations, and domestic investment structures, ensuring that expats receive financial guidance that aligns with Australian regulatory requirements.
One of the key advantages of working with an ASIC-licensed advisor is their ability to develop tax-efficient strategies for expats planning to return to Australia.
They can help expats manage their Australian superannuation, structure investments for tax efficiency, and plan for capital gains tax implications upon repatriation.
However, Australian-based advisors may have limited expertise in foreign tax laws and international investment options, making them less suitable for expats who require cross-border financial planning.
International Expat Financial Advisors
Expats who require financial advice tailored to their country of residence may benefit from working with international financial advisors who specialize in expat wealth management.
These advisors often have a better understanding of local tax laws, pension schemes, and investment opportunities in an expat’s host country, allowing them to provide strategies that minimize foreign tax liabilities.
Another advantage of working with an international financial advisor is their expertise in multi-currency investment strategies.
They can help expats diversify their portfolios across different currencies, mitigate foreign exchange risks, and access global investment markets.
How much does a financial advisor cost?
Expats must also consider whether their advisor operates on a fee-only model or earns commissions from investment products.
- Fee-Based Advisors:
- Charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage of assets under management (AUM).
- Provide unbiased financial advice, as they do not earn commissions on investment products.
- Typically offer comprehensive financial planning beyond just investment management.
- Commission-Based Advisors:
- Earn money from financial product sales, including insurance, investment funds, and pension schemes.
- May have conflicts of interest, as they could recommend higher-commission products rather than the best financial solutions.
- Often found in offshore jurisdictions that market financial products to expats.
Selecting a qualified, transparent, and internationally experienced financial advisor ensures Australian expats receive the best advice on wealth management, tax efficiency, and long-term financial security.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 827million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
