The Best Countries To Live In For Australians

What Are The Best Countries To Live In For Australians?

I’ve curated a list of the best countries to help you decide where to live next. Even if you’re not Australian, I’m sure this list will give you some ideas.

The three main factors I looked at were:

• Quality of life
• Long-term visa or residency options
• Tax rates

And based on those three factors, here’s my list of the best countries to live in for Australians (which I’ll go into further detail shortly):

1. Thailand
2. Argentina
3. Portugal
4. Bali
5. Nicaragua
6. Vietnam
7. Spain
8. Dubai

Quality of Life

One of the most important things to consider when moving overseas is the time zone of the country you’re wanting to relocate to. You definitely don’t want to have to answer Zoom calls at 3am. You also probably don’t want to live at high altitude (above 3000m) as this can affect your mental and physical health.

Finding the best country to live in is all about the quality of life. Consider the local language, culture, political and economic stability, safety, weather, social life, dating scene, and access to health services.

Long-Term Visa or Residency Options:

If you want to live in a country long-term (1-2+ years) you’re also going to need to consider a residency visa or path to citizenship option. Every country is different, with residency and citizenship available through investment or after you’ve lived there for a certain amount of time as a permanent resident.

This can affect the country you choose to relocate to, because if you can’t get a long-term visa, permanent residency, or citizenship – you’ll have to leave after 6-12 months and start all over again in a new country.

Plus, once you have residency in a country other than Australia, you can use it as a base to travel the world. 🌎

Tax Rates

If you leave Australia permanently (cutting all ties) you don’t have to pay tax there anymore. Instead, you’ll pay taxes wherever you live / reside. And some countries tax you a lot less than Australia. 

By finding a country that has a high quality of life, long-term residency options, and a low tax rate – you can set yourself up for success overseas. And maybe you’ll even be able to retire early?

So, if you have an online business or can negotiate a remote work arrangement with your current employer – why wouldn’t you move overseas? Especially if all you needed to do your work was your laptop and an internet connection.

In fact, thousands of Australians (and westerners) are packing up and moving overseas – and are looking for the best countries to live in.

Why? Mostly because of extremely high local living costs (property, fuel, and food prices) and because of the recent shift to remote work.

Being a digital nomad or Australian expat used to be a rare thing. 

Now? 

It’s becoming mainstream.

Developing countries are shifting to accommodate remote workers and digital nomads because we inject money into their local economies and pay taxes. Cafes are designed with power outlets and free wifi on offer. Coworking spaces are now everywhere in major cities. 

Note: If you travel and work a digital nomad, many countries will want to tax you on any income earned within their borders.

So having an effective international tax-plan will help you minimise your taxes (and maximise your income) while living overseas.

Most foreign governments have rules that state that any income earned while physically present in their country is taxable. So even if you only work for a week while on holiday in Italy, they can legally tax you on that income and may want you to file a tax return (although I’ve never seen this actually implemented). This is why many countries forbid tourists from working remotely, and they may even deny you entry at the border if you tell them you’re planning to work while travelling (which you can’t technically do on a tourist visa).

Because of this, many digital nomads who are only travelling for a short time won’t mention their remote work or freelance plans. It’s super common for people to do this, however in the unlikely event that you’re caught, you will have some tricky consequences to deal with. If you’re still a tax-resident of Australia, you can avoid double taxation if you’re travelling through any countries that have tax treaties with Australia.

So, if you’re planning to live overseas – it’s best if you can find somewhere to settle for at least a few years.

That way, you can set up your local and international taxes, visas and residency, and minimise your worldwide taxes.

Once again, here are the best countries to live in for Australians:

1. Thailand
2. Argentina
3. Portugal
4. Bali
5. Nicaragua
6. Vietnam
7. Spain
8. Dubai

Why Did I Choose These Countries? 

It’s simple: most of these places have a low cost of living, an easy long-term visa and residency process, low taxes, great food and health services, thriving expat communities, friendly locals, and of course – great weather. Plus, they’re all reasonably safe and located at sea-level (which means no altitude sickness).

There are many other great places to live like:

• Mexico
• Colombia
• Singapore
• Italy
• Croatia

But fair warning: these countries have much higher taxes and a higher cost of living. If that’s not an issue for you, then feel free to add these to your list.

As you continue researching the best countries to live in, here are a few things to think about:

1. How safe is the country? Is it clean? Is there crazy traffic?
2. What is the tax rate? Do they tax foreign income?
3. Do they offer long-term visas? Residency programs? Citizenship?
4. Is the wifi reliable? Are there power outages? Coworking options?
5. What is the dating scene like? Is there a thriving social scene?
6. Is the country welcoming to expats? Can you speak the language? 
7. What is the weather like? Will you get sick from high-altitude? Are there hurricanes or cyclones?
8. Is the time zone suitable for your business / employment?
9. Is it easy to fly back to Australia for visits? How long will it take?

By knowing what you’re looking for in a place, you can find the right country that ticks all of your boxes (or most of them). 

You can enjoy an incredible lifestyle overseas for a much lower cost than Australia, legally minimise your taxes, and even secure a long-term visa, permanent residency, or citizenship as a backup plan for the future.

Picking a country to relocate to is like deciding on a romantic partner. You want to know what your non-negotiables are and have a rough checklist to save yourself time, stress, and headaches down the track.

1. Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket, or Surrounding Islands)

First on the list of the best countries to live in: Thailand. It’s one of my all-time favourite countries and my brother actually lived there for 7 years. It’s arguably THE most popular destination for digital nomads. Why? Because it’s one of the cheapest places to live, has fast internet, and hosts a vibrant and diverse digital nomad community in cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket. There’s a new DTV digital nomad visa which allows holders to reside for up to 5 years. With low taxes, a tropical climate, a beautiful culture, and delicious food – it’s no wonder Australians love living here.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 9/10. Lots of beaches and islands, laidback social life, healthy cafes, jiu jitsu, low cost of living, and easy access to the rest of SE Asia. Air quality can be a problem in some areas (Chiang Mai).
• Visa: DTV Visa; 6 months; renewable every 6 months for up to 5 years.
• Taxes: 0% tax on foreign income. It becomes taxable (5-35%) only when you bring it into Thailand. So you’re only paying taxes on your living expenses, not your total earnings.

More Details:

Weather: The beaches in Thailand offer tropical weather with warm temperatures year-round (25-34°C). The rainy season is May to October, but the rest of the year is usually sunny and perfect for swimming and exploring.

Digital Nomad Community: Thailand has many popular digital nomad hotspots. Ko Pha Ngan has a more laid-back, health-focused, hippy vibe. Chiang Mai is one of the cheapest places to live (which can attract a budget-focused crowd) and Phuket is getting more expensive and touristy but is still cool. Krabi and Koh Samui are also great but fly under the radar. All of these places offer coworking spaces, healthy food options, meetups, and great expat communities.

Visa + Residency: Thailand offers a variety of visa options for digital nomads, such as the new DTV or LTR visa options. Both offer a 5 or 10 year visa setup for working remotely / online. This means you don’t have to leave and re-enter the country every 3-6 months. Citizenship is available after five years of residence in Thailand.

Wifi / Internet: Wi-Fi across Thailand is excellent. Many cafes offer free wifi and the internet is super reliable. Plus, lots of cafes and coworking cafes cater to digital nomads. Internet speeds may vary in more remote areas.

Location: Thailand is perfectly located for exploring Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Malaysia, and The Philippines are all nearby expat hubs. The islands are slightly more remote but have much more natural landscapes and offer a more peaceful experience. Bangkok and Phuket are major tourist destinations with better infrastructure and international connections (and often heavy traffic).

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Thailand has increased in recent years, but is still very affordable compared to Western countries. Rent starts around $700+ AUD per month for a studio apartment. Budget at least $1,000 per month for remaining expenses like food, drinks, memberships, social activities, and local travel. In Thailand, you can live on a modest budget or spend big – it’s totally up to you.

Language & Culture: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist and digital nomad areas. Thai people are warm, friendly, and respectful, with Buddhism as the main religion. Thailand offers a colourful cultural experience with delicious street food (sticky mango rice, pad thai, and rotis), plus local festivals and traditional markets. Have I convinced you that Thailand is one of the best countries to live in?

2. Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Argentina is a beautiful South American country located on the bottom of the continent. Buenos Aires is a digital nomad hub and a popular city among expats. It’s known for its tango dancing, wine, and steak, and it’s a beautiful city full of parks, coffee shops, and European buildings. Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park are also located in Argentina – one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 10/10. Amazing city, parks, social life, and access to Patagonia and South America. It’s a very safe city and highly rated by digital nomads and travellers.
• Visa: DN Visa; 6 months; renewable for 6 months (12 months total).
• Taxes: 0% tax for 12 months. You become a tax resident of Argentina after this and are liable for 20-35% tax. There is a tax incentive for small businesses to reduce their corporate tax rate to 10-15% if certain criteria are met (until December 2029).

More Details:

Weather: The weather in Buenos Aires is also mild and similar to Portugal (8-30°C) with warm summers and cool winters, providing an escape from extreme temperatures.

Digital Nomad Community: Buenos Aires has a thriving, fun digital nomad community, with plenty of coworking spaces, tango classes, and Spanish lessons on offer. Plus, lots of jiu jitsu gyms, parks, and cycling routes. The city is a cultural hub with a vibrant social scene, great public transport options, and lots to explore. Palermo is the digital nomad / expat hub, and Recoleta is the more upmarket tourist district.

Visa + Residency: Argentina offers a simple path to residency for digital nomads. You can live in Argentina for up to 12 months on the digital nomad visa (tax-free) and apply for permanent residency and citizenship after two years. Foreign companies do not pay tax in Argentina unless they have a permanent establishment (PE).

Wifi / Internet: Buenos Aires has great, reliable internet across the entire capital city and co-working spaces. It may not be as fast as in other countries (starting plans offer 100mb upload / 10mb download), but it’s sufficient for 99% of digital nomads.

Location: Buenos Aires is well-located for travel within South America, giving you easy access to other countries like Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. It’s a great base for exploring South America while working remotely, and has lots of hiking options and beaches to explore within a few hours of the city. It’s also one of the safest cities in South America (which why it made the list of the “best countries to live in”).

Cost of Living: Buenos Aires is known for its low cost of living (it’s currently one of the cheapest places to live in South America), especially in comparison to Western cities. Combine that with the current hyperinflation; if you’re earning in USD or AUD you’ll be even better off. Rent starts at around $600 AUD per month for a studio apartment, a steak dinner starts at around $14 AUD, and other daily expenses are a lot cheaper than in Australia. Depending on your lifestyle, you can easily live on a budget of $1,500 AUD per month taking into account all living expenses. Be sure to use Western Union to exchange your money and get the blue market rate.

Language & Culture: Argentinians speak Spanish but their accent can be quite difficult to understand. Thankfully, Spanish is an easy language to learn and is super versatile when travelling and living overseas. Buenos Aires offers an incredible mix of European architecture and Latin American culture (the best of both worlds). The low cost of living, affordable dining, and rich cultural life make it an exciting, low-cost destination for Australian digital nomads.

Other: If you become a permanent resident or citizen of Argentina, you’ll be able to access other countries in the MERCOSUR region to live and work from. It works similarly to the Schengen visa in Europe, but applies to South America.

3. Portugal (Lisbon or Porto)

Next on the list of the best countries to live in is Portugal. It ticks most of the boxes with relatively low taxes, a great long-term visa, high quality of life, safety, social activities, natural landscapes and a beautiful European heritage. It’s also a popular digital nomad hub so is great for meeting new people and for dipping your toe into overseas life. It’s one of the cheapest places to live in Europe, which makes it a popular hub for Australian expats.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 9/10. Amazing weather, beaches, social life, and easy access to Europe. Great food, a welcoming culture, and lots of digital nomads. Cost of living is relatively low compared to the rest of Europe.
• Visa: D8 Visa; 12 months. Renewable for up to 5 years, then you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
• Taxes: 20% on income if you’re on the NHR regime and stay in the country for 183+ days. Tax is 0% on income earned outside of Portugal. Like most countries, the tax rate is based on where you are performing the work. Some tax-relief may apply.

More Details:

Weather: Portugal’s weather is mild year-round (8-28°C), with warm summers and cool winters. It has plenty of beaches and hiking options for outdoor lovers with beautiful, year-round sunshine.

Digital Nomad Community: Digital nomads flock to Portugal due to its livability and community. Lisbon and Porto are popular locations full of museums, cobblestone streets, coffee shops, coworking spaces, an eclectic nightlife and dating scene, and fun social events.

Visa + Residency: Portugal offers a D8 digital nomad visa with tax benefits, including 20% taxes on Portuguese-based income, 0% on foreign-earned income, and access to the Schengen zone. It’s a 12-month visa which is renewable for up to 5 years, after which you can apply for citizenship, giving you access to the entire EU. You’ll need to show proof of income of at least €3,280 ($5,300 AUD) per month as of January 1, 2024.

Wifi / Internet: Portugal has super reliable and affordable internet and wifi services, with high-speed Wi-Fi available in most urban areas and co-working spaces, making it ideal for remote work, freelancers, and Australian expats.

Location: Portugal is strategically located in Europe, offering easy access to the rest of Europe for short getaways, adventures, events, and business opportunities. It’s a perfect base if you love Europe and is one of the safest places in Europe. However, flights back to Sydney take between 24-40 hours including layovers, and aren’t cheap.

Cost of Living: You’ll need at least $2,500 AUD per month to live comfortably in Portugal. Rent varies depending on the location and starts at $1,300 for a studio apartment in Lisbon or Porto. Allow another $1,000 to cover food and drinks, coworking spaces, public transport, a gym membership, and social activities.

Language & Culture: Portuguese is spoken in Portugal and unfortunately is not the most versatile language. Also, there can be a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy when applying for a driver’s license or registering the birth of a child. You’ll need a good command of the language, or you’ll need to hire a translator to help you. Thankfully, Portugal is super friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

4. Bali (Ubud or Canggu)

Bali is a popular spot for Australian expats and digital nomads. It has affordable living, great surfing options, stable internet, and a strong expat community, especially in Ubud and Canggu. Long-term residency options are available (with more in the works). It has warm, tropical weather and beautiful scenery, plus a healthy food scene, yoga and luxury spa retreats. Bali is the perfect combination of work and relaxation which makes it one of the best countries to live in.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 8/10. Amazing beaches and tropical forests, activities, digital nomads, and a thriving health and wellness scene. Bali is also one of the cheapest places to live in the world, but traffic is usually terrible in the cities so be prepared!
• Visa: Remote Worker KITAS Visa E33G; 12 months.
• Taxes: 30-35% tax for $47k+ AUD personal income. The corporate tax rate is 22% and small businesses under $5mil AUD in annual revenue receive a 50% discount on the tax rate (which brings it down to 11%).

More Details

Weather: Similar to Thailand, Bali has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round (22-29°C). They have a dry season (April to October) and a rainy season (November to March).

Digital Nomad Community: Areas like Ubud and Canggu are popular among digital nomads. Bali is full of Australians and offers healthy food options, wellness retreats, nightlife, and lots of surfing. You’ll also find coworking spaces, business events, and social meetups. Bali is known for its strong sense of community among expats, making it easy to meet others and connect.

Visa + Residency: The Remote Worker KITAS Visa E33G allows you to live in Bali for one year. The  “Second Home Visa” is available for an investment of $190k which grants residence for up to 10 years. Citizenship is available after five years of living in Bali.

Wifi / Internet: Bali has reliable Wi-Fi in most urban areas and coworking spaces. Speeds vary depending on location, but places like Canggu and Ubud are well-equipped with fast, stable connections.

Location: Bali is centrally located in SE Asia, with Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia right next door. It’s also close to Australia when visiting friends and family.

Cost of Living: Bali is still very affordable, especially for Australians. A basic villa starts at $500+ AUD per month, while the more luxury villas go for around $2,000 AUD per month. It depends on what lifestyle you want to have, but you can easily get by for around $1,200 per month in Bali (food, drinks, scooter rent, gym etc).

Utilities: Monthly costs for electricity, water, and internet can be around $50 to $100 USD, depending on your consumption and rental situation. Overall, you can live comfortably in Bali on $1,200 to $2,000 USD per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Language & Culture: Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist and DN areas. Bali has a Hindu culture, distinct from the rest of Indonesia, with rich traditions, festivals, and a focus on spirituality. Locals are generally welcoming to foreigners, and the island offers a mostly peaceful environment with a vibrant social scene. Bali is definitely one of the best countries to live in!

5. Nicaragua (Playa Maderas, Granada, or Leon)

Nicaragua is another great option for digital nomads. It has a low cost of living and reliable internet in cities like Playa Maderas and Granada. There’s no digital nomad visa, but tourist visas allow for longer stays. With warm weather, surf beaches, and a relaxed vibe, it’s perfect for remote workers looking for adventure, and for anyone with clients based in the US.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 8/10. Nice beaches, architecture, and good quality of life. Can be quite hot and humid, and some parts of Nicaragua are dangerous
• Visa: Renewable tourist visa; 90 days; residency by investment ($45k AUD). A pension / rentista visa is also available.
• Taxes: 0% corporate tax (conditions apply) and 30-35% tax for $47k AUD or more personal income. There is a special FTZ incentive of 0% corporate tax for up to 10 years for eligible businesses.

More Details:

Weather: Being #5 on the list of “best countries to live in”, Nicaragua has a tropical climate with hot temperatures year-round. The dry season runs from November to April, while the rainy season is from May to October.

Digital Nomad Community: Nicaragua has a smaller, but growing, digital nomad community (overflowing from Costa Rica), particularly in cities like San Juan del Sur and Granada. SJDS is more of a party scene, whereas Granada is more chill. There are a few coworking spaces (Selina and Waves) and a strong expat presence.

Visa + Residency: Nicaragua has a 90-day tourist visa which can be extended multiple times. They offer permanent residency by investment in business or property, which is currently around $45k AUD. Citizenship is not recommended as you’ll have to give up your Australian citizenship.

Wifi / Internet: Wi-Fi is available in most urban areas and coworking spaces, though speeds can vary. It’s best to check with your landlord about internet connectivity. In cities like Managua and Granada, internet access is reliable, but some of the beach towns like Popoyo have slower connections that can drop out during power outages.

Location: Nicaragua is located in Central America, and borders Costa Rica. Panama and Guatemala are nearby as well and it’s close to the US. It’s a great base for exploring Central America while working remotely.

Cost of Living: Nicaragua is still quite affordable for digital nomads, but it’s increased in recent years. You’ll want to budget a minimum of $1,500 AUD per month to cover your rent, food, utilities, and scooter rental. Budget $2,000+ AUD per month if you want a nicer place on the beach with A/C.

Language & Culture: Spanish is spoken in Nicaragua, and most natives don’t speak English. Learning some basic Spanish will make your life a lot easier. Nicaraguan culture is relaxed and it’s known for its friendly people, beautiful landscapes, and traditions. It offers a slower pace of life for digital nomads, and is easily one of the best countries to live in.

6. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Saigon, Hanoi)

Vietnam is next on the list of the “best countries to live in”. It has delicious food, a bustling digital nomad scene, tropical weather, and solid internet in the major cities. One downside is that there is no digital nomad visa, but you can get a tourist or business visa for 3-6 months (which you can renew). With a rich, diverse culture and warm tropical weather, Vietnam is the perfect spot for Australians wanting a mix of adventure with a low cost of living.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 8/10. Amazing cities, landscapes, culture, social life, and access to SE Asia. Traffic can be quite heavy and the air quality is not always great. Also, it’s hard to get a long-term visa.
• Visa: Tourist or business visa; 3-6 months; renewable multiple times (usually exit / re-entry).
• Taxes: 0-5% tax on gross individual business revenue. Employment taxes are 5-35%

More Details:

Weather: Vietnam has a tropical climate with very hot, humid summers and cool winters (25-35°C). The north has cooler winters, while the south stays warm year-round. Dry season is from December to May and the rainy season runs from June to November.

Digital Nomad Community: The main digital nomad communities are in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. You’ll find lots of coworking spaces, cafes, and meetups.

Visa + Residency: Vietnam offers 3-6 month tourist and business visas (which can be renewable via exit / re-entry), but long-term options are limited unless you have a work contract or Vietnamese spouse.

Wifi / Internet: Internet is generally good, but can get patchy in rural areas.
In the cities (Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi) it’s fast and reliable. Cafes and coworking spaces have reliable Wi-Fi for working.

Location: Vietnam is located in SE Asia, so it’s easy to travel to nearby countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. You can fly internationally back to Australia very easily.

Cost of Living: Budget a minimum of $1,000 AUD per month to cover your living costs. You might be able to get lower than this, but not by much. Vietnam is super affordable. Rent, food, utilities, and transport are very cheap (Vietnam is also one of the cheapest places to live). Budget $2,000+ per month if you want to live super comfortably.

Language & Culture: People are friendly and helpful, and overall it’s a low stress environment. Similar to Thailand but a bit more relaxed. The official language is Vietnamese but English is spoken in tourist areas. Vietnam has a rich culture with lively traditions and delicious, healthy food, all of which make it one of the best countries to live in.

7. Spain (Malaga, Barcelona, or Granada)

Spain is a popular destination among Australians. It has a vibrant culture, nomad community, reliable wifi, great food, and sunny beaches. Cities like Valencia and Seville are cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Spain has great visa options with a clear path to long-term residency. However, recently locals have become less supportive of digital nomads, and Airbnb has been restricted by the government.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 8/10. Interesting cities, parks, historical architecture, and central located in Europe. Spain has a higher cost of living and higher taxes (24%) than other places.
• Visa: DN Visa; 12 months; renewable for up to 5 years with a path to permanent residency.
• Taxes: 24% if you hold a digital nomad visa, earn below €600,000 per year, and apply for the Beckham Law regime.

More Details:

Weather: Spain offers a variety of climates depending on where you live. Madrid has very hot summers and cold winters (3-32°C), while Barcelona and Malaga offer Mediterranean climates (8-31°C) with mostly year-round sunshine.

Digital Nomad Community: Spain has a strong digital nomad community, particularly in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and Grenada. There are many coworking spaces, networking events, coffee shops, and expat meetups.

Visa + Residency: Spain has a great digital nomad visa. It’s valid for 12 months and is renewable for up to 5 years. You can apply for residency after 5 years which gives you access to the Schengen zon

Wifi / Internet: Spain has reliable, high-speed internet in urban areas and coworking spaces. Most cities and towns have good wifi access, so it’s easy to work remotely. Rural areas can have slower connections but are improving.

Location: Spain’s central location in Europe makes it a great base for traveling within the EU. It has international airports in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and has public transport for getting around.

Cost of Living: Spain has a moderate cost of living compared to other western countries. Budget $2,500 – $3,000 AUD per month for rent and living expenses. Rent starts at $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in most cities.

Language & Culture: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist and expat areas. Learning some basic Spanish is recommended and will make your life a lot easier. Spain has a rich cultural history, with traditional art, food, and festivals. With a laid-back lifestyle, buzzing social scene, and excellent work-life balance – Spain is one of the best countries to live in.

8. UAE (Dubai)

Dubai is a great choice for digital nomads. It has fast internet, a strong multicultural community, great food and entertainment options, and long-term visa options. The city is in a perfect spot for traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. It can be expensive, but this is offset with 0% tax rates. Dubai offers a mix of modern living and rich culture, which makes it one of the best countries for Australians to live in.

Key Points:

• Quality of life: 7/10. High-rise luxury city, lots of great food and social activities, but is very hot, has a high cost of living, and has a semi-strict religious culture.
• Visa: Green visa; 5 years (conditions apply)
• Taxes: 0% personal tax; 0% corporate tax up to $150k / 9% for earnings above $150k.

More Details:

Weather: Dubai has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters  (15-41°C). Many expats leave between May to September when temperatures are hottest.

Digital Nomad Community: Dubai has a growing digital nomad community, with lots of coworking spaces. It’s a multicultural city that attracts business owners and remote workers from all over the world.

Visa + Residency: Dubai offers a specific residence visa (green visa), allowing you to stay for up to five years. There are also investor visa options available.

Wifi / Internet: Dubai has excellent internet, with high-speed wifi available in coworking spaces, cafes, and public places (for free).

Location: Dubai’s central location makes it a great hub for travel between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its international airport is one of the busiest in the world, and it’s relatively close to Australia.

Cost of Living: Dubai is expensive, but there are lower-cost options available. Allow for $4,000 AUD per month minimum, or $6,000+ if you like luxury living. Studio apartments start at $2,000+ AUD per month, and food can be expensive if you eat out. The cost of living can vary a lot depending on where you live in Dubai.

Language & Culture: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Dubai is a multicultural city with a mix of traditional Middle Eastern and Muslim culture and modern Western influences. It offers a luxurious lifestyle, vibrant social scene, and a high standard of living. However, it is a religious country and they have public rules that need to be adhered to.

So – did you decide on the best country to live in yet?

Any ideas on where you want to move to next?

In my opinion, a high quality of life, low cost of living, long-term residency options, and low tax rates are the ultimate combination.

Whether you want to live on the tropical beaches of Thailand and Bali or the vibrant cities of Spain and Portugal, each destination has unique benefits. Every place has pros and cons. Unfortunately there’s no “perfect place”, as it’s completely subjective to each person. Countries are always changing, and you as a person are always evolving.

Whether you want low taxes, great weather, a strong digital nomad community, or affordable living, I believe you’ll find the country (or countries) that work for you. If you settle in a place for the long-term, its probably best to leave behind your Australian tax residency. If you travel and work as a digital nomad, you’ll likely keep your Australian tax residency but may open yourself up to international taxes.

Enjoy your life overseas! It’s seriously the best.

Want To Know More?

Here at Adventure Tax, we specialise in providing international tax solutions to Australian expats and digital nomads. Navigating tax-residency and overseas taxes can be complicated and stressful. We’re here to make it easier. To find out more, send us an email or book a call with our team.

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