Australia money transfer regulations

The central bank does not target a specific value for the AUD; instead, it works to achieve price stability by setting an annual inflation target.

Foreign exchange dealing is regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission as are overseas money transfer providers (ASIC).

AUSTRAC (The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center) oversees the compliance of Australian businesses and their requirements under Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and general financial transactions.

There are no limits on sending money to Australia or the amount of currency that can be brought in or out of Australia, but travellers must declare hard currency equivalent to AUD10,000 or higher.

The AUD is the fifth-most traded currency in the world, according to the Bank for International Settlements. Daily AUD turnover amounted to US$460bn per day in April 2013, and the majority of these trades were against the USD.

Investing in Australia

Australia is an important destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), and the government allows unhindered access to foreign investors. Investments over a value of AUD244m (or over AUD1.078bn for investors from the US and New Zealand in non-sensitive sectors) must be pre-screened, but all other capital inflows are unrestricted. Outgoing capital transfers related to investment proceeds, loans or lease payments in Australia are also unrestricted.

Buying property in Australia

No restrictions exist for Australian citizens or Permanent Australian residents regarding property purchases. Restrictions do exist for foreign non-residents and in most cases, a foreign non-resident can only purchase new build properties and land that they then develop, but they may not purchase not existing residential units. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) oversees the approval of these purchases and approval is also required when selling the property if leaving Australia. on-residents are obligated to sell their property upon leaving the country.The rules governing the FIRB approval can be complex and we recommend you seek additional specialist advice in the area before committing to purchase a property in Australia if you are a non-resident and before you send money to Australia to fund the purchase.

Visas and work permits for Australia

Australia offers a variety of Visas to be able to move to Australia permanently. If you are not sponsored by your employer to move over, the largest category of immigrant is by way of Skilled Independent Migration. This is typically for professionals such as accountants, engineers and dentists. The Employer Nomination Scheme is for those moving with their existing employer. There is also an entrepreneurial and investor category called Business Migration.

If you are over 55, you might be eligible for a retirement visa. You need to be self-sufficient which means having assets of at least AUD$750,000 or AUD$500,000 if you are moving to regional Australia. You will also need to have access to have a minimum income of AUD$65,000 which can typically be derived from a pension.

Taxation for expats in Australia

Non-residents in the country are liable for Australian tax only on Australian-source income. Temporary residents are typically exempt from Australian tax on foreign-source income (including foreign investment income, but not foreign employment income) and capital gains realized on assets that are not taxable Australian property. Australian residents are subject to Australian tax on worldwide income.

Australia’s tax year runs from July 1. Australia has entered into double tax treaties with a large number of countries including the UK, USA and Canada.

Currency

Australia’s monetary unit is the Australian Dollar (AUD); it is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50 and A$100 notes, and coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and A$1 and A$2.

Sources

• Reserve Bank of Australia
• Australia Customs and Border Protection Service
• Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
• Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (AUSTRAC)