Relocation guide · 2026
Moving from Australia to Thailand 🇹🇭
Low cost of living, vibrant nomad communities, new long-term visas.
The tax picture
Stay in Australia
$48,000
Estimated tax on $150,000
Move to Thailand
$27,000
Local tax estimate
Cost of living
-49%
vs. Australia (Numbeo-style index)
Local tax regime
Foreign income not remitted to Thailand is untaxed; no capital-gains tax.
Residency / visa
10-year Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa
What still applies (Australia)
Ceasing Australian tax residency triggers CGT event I1: you are deemed to have disposed of most non-taxable-Australian-property assets at market value, unless you elect to defer the gain until actual sale. Losing the main-residence exemption as a foreign resident is a common and expensive surprise. Australia keeps taxing Australian-source income at non-resident rates, which start at the first dollar with no tax-free threshold. Compulsory HELP/HECS repayments continue based on worldwide income.
Headline program
Remittance-based
All figures are illustrative estimates for tax year 2026 and do not constitute tax advice. Verify with a qualified expat CPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax could I save moving from Australia to Thailand?
On an income of $150,000, our model estimates an annual saving of roughly $21,000 — that is the net figure after accounting for becoming a non-resident of Australia. Use the calculator for your exact income.
How do I stop being taxed by Australia after moving to Thailand?
Ceasing Australian tax residency triggers CGT event I1: you are deemed to have disposed of most non-taxable-Australian-property assets at market value, unless you elect to defer the gain until actual sale. Losing the main-residence exemption as a foreign resident is a common and expensive surprise. Australia keeps taxing Australian-source income at non-resident rates, which start at the first dollar with no tax-free threshold. Compulsory HELP/HECS repayments continue based on worldwide income.
What do I need to report to Australia after I leave?
Notify the ATO of your departure date, report worldwide income for the resident part of the year, and keep declaring your worldwide income for HELP purposes.
What visa do I need to live in Thailand?
Thailand's main route for relocating professionals is the 10-year Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa. Requirements, timelines, and costs vary — the AI planner can walk you through the specific path for your situation.
Is Thailand cheaper than Australia?
Thailand has a cost-of-living index of about 38 (Numbeo-style, where New York ≈ 100). Compare it directly with other destinations on the Compare page.
Know someone considering the same move?
Share this guide with your partner or accountant.