Australia Immigration

Retirement Visa

Retirement visas are for foreign persons aged 55 years and over who wish to retire in Australia. Candidates must meet an eligibility test, which includes sufficient funds for transfer to Australia. Applicants must have no dependents at the time of application; however, once in Australia can work up to 20 hours per week.

The Retirement Visa is useful for senior people who would like to spend their retirement in Australia's warm winters and pleasant countryside. Many come here, buy a caravan, and tour around the country, moving north to avoid the winter, and South to escape the fierce heat in Perth or the Eastern cities, during summer. Other couples come to Australia to be near their children - perhaps traveling back home to keep in touch with friends there too.

The visa is a two-stage process: it is initially granted for four years, and then can be extended every two years thereafter.