Australian retirement visas are available to anyone aged 55 or higher. To be eligible for this visa, you must have no dependants (other than your spouse), and you must be able to support yourself in Australia without cost to Australian health & welfare services.

Initially, your Australian Retirement Visa entitles you to stay in Australia for up to four years, and you can then extend it every two years (permitting you continue to permit to health & financial criteria).

As a temporary retirement visa holder, you will not be covered by Medicare (Australia’s national health cover) system, or be eligible for any social security benefits from the Australian government. You will be required to take out private medical and hospital health insurance cover whilst you are in Australia, or make arrangements for health cover in your home country.

Your are permitted to work up to 20 hours part time on an Australian Retirement Visa, in any occupation except for Australian public services.

For more information on Australian Retirement Visas please visit the Australian Governments Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (http://www.immi.gov.au)