Freelancing is one of the best ways for foreigners in Australia to earn money on their own terms. Whether you’re a student, backpacker, or skilled migrant, freelancing offers flexibility, income potential, and the ability to work in various industries without the need for a full-time employer.

But before you dive in, it’s essential to understand the legal and tax requirements involved. Freelancing in Australia is not as simple as just taking on gigs—you need to ensure that your visa allows it, register for an Australian Business Number (ABN), and meet tax obligations.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to freelance legally in Australia as a foreigner, including registration, taxation, payment methods, and finding work.

Can Foreigners Freelance in Australia?

The first thing you need to check is whether your visa allows freelancing.

Visa Types & Freelancing Eligibility

• Student Visa (Subclass 500) – You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during holidays. Freelancing is allowed, but you must stay within these limits.
• Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) – You can freelance, but you must not work for the same employer for more than 6 months.
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – No work restrictions, so you can freelance freely.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – Allows full-time work, making freelancing a great option.

🔹 Tip: Always check your visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website to avoid unintentional breaches.

Choosing Your Freelance Niche

Freelancing is competitive, so choosing a niche with demand in Australia is crucial.

Popular Freelance Jobs for Foreigners in Australia

✅ Digital services: Graphic design, web development, digital marketing
✅ Writing & translation: Content writing, copywriting, translating
✅ Tutoring & teaching: English tutoring, music lessons, skill-based teaching
✅ Photography & videography: Event photography, product photography
✅ Trades & manual work: Gardening, cleaning, handyman services (through platforms like Airtasker)

Where to find freelance work:

• International platforms – Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, PeoplePerHour
• Australian job boards – Airtasker, Gumtree, SEEK, LinkedIn

🔹 Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, try multiple platforms and see what works best for you.

Registering as a Freelancer: ABN & Business Structure

To work legally as a freelancer in Australia, you must apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN).

How to Get an ABN (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣ Go to the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
2️⃣ Click “Apply for an ABN” and fill in your details.
3️⃣ Select Sole Trader as your business structure (the simplest option for freelancers).
4️⃣ Provide your visa details (some visas may require additional checks).
5️⃣ Submit your application (it’s free and usually processed instantly).

Sole Trader vs. Company – Which One Should You Choose?

• ✅ Sole Trader – Easiest, lowest cost, and most common for freelancers.
• ✅ Company – Required if you plan to scale your business or need liability protection (not necessary for most freelancers).

Tax Considerations for Foreign Freelancers

Freelancers in Australia must pay tax on their earnings, so it’s important to understand how taxation works.

Freelance Tax Basics

✔ Taxable income – You pay tax on your total earnings minus deductions.
✔ Income tax rate – If you earn under $18,200, you don’t pay tax due to the tax-free threshold. If you earn more, you’ll be taxed progressively (19%–45% depending on income).
✔ Set aside 20-30% of your earnings for tax so you’re not caught off guard.

Do You Need to Register for GST?

❌ No – If your annual earnings are under $75,000, you don’t need to register for GST.
✅ Yes – If you earn over $75,000, you must register and charge 10% GST on your invoices.

Superannuation & Retirement Savings

Unlike employees, freelancers don’t automatically get superannuation contributions. However, you can make voluntary contributions to save for retirement.

• Why contribute? If you plan to stay in Australia long-term, it helps secure your financial future.
• Can I claim my super when I leave Australia? Yes! If you leave permanently, you can withdraw your super under the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.

Finding & Securing Freelance Work

Best Platforms for Foreign Freelancers in Australia

• Upwork & Fiverr – Best for online services like writing, design, and IT.
• Airtasker – Great for local freelance work (cleaning, handyman tasks, deliveries).
• Gumtree – Can be used to advertise freelance services.

Building a Strong Freelance Profile

• Showcase past work in your portfolio.
• Get client testimonials to boost credibility.
• Charge competitive rates when starting, then increase as you gain experience.

Getting Paid: Payment Methods & Banking Tips

As a freelancer, you’ll need an efficient way to receive payments.

Best Payment Methods for Freelancers in Australia

✔ Bank Transfer – Recommended for local clients.
✔ PayPal – Easy but has high fees.
✔ Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Best for receiving international payments with low fees.
✔ Payoneer – Great for freelancers working with US and UK clients.

Should You Open an Australian Bank Account?
✅ If you’re staying long-term, opening an Australian bank account (CommBank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac) will help you avoid currency conversion fees.

Legal Responsibilities & Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Use contracts – Always have a written agreement to protect yourself.
• Issue invoices – Keep records of payments for tax purposes.
• Be aware of visa rules – Working illegally can get you into trouble

Freelancing in Australia as a foreigner is absolutely possible if you follow the legal steps. The key takeaways are:

• Check your visa to ensure you can freelance.
• Get an ABN and set up your tax structure.
• Understand your tax obligations and keep money aside for tax.
• Use the right payment platforms to avoid unnecessary fees.

By staying compliant and using the right strategies, freelancing can be a fantastic way to earn money, gain experience, and build a career in Australia! 🚀