Government payments and services while overseas

Services Australia payments

If you get a payment from Services Australia there are things you need to do to keep getting your payment. Find out what you have to do while you’re overseas on the Services Australia website.

Accessing myGov while overseas

To access myGov while you’re away, you may need to make changes to how you sign in before you leave. Find out more about accessing myGov while overseas.

Consular services

The Australian government provides a range of services overseas through their embassies and consulates. Find out more about the consular services charter on the Smartraveller website.

Emergency consular assistance

If you’re overseas and have serious concerns for your welfare, or that of another Australian, you can:

• Contact your local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. You can search for our embassies and consulates overseas on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
• Call the consular emergency centre on the Smartraveller website. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Notarial services

You can get documents notarised overseas at Australian embassies and consulates. Find out more about notarial services overseas on the Smartraveller website.

Emergency and crisis response

The Australian government provides urgent support for Australians overseas. Find out more about consular emergency support and crisis response on the Smartraveller website.

Living and working overseas

Working for a foreign military or foreign government body in Australia or overseas

There are new requirements for some Australians who plan to, or who are currently, working for a foreign military or government.

You need to have a Foreign Work Authorisation if you are:

• A former member of the Australian Defence Force, Defence Australian Public Service and Australian Submarine Agency, and you work, or plan to work for a foreign military or foreign government body.
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident engaged in training related to goods, software and technology with military application for a foreign military, foreign government or foreign entity as contained in the Defence and Strategic Goods List Part 1 or training in military style tactics, techniques and procedures.

You must have the outcome of your application before you start working for the foreign military or government body. 

If you are already working in a role with or on behalf of a foreign military or government body, you must submit a Foreign Work Authorisation request as soon as possible to avoid committing an offence. For more information and to apply, go to Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets on the Department of Defence website.

Financial commitments

You may have financial commitments if you live or work overseas. You may need to:

• lodge an Australian tax return and declare any foreign income
• make payments towards your study and training support loan
• pay the Medicare levy surcharge.

Find out more about working overseas and Australians living overseas on the Australian Taxation Office website.