Your Superannuation Isn't Going Anywhere (And That's the Problem)
Every Australian we've moved to Dubai asks the same question within the first month: "Can I take my super out?" The short answer is no. The longer answer involves enough ATO regulations to make your accountant weep.
Australian citizens cannot access their superannuation early just because they've moved overseas. It doesn't matter if you've permanently relocated to Dubai, renounced your Australian tax residency, or plan to never return. Your super stays locked until you hit preservation age (60 for most people). It sits in your fund, growing (hopefully), completely untouchable.
The exception applies only to temporary residents — people who were in Australia on a temporary visa (457, 482, student visa) and have permanently departed. They can claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) through the ATO. If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident? No DASP for you.
What you should do: consolidate your super funds before leaving. If you've got three funds from different jobs (and most Australians do), merge them into one with low fees. You can't contribute from Dubai, so you want the fund with the best long-term growth and lowest management fees eating into your balance. Compare using the ATO's YourSuper comparison tool before you leave.
Tax: Australia Has a Treaty With the UAE (Use It)
Good news. Australia and the UAE signed a tax treaty in 2019, and it came into force in 2020. This means:
- Employment income earned in Dubai is not taxable in Australia (assuming you're a genuine non-resident for tax purposes)
- Australian rental income remains taxable in Australia — you'll still lodge returns for that
- Capital gains on Australian property are taxable in Australia even as a non-resident
- Dividend franking credits are reduced for non-residents — unfranked dividends face a 15% withholding tax under the treaty
The critical step: you must formally establish yourself as a non-resident for tax purposes with the ATO. This isn't automatic when you leave. You need to demonstrate you've severed ties — no Australian home available for use, no Australian bank accounts used as primary accounts, no intention to return within a defined period. The ATO's residency tests (domicile, 183-day, and commencing residence tests) all come into play.
Get a tax advisor who specialises in Australian expats. This isn't something to DIY with myTax. Firms like Atlas Wealth Management and Expat Tax Services have Australian-UAE specialists in Dubai.
Medicare: Suspend, Don't Cancel
When you leave Australia for an extended period, you can suspend your Medicare enrolment rather than cancelling it. This is important — suspension means you can reactivate quickly if you return, without waiting periods. Cancellation means starting from scratch.
To suspend, contact Services Australia before departure. You'll stop paying the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income) once you're a non-resident for tax purposes. Your employer in Dubai will provide health insurance — it's mandatory in the UAE and most corporate packages include comprehensive coverage through providers like Daman, Cigna, or Bupa Global.
If you maintain private health insurance in Australia to avoid the Lifetime Health Cover loading penalty (the premium that increases 2% per year for every year you're uninsured after age 31), check whether your insurer offers overseas suspension. Most do. It's worth maintaining to avoid a nasty premium increase if you return to Australia after several years.
Shipping: Perth Is Your Fastest Route
Geography works in Australia's favour for Dubai shipping — but only if you're on the west coast.
| Origin City | Route | Transit Time | 20ft Container (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth/Fremantle | Indian Ocean direct to Jebel Ali | 2–3 weeks | $4,500–$6,000 |
| Melbourne | Indian Ocean via Singapore or direct | 3–4 weeks | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Sydney | Indian Ocean via Singapore or Colombo | 3–5 weeks | $5,500–$7,500 |
| Brisbane | Indian Ocean via Singapore | 4–5 weeks | $5,500–$7,500 |
Perth to Dubai is one of the shortest international shipping routes we deal with — 2–3 weeks is fast by any standard. Sydney and Melbourne add a week or more because of the routing through Southeast Asian ports.
A 20-foot container fits a one to two-bedroom apartment's contents. For a three-bedroom house, you'll need a 40-foot container (roughly 1.7x the cost, not double — some economies of scale). Shared containers (less than container load / LCL) start at AUD $2,000–3,500 for smaller shipments but add 2–3 weeks for consolidation.
Customs at Jebel Ali port takes 3–5 working days with correct documentation: passport, residence visa, packing inventory with declared values, and a letter from your UAE employer.
Biosecurity: Australia's Export Rules Are Strict Too
Most people focus on UAE import rules and forget that Australia's Department of Agriculture has exit requirements. Everything leaving Australia must be free from biosecurity risk material — soil, seeds, plant matter, wooden items with bark.
Practically, this means:
- Outdoor furniture and garden items: Must be clean, free of soil and organic matter. Power-wash before packing.
- Wooden crates and pallets: Must be ISPM 15 treated (heat treated or fumigated). Your shipping company handles this, but verify.
- Camping and outdoor gear: Clean all soil, seeds, and organic debris. Tents, boots, fishing gear — all get scrutinised.
For pets, the requirements are specific: your vet must issue a health certificate within 5 days of departure, endorsed by a government-accredited veterinarian. Dogs and cats need current rabies vaccination, plus a rabies titre test done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before UAE entry. Microchip must be ISO 15-digit. Start this process 6 months before your move — the timing requirements are non-negotiable.
Driving License: Direct Swap, No Test
Australia is on the RTA's approved list for direct license exchange. Bring your valid Australian state or territory license, get an eye test at any optician (AED 50–100), and visit an RTA service centre. Total cost: AED 800–1,100. The process takes about an hour.
Your Australian license remains valid back home — keep it for visits. Most states allow you to renew by mail or online while overseas, which is worth doing to maintain a continuous driving record.
The Humidity Problem Nobody From Melbourne Understands
Australians think they understand heat. And look, you're tougher than the Brits and Canadians in this regard. A 42°C day in Melbourne or a Perth summer doesn't scare you. But Dubai's heat is a different animal, and it's the humidity that gets you.
Melbourne's hottest days are dry heat — 10–20% humidity during heatwaves. Perth is similar. Even Sydney's muggiest summer days top out around 65–70% humidity. Dubai in July and August? 85–95% relative humidity combined with 42–48°C air temperature. Walking from your car to a building entrance — 30 seconds — leaves your shirt visibly damp.
This matters for your move because summer moves are physically brutal. If you're arriving in June, July, or August, book movers who start early (our crews begin at 6 AM in summer) and make sure your new apartment's AC is connected and running before you arrive. An apartment without cooling in August is genuinely dangerous.
What Surprises Australians About Dubai
Rent is comparable or cheaper. A quality two-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina or JBR runs AED 100,000–150,000 (AUD 40,000–60,000). Try getting that in Sydney's eastern suburbs or Melbourne's inner city. And there's no income tax on your salary.
The workplace is more hierarchical. Australian workplaces are famously flat — calling the CEO "Dave" is normal. Dubai offices are more formal, especially in government-linked companies and traditional businesses. Some industries (tech, startups, creative) maintain casual cultures, but don't assume.
Alcohol is available but regulated. You're going from Dan Murphy's to MMI and African + Eastern, with a liquor license requirement (now simplified — just register online through Dubai Municipality). The selection is good and prices are similar to Australian bottle shops. No BYO restaurants though.
The weekend shifted. UAE's weekend is Saturday–Sunday (changed from Friday–Saturday in 2022). This actually makes it easier for Australians — less adjustment than the old system.
The Move Timeline: 12 Weeks Out
- 12 weeks out: Consult an Australian expat tax advisor. Start pet documentation. Consolidate super funds.
- 10 weeks out: Book your shipping container. Decide what ships, what sells, what goes to storage. List furniture on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree early — good pieces sell fast.
- 8 weeks out: Notify Medicare (suspend), health insurer (overseas suspension), Centrelink (if applicable), and ATO (departure notification). Start decluttering aggressively.
- 6 weeks out: Pack container. Clean all outdoor items to biosecurity standards. Cancel or redirect Australian utilities, internet, subscriptions.
- 4 weeks out: Final pet vet appointment for health certificate (must be within 5 days of departure). Redirect mail via Australia Post.
- 1 week out: Confirm Dubai employer has activated your health insurance. Confirm your new apartment's DEWA is connected. Book SAMA Movers for Jebel Ali pickup and delivery.
Banking Setup in Dubai
Open a UAE bank account as soon as your residence visa is stamped. Emirates NBD and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) are the most common choices for expats. You'll need your passport, visa, Emirates ID, salary certificate, and proof of address (Ejari certificate or DEWA bill).
For AUD-to-AED transfers, use Wise or OFX rather than bank wires. The savings are significant — on a AUD 10,000 transfer, Wise's mid-market rate saves you AUD 200–400 compared to a typical bank's exchange rate markup.
Keep your Australian bank account open. You'll need it for any Australian income (rent from an investment property, dividend payments, super-related correspondence). Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both maintain accounts for non-residents with minimal hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Australian citizens access their superannuation when moving to Dubai?
No. Australian citizens and permanent residents cannot access super early due to overseas relocation. Super remains locked until preservation age (60 for most). Only temporary visa holders who permanently depart Australia can claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). Consolidate your funds before leaving to minimise fees on a balance you can't contribute to.
How much does it cost to ship a container from Australia to Dubai?
A 20-foot container from Perth to Dubai costs AUD 4,500–6,000 with a 2–3 week transit time. From Sydney or Melbourne, expect AUD 5,000–7,500 with 3–5 weeks transit. These prices include sea freight but not packing, customs clearance, or delivery from Jebel Ali port to your Dubai address. Add AUD 1,500–3,000 for door-to-door service including local delivery.
Do I need to cancel Medicare when moving to Dubai?
Suspend it, don't cancel. Contact Services Australia to suspend your Medicare enrolment before departing. Suspension lets you reactivate without waiting periods if you return. You'll stop paying the Medicare levy once classified as a non-resident for tax purposes. Your Dubai employer's mandatory health insurance covers you in the UAE.
Can I swap my Australian driving license for a Dubai license?
Yes. Australia is on the RTA's approved list for direct license exchange. No driving test required. Bring your valid Australian license, get an eye test (AED 50–100), and visit an RTA service centre. Total cost is AED 800–1,100 and the process takes about an hour. Keep your Australian license for visits home.
