How Much Does a Partner Visa Cost in Australia?
For couples wanting to build a life together in Australia, applying for a partner visa is often a crucial first step. But before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the cost of a partner visa in Australia. The price tag is substantial, and it goes beyond the initial government application fee. From medical checks to legal support, the total expense can catch many applicants off guard. This is one reason many people turn to the best immigration lawyer in Brisbane or elsewhere to help ensure they get it right the first time and avoid costly mistakes.
What Is a Partner Visa?
A partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. The visa has two stages:
- Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820/309) – Lets the applicant live in Australia temporarily.
- Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801/100) – Granted around two years later if the relationship is still genuine and ongoing.
Applicants can apply from inside Australia (onshore) or from outside the country (offshore). While the legal criteria remain largely the same, some processing details and waiting times can differ depending on the type.
Government Application Fees
The biggest up-front expense is the visa application charge (VAC), which is paid to the Department of Home Affairs when submitting your application. As of the latest update:
- Base application fee: Approximately AUD $8,850
This fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the visa. It is a single payment made at the time of application and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
If you include dependents in your application, the cost rises:
- Each dependent over 18: Around AUD $4,430
- Each dependent under 18: Around AUD $2,215
For families applying together, these additional charges can significantly increase the total cost.
Health and Character Checks
To be eligible, all applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Medical Examination
Each person applying must undergo a medical check through an approved panel physician. This typically costs:
- AUD $300–$450 per adult
- AUD $250–$350 per child
Police Clearances
Character checks require police certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Costs vary by country but typically range between AUD $50–$100 per certificate. If translations are needed, that adds to the total cost.
Document Preparation and Translation
The Australian government requires that all documents not in English be officially translated. The cost for certified translations can range from AUD $30–$100 per page, depending on the language and document complexity.
You may also need certified copies of important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and legal statements. While some can be self-certified, others may require a notary, which could cost AUD $10–$25 per document.
Legal and Professional Fees
Many applicants seek help from professionals to manage the visa process, especially when it involves complex circumstances or when stakes are high. Hiring the best immigration lawyer in Brisbane, for example, can ensure that your case is well-documented, clearly presented, and free from avoidable errors.
Legal fees vary widely:
- Registered migration agents: AUD $2,000–$4,000
- Experienced immigration lawyers: AUD $4,000–$8,000+
While legal representation is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for people with past visa refusals, long-distance relationships, minimal documentation, or health and character concerns. The added cost is often justified by the reduction in stress and improved likelihood of success.
Other Incidental Costs
A few other costs may come up during the process:
- Passport renewal (if required): AUD $300+
- Digital ID photos: AUD $15–$30
- Courier fees: For sending original documents
- Travel costs: If you need to attend appointments or interviews
You should also factor in the cost of maintaining a Bridging Visa, if applying onshore. In some cases, you may need to apply for a Bridging Visa B to travel overseas, which currently costs AUD $165.
Estimated Total Cost Breakdown
For a single applicant with no dependents and no legal support:
- Visa application: AUD $8,850
- Medical checks: AUD $400
- Police clearances: AUD $100
- Document translation and certification: AUD $200
- Miscellaneous: AUD $250
Total: AUD $9,800+
For applicants using a lawyer and including one dependent child, costs could rise above AUD $14,000.
Why Proper Planning Matters
The cost of partner visa in Australia is one of the highest among developed nations, which makes proper preparation essential. Submitting an incomplete or error-ridden application risks rejection, which means losing your application fee—and possibly needing to start the process over again. Legal advice isn’t just about form-filling; it’s about strategy, understanding your relationship’s legal footing, and anticipating any complications that could arise.
Working with the best immigration lawyer in Brisbane or your city can be a worthwhile investment, especially if your situation involves complexities like time spent apart, overseas documentation, or limited evidence.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a partner visa isn’t just an administrative step—it’s a major milestone in your relationship. But it’s also a financial commitment. Understanding all the costs involved, from application fees to health checks and legal support, can help you budget realistically and prepare thoroughly.
With high fees and long processing times, getting it right the first time matters more than ever. Whether you go it alone or work with a professional, knowing where your money goes—and why—puts you in a better position to plan your life in Australia with clarity and confidence.
