Applying for an Australian de facto visa is a major step for couples who want to live together legally in Australia without being married. While the process is well established, one of the first questions people ask is: how much does it cost? Between government fees, medical exams, police clearances, translations, and optional professional services, the expenses can add up fast. Some couples also consider seeking advice from qualified immigration lawyers in Brisbane or other parts of the country, especially if their case is complex or involves prior visa issues.
Understanding the Australian De Facto Visa
The Australian de facto visa, also known as the Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 for onshore applicants or 309/100 for offshore), allows the partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to stay in Australia temporarily and, eventually, permanently. This visa is designed for couples in a genuine and ongoing de facto relationship, which typically requires living together for at least 12 months before applying—though there are exceptions.
Applying for this visa involves a two-stage process: the temporary partner visa is granted first, and after approximately two years, if the relationship is still valid, the applicant can be considered for permanent residency.
Visa Application Charges
The most significant and unavoidable cost is the visa application charge (VAC), which is paid to the Department of Home Affairs when the application is lodged.
As of 2025, the base application fee for a de facto partner visa is approximately AUD $8,850. This fee covers both the temporary and permanent stages of the visa. However, fees are subject to change each financial year, so it’s essential to verify current rates before applying.
Additional fees apply if you’re including dependents in your application:
- For each child under 18: around AUD $2,200
- For dependents over 18: around AUD $4,430
These charges are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
Medical Examinations
All visa applicants must undergo a health check to ensure they meet Australia’s health requirements. The cost for a medical examination varies depending on the clinic and location, but expect to pay between AUD $300 and $450 per person. Children included in the application will also need to complete their own medical checks.
Police Clearances
Character checks are a mandatory part of the process. You will need police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Costs for police checks vary:
- Australia: approximately AUD $50–$70
- Overseas police checks: anywhere from AUD $30 to $100 or more, depending on the country
You may also incur costs for translations if these documents are not in English.
Document Translation and Certification
If any documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. Translation costs can range from AUD $30 to $100 per page depending on complexity and urgency.
In some cases, applicants also pay for certified copies or notarization of documents, which may cost AUD $10 to $20 per document, depending on the service provider.
Optional Costs: Legal and Professional Help
Many applicants choose to work with qualified immigration lawyers in Brisbane or other regions to help them prepare and submit a strong application. While not mandatory, professional help can be a game-changer—especially if your situation is complex, you have limited documentation, or you’re worried about making a mistake.
The cost for legal assistance varies widely:
- Immigration agents: AUD $2,000 to $4,000 (on average)
- Qualified immigration lawyers: AUD $4,000 to $8,000+ for full service
Some lawyers offer fixed-fee packages, while others charge hourly rates. Keep in mind that professional fees are separate from government charges and other mandatory costs.
Bridging Visa and Other Incidental Costs
If you’re applying from within Australia and your current visa expires while the de facto application is being processed, you’ll likely be granted a bridging visa. While there’s no extra charge for the bridging visa itself, it can have implications for travel, work rights, and waiting times. Some applicants may need to apply for a Bridging Visa B (BVB) if they need to leave Australia temporarily, which includes a small fee—around AUD $165.
Other incidental costs may include:
- Passport renewals
- Digital photos for application
- Courier services for sending documents
- Travel expenses for interviews or appointments
These smaller charges can add up, so it’s worth budgeting an additional AUD $500 to $1,000 for unexpected expenses.
Total Estimated Cost
Let’s look at an approximate cost breakdown for a single applicant (onshore):
- Visa application charge: AUD $8,850
- Medical check: AUD $400
- Police clearances: AUD $100
- Document translations/certifications: AUD $200
- Miscellaneous: AUD $500
Estimated total: AUD $10,000+
If you decide to hire a qualified immigration lawyer in Brisbane, the full cost could rise to around AUD $14,000 to $18,000, depending on the level of service and complexity of your case.
Final Thoughts
The Australian de facto visa offers a pathway to residency and, eventually, citizenship, for couples in committed relationships. But it’s not a cheap or simple process. Understanding the full scope of costs—from official fees to hidden charges—is essential for proper planning. While some applicants go it alone, others choose to work with qualified immigration lawyers in Brisbane or elsewhere to ensure everything is done right the first time.
Investing time, energy, and resources into your application is part of proving your commitment—not just to your partner, but to your shared future in Australia.
