Retire in India from Australia: RNOR, superannuation and return checklist
Indians retiring from Australia to India can claim RNOR status for up to three years. Non-PR Indians departing Australia permanently can claim the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) — subject to 65% withholding tax. AUD savings should be repatriated to NRE before account redesignation.
Non-PR Indians can claim DASP on permanent departure
Indian nationals on Australian temporary visas who permanently depart Australia can apply for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) — all super contributions are returned, less a 65% withholding tax. Australian PRs and citizens cannot access super until the preservation age (60+). RNOR status on return to India exempts most overseas income for 2–3 years.
Key points
- RNOR window — RNOR exempts most foreign income — including AUD savings and DASP net proceeds — from India tax for 2–3 years after return.
- DASP for non-PR Indians — Non-PR Indians departing Australia permanently can reclaim super as DASP — but 65% withholding tax is steep; plan accordingly.
- AUD to INR — Large AUD-to-INR repatriation transfers should be compared across Wise, OFX and Australian banks.
RNOR status on return
RNOR applies on return to India if you were NRI in 9 of the last 10 years. During RNOR, AUD savings interest and overseas investment returns are generally exempt from Indian tax.
DASP proceeds (net of 65% withholding) received during RNOR are generally exempt as foreign-sourced income — confirm with a CA.
Australia exit and India re-entry checklist
Apply for DASP via the ATO if you hold a temporary visa and are leaving permanently — apply after your visa expires or is cancelled.
File an Australian tax return for the year of departure and update ATO with your India address.
Repatriate AUD savings to NRE before returning to India resident status.
Redesignate NRE/NRO accounts and update all India KYC on return.
Arrange Indian health insurance — Australian Medicare ceases on departure.
Frequently asked questions
Is DASP taxable in India?
DASP is subject to 65% Australian withholding tax before payment. The net proceeds are overseas income — exempt during RNOR. After RNOR, the India-Australia DTAA position should be confirmed with a CA.
Can Australian PRs claim DASP?
No. DASP is only for holders of temporary Australian visas (working holiday, student, skilled temporary). Australian PRs and citizens cannot access super until preservation age (60).
How long does the DASP application take?
DASP processing typically takes 15–28 business days after the ATO receives the application and confirms visa cancellation. Apply via the ATO's online super search and DASP application portal.