It's the question almost every visitor visa applicant asks: "How much money do I need in my bank account?" The honest answer surprises people - there's no single official figure. What matters is showing you can genuinely fund your trip. Here's how that actually works.
There's no fixed dollar amount
The Department doesn't publish a single fixed bank balance for the visitor visa (subclass 600). Instead, a case officer assesses whether you have adequate funds to support your stay without working - you generally can't work on a visitor visa - and without becoming reliant on the Australian community.
A practical way to think about "enough" is to add up the real cost of your trip: your return flights, your accommodation for the whole stay, and your day-to-day living and spending money for the length of time you'll be here. Your evidence should comfortably cover that total. A longer or more independent trip naturally needs more than a short stay with family who are housing you.
As a rough guide, a useful starting point is to budget around AUD $1,000 per week of your stay, plus your return airfare - so a two-to-four week trip often works out around $4,000–$5,000 plus flights, and a one-to-three month stay more in the range of $5,000–$10,000 plus flights. These are general guidelines only: the actual amount that's appropriate depends on your planned activities, your accommodation, and your personal circumstances. It's worth checking the current advice for your situation on the Department of Home Affairs website.
What actually matters
- Length and nature of your trip. Two weeks staying with family costs very differently from three months of independent travel.
- Who's funding it. It's fine to be supported by family - you just need to show that clearly.
- Genuine, stable funds. Money that's genuinely yours and reasonably stable is far more persuasive than a sudden balance.
How to show your funds
Adequate arrangements can be shown through a combination of evidence, not just one number:
- • Bank statements showing available funds (a genuine, stable picture over recent months)
- • Access to funds through credit cards or other accounts
- • Financial support from family or a sponsor, with their own evidence of capacity
- • Pre-paid accommodation and return flights
- • An itinerary whose costs make sense against your means
If someone else is funding your trip, include evidence of their capacity and their relationship to you. You can absolutely visit and receive financial support from family - it just needs to be documented.
The mistake people make
Depositing a large sum right before applying to "look funded" is one of the most common errors. Case officers see it often, and an unexplained recent deposit can do more harm than good - it can look like borrowed money. Genuine, explainable funds beat an impressive-looking balance every time.
Don't forget the bigger picture
Funds are only one part of a visitor visa. You also need to satisfy the genuine visitor requirement - that you intend a genuine, temporary visit and have reasons to return home. Strong financial evidence supports that story, but it doesn't replace it.
Applying for a visitor visa yourself?
Our Visitor Visa Info Pack walks you through exactly how to present your funds and your genuine visitor case, with checklists and templates.
About the Author
Matilda - MARN 0958254
A Registered Migration Agent with 16+ years in migration and thousands of consultations across every major visa pathway.
General information only, not personal migration advice. Requirements depend on your individual circumstances and can change - check the Department of Home Affairs website or seek tailored advice before you apply.
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