If you are planning to apply for a spouse visa in Australia, one of the first questions you probably have is: how much is this going to cost?

Australian spouse visa fees start from $9,365 AUD for the main applicant in 2026. This fee generally applies to onshore partner visas (subclass 820/801), offshore partner visas (subclass 309/100), and Prospective Marriage visas (subclass 300). Additional applicants, such as children, attract extra fees. Couples should also budget for police checks, medical examinations, translations, certified documents, and other related costs.

Australian spouse visa fees are significant, and for many couples, the government application charge is only one part of the overall cost.

What Is the Australian Spouse Visa Fee in 2026?

For most people applying for an Australian spouse or partner visa, the current Department of Home Affairs application fee is:

Applicant	Government Fee
Main applicant	$9,365 AUD
Sdult dependendent – child over 18	$4,685 AUD
Child under 18	$2,345 AUD

These fees are generally paid when the application is lodged.

Although people often search for “Australian spouse visa fees”, the Department usually refers to these visas as partner visas. The main visa options are:

• Partner visa subclass 820/801 for people applying inside Australia
• Partner visa subclass 309/100 for people applying outside Australia
• Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300 for couples planning to marry in Australia

Australian Spouse Visa Fees by Visa Type

Visa Type	Subclass	Who It Is For	Government Fee
Onshore Partner Visa	820/801	Couples applying while the applicant is in Australia	$9,365 AUD
Offshore Partner Visa	309/100	Couples applying while the applicant is outside Australia	$9,365 AUD
Prospective Marriage Visa	300	Engaged couples planning to marry in Australia	$9,365 AUD
Additional applicant aged 18 or over	N/A	Adult dependent included in the application	$4,685 AUD
Additional applicant under 18	N/A	Child included in the application	$2,345 AUD
Subclass 820 after holding subclass 300	820	Applicant already held a Prospective Marriage visa	From $1,560 AUD

What Other Costs Are Involved in an Australian Spouse Visa Application?

The government fee is often the largest cost, but it is rarely the only one.

Other expenses can include:

• Police certificates from Australia and overseas
• Medical examinations
• Translation of non-English documents
• Certified copies of important documents
• Passport photos
• Courier fees for overseas documents
• [Relationship evidence gathering]{link to partner visa evidence guide landing page}
• Statutory declarations from friends and family
• Marriage certificates or relationship registration costs
• Legal fees if you want advice or full representation

For some couples, the extra costs may only be a few hundred dollars. For others, particularly if there are overseas documents, children, complex histories, or previous refusals involved, the total can be much higher.

You may also find it helpful to read our guide on how much evidence you need for a partner visa or watch Owen’s video

Estimated Additional Costs for an Australian Spouse Visa

Below is a rough guide to common additional costs many couples may need to budget for.

Additional Cost	Typical Estimated Cost
Australian police check	$42–$60 AUD per person
Overseas police certificates	$50–$300+ AUD depending on country
Medical examination	$350–$450 AUD per person
Translation of documents	$50+ AUD per page
Certified copies of documents	generally no cost
Passport photos	$20–$40 AUD
Statutory declarations from friends and family	Usually free, unless witnessed by a professional
Relationship registration fee	Around $250–$300 AUD depending on state
Marriage certificate	Around $50–$70 AUD
Courier fees for overseas documents	$50–$120 AUD
Payment surcharge on visa fee	Around $130 AUD
Legal advice or one-off consultation	Usually $300+
Full legal representation	$6000+ varies based on law firm and case complexity

What Could the Total Cost Look Like?

For a relatively straightforward partner visa applications if you choose to DIY it, many couples may spend:

• $9,365 AUD government fee
• Around $500–$1,500 AUD in extra costs
• Total estimated cost: approximately $9,865–$10,865 AUD

For more complex applications involving foreign documents which require translations, multiple police checks, multiple children, non migrating children with health issues, multiple name changes or recording of incorrect birthdates and names, and the need for legal assistance, the total can easily exceed A$15,000.

That is why it is worth budgeting carefully and understanding what additional costs may apply to your situation before lodging.

Why It Is Important to Get Your Application Right

With Australian spouse visa fees now above $9,000 AUD, most people understandably want to avoid mistakes.

A refusal does not just mean disappointment. It can also mean losing a large application fee and having to start again.

That does not mean you need a perfect application from day one. But it does mean it is worth taking the time to prepare strong evidence, understand what documents are needed, and work through any complications before lodging.

This is especially important for couples with:

• Long-distance relationships
• Short relationship histories
• Previous visa refusals
• Children from earlier relationships
• Cultural or family issues affecting evidence
• Complex immigration histories
• Time spent apart due to work or travel

These situations do not stop you from applying. They simply mean the application often needs more thought, stronger evidence, and a clearer explanation.

Need Help Understanding Australian Spouse Visa Costs?

Every relationship and every visa application is different.

Some couples only need to budget for the government fee and a few police checks. Others may need translations, overseas courier costs, relationship registration fees, or advice on how to present their evidence clearly.

At TranQuill Legal, we help couples understand not only what they may be eligible for, but also what the likely costs, next steps, and risks look like before they commit to lodging an application.

We work with clients in Australia and overseas and aim to explain the process in a way that feels practical, clear, and manageable. TranQuill Legal is known for calm, clear communication and helping people move forward with confidence.

If you want tailored advice about your situation, you can book a one-off consultation to get a clearer idea of your options before lodging.