Borce Ristevski, 53, faced a Melbourne court on Wednesday. His lawyers said he planned to plead not guilty.
The body of Karen Ristevski, 47, was found in bushland in February, eight months after she went missing.
Her disappearance was described as "highly irregular" and prompted public pleas from police, her family, and even prominent local actor Samuel Johnson.
Mr Ristevski's lawyer, Rob Stary, told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court that his client would contest the charge. He did not apply for bail.
