Everything you need to know about moving to Australia

Great quality of life, beautiful sunshine, modern infrastructure and amazing beaches are only some of the reasons why over 500,000 people have moved to Australia since 2019.

If you are thinking about moving to Australia but don’t know where to begin, then this guide is for you! We have covered all the important subjects and given you a few essential checklists to ensure that you don't forget anything. Read on to discover what you need to move to Australia.

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WorldRemit Content Team

10 mins readUpdated
A photo taken during sunset in Australia showing a bridge over the sea

Find a job

Before you even begin the process of moving to Australia, you need to have a job lined up. Finding a job in Australia will depend on what qualifications and experience you have.  In short, you need to persuade the Australian government that you will be an asset to the country, not a drain on resources. To determine this, everyone is ranked on a point system. You need to have enough points to be able to apply for a skilled migration visa. Points are awarded on various fronts, like age, education, English language skills, and experience gained within skilled employment. If you have all of these, then you don't need to have that much money to move to Australia.

The best way to get a job in Australia is to know what the current occupational availabilities are. If you have a skill or career that is lacking in the country, then your likelihood of being accepted is higher. Make sure that you go through your local Australian embassy to check if your education and skills are high enough in your particular field to be considered for a visa. Make sure that your resumé fits the accepted resumé format for the country, and that you are applying within your skill set. Remember that if you do get a visa, it is tied to your job so you can't change careers. Finally, spend hours trawling through online job search portals. There are a number of Australian search engines dedicated especially to finding jobs for foreigners.

Apply for an Australian visa

In order to move to Australia and be able to work there legally, you need to get a visa. There are a number of different visas you can apply for, depending on what you want to do there. A holiday visa is much easier to get than a work visa, but will not allow you to immigrate to Australia permanently. Visas are hard to get, and the criteria are detailed and very strict.

The four main working visas you can apply for are:

  1. 20 work-related visas: To apply for one of these you need to have a potential job lined up. Your new boss or HR department can nominate you for a visa. This will make the Australian government more likely to grant it to you.

  2. Skilled migration visas: A skilled migration visa is granted if you qualify for one of the jobs on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List. This is a list of skills that the country is lacking, like health care professionals, chefs, coders, IT workers, or engineers.

  3. Family-stream permanent residence visas: These are granted to family members of a work visa applicant. If you are a spouse or partner of someone who has gotten a job in Australia, then you need to apply for and receive one of these visas to go with them.

  4. Business or investment-stream permanent residence visas: This is another option for long-term residence in Australia. These are primarily for high-income people or those that have been nominated by an individual state. You will need to be able to invest at least $2.5 million.

The point system: the Australian point system is the government's way of ranking your abilities, skills, and experience. You will need to have a certain amount of points in order to qualify for a visa. Points are awarded according to age, English language proficiency, education, and experience in your field. To get a skilled migration visa you need to have at least 60 points. Your spouse or partner can also increase your point score.

Find a relocation service

Right, so now you have got a visa, lined up a job, and know where you want to move to. Your next step is to find someone who can move all your belongings over to Aus. There are a number of companies that do this, and as with everything, there are good and bad eggs in the mix. Before you engage any company and trust them with your worldly belongings, you need to know they are reliable. Read reviews online, contact people who have used them before, and make sure to get at least three quotes. Don't go with the first guys you find, and don't go with ANYONE who doesn’t have a traceable history.

Make sure that:

  1. You get at least three quotes

  2. Your chosen three have contactable references

  3. Your chosen three have updated and active websites

  4. Don't automatically go with the cheapest option; you get what you pay for

  5. Make sure that they cover everything you need to move, and have comprehensive insurance

Choose the right city for you

Australia is vast and beautiful. You can choose to live in a number of different climates, with various pros and cons. Most of the cities in Australia are on the coast, with a few being inland in the Outback. We have compiled a list of the top 5  Australian cities to live in.

Perth

Perth is known for being the largest city in Western Australia, and is also the most isolated capital in the world. In fact, its city centre is closer to Indonesia than Sydney! The area has been settled by indigenous people for as long as 45,000 years. The city is known as the City of Lights, and is the sunniest capital in the world. Its 19 beaches are pristine and great to visit all year-round.

  • Pros: Perth offers one of the nicest climates in the entire country. Its winters are mild, and summers are not overly hot. It also has amazing beaches, beautiful mountains, and great wineries. It's a vibrant, active city for all ages.

  • Cons: Perth is quite expensive. Rent can be higher than in other cities. It's also rather isolated from the rest of the country, being a four to five-hour flight away from Sydney.

Brisbane

Brisbane is known for many things, including its wildlife. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers visitors the chance to get up close with the fluffy creatures. The Australian Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin is within the city limits and makes for a fabulous day out.

  • Pros: Brisbane is a warm, sunny city. Winter is very mild, and many people still swim in the sea throughout the season. The property prices are reasonable, and the education system is great. Brisbane is a good choice for families wanting to move to Australia from the UK.

  • Cons: The flip side to warm winters is hot summers. It's not uncommon for Brisbane summers to reach above 30 deg celsius with high humidity. It also has no daylight savings time, unlike the rest of Australia, which can make national communication a bit confusing.

Sydney

Sydney is the beating heart of Australia. It's a busy, bustling place and the most populated city in the country. Its nickname, the Emerald City, comes from a famous play written and performed at the famous Sydney Opera House. Other landmarks include Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge

  • Pros: Sydney is on the same coast as Brisbane and has similar weather. Warm winters give way to warmer summers, perfect for spending time on the city's numerous beautiful beaches. Sydney also has the dole system, so if you do find yourself in a rough patch the government has a few backup plans to help you through. The salaries are good, and there is much to do in and around the city.

  • Cons: The main issue with Sydney is the cost of living. Prices are increasing, and although salaries are good, you may find your budget a bit stretched. Since Sydney is one of Australia's most popular cities, it's also pretty crowded.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a place of culture, sports, cafe-lined streets, and hidden gems. Its street markets sell all sorts of goods from all sorts of cultures, often running late into the night. Glittering lights spill out onto sidewalks from clubs, restaurants, and theatres. The sports scene is just as big as the culture scene, with Melbourne being the home of “Aussie Rules Football”.

  • Pros: Melbourne is known as the country's cultural capital -  unless you ask a Sydney resident, that is! It has a large immigrant population and, as a result, the melting pot of cultures gives rise to amazing food, theatre, sports, and venues.

  • Cons: Melbourne can get colder than other Aussie cities. It is well known that you can experience all four seasons in one day, so take an umbrella and jumper wherever you go. The beaches are not as great as in other Australian cities, especially in winter.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a place of laid-back beach lifestyles, great restaurants, and entertaining activities. It's a great choice for families, offering a well-rounded experience. It's not as expensive as other Australian cities, is slightly more spread out, and offers a more rural feel.

  • Pros: Adelaide is known as Australia's food and drink capital. Restaurants abound, and you can find pretty much any cuisine that tickles your taste buds. Some of the outlying suburbs offer affordable living, making it a great choice if buying a house is on your mind. The work/life balance in Adelaide is good too. Most employers believe in their employees living a full life and not spending every minute at work. This is great for ex-pats who want to experience all the city has to offer, and really enjoy their lives in Australia.

  • Cons: The public transport in Adelaide may be a bit slow. This can be an issue because Adelaide is more spread out than other cities, and getting anywhere takes longer. Living expenses in the city aren't cheap, especially if you eat out a lot, or visit tourist attractions.

Find a home

Finding a home in Australia will depend on your budget. Once you have found a job, you’ll know where to look for a home. Both buying and renting are good options, especially if you aren't yet sure of your exact requirements. Living in a major city will be more expensive than a rural area, as are taxes and levies. The most important things to remember when looking for a home in Australia are:

  • Work with a reliable agent. Working through a professional will cut out many of the hassles.

  • Look at older properties. Newer isn't always better. Older homes have charm and are sometimes more affordable.

  • Location, location, location. Choose your area according to your budget. A tiny house in the centre of Sydney can cost the same as a big spacious house in the outlying areas.

  • Forewarned is forearmed. Be sure that you know all the costs involved in buying or renting a house in Australia before you even begin to look.

Open a bank account

Opening a bank account is essential. There are several banks to choose from, but they all have the same requirements. Bank accounts are needed to pay rent, receive salaries, own a cheque or credit card, and pretty much every other financial transaction you need to make.

You will need:

  • Your passport

  • Phone number

  • Tax File Number

  • Postal address in Australia

You can open a savings account and an everyday account. These will give you the right to a credit card as well. You can transfer your money from your old account to your Australian one via bank-to-bank transfer, or an international transfer platform, like WorldRemit. A bank may charge more than a transfer platform.

WorldRemit is a quick and safe way to transfer money internationally. There are several options to move money, including bank-to-bank transfers and cash pickups. Whatever you choose, you can be assured that your money will travel safely, and costs will remain low. WorldRemit is licensed by governments in many countries and is the top choice for international money transfers.

Get Health insurance

Health insurance in Australia is a must. The government recommends that everyone signs up for it as soon as possible. Although health care is free in Aus, it is focused on Australian citizens. If you are over on a visa,, you may find yourself waiting a long time for health appointments. Health insurance will allow you to use the private health system, which will speed things along, while giving you access to the best facilities, wider treatment options, and faster appointment times. National health insurance or Medicare doesn't cover:

  • Ambulances

  • Private hospitals

  • Cosmetic procedures

  • Dental appointments and treatments

  • Optical and hearing aids

  • Physiotherapy and occupational therapy

  • Home nursing

To get health insurance in Australia, visit the government website. There is a comprehensive list of all private healthcare insurers in the country. Be sure to go through a reputable, listed company. You can expect to pay about $125.55 and $188.33 per month for a premium option.

Check the cost of living

The cost of living in Australia will depend on where you want to live, and what sort of lifestyle you want to follow. It is one of the more expensive countries in the world to live in, ranking about 14th for the highest cost of living in the world.  

The average cost of living is about $1,322.33 per month, excluding rent. You can expect to pay about $1,190 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a city. This may feel expensive, but you need to offset them with the average salary, which is around $4000 a month.

To take a more in-depth dive into the cost of living in Australia's cities, have a look at our blog here.

Essential Checklist to move to Australia

To make sure that you don't miss anything when moving to Australia, we have created an essential checklist.

  1. Before you move to Australia:

  • Up-to-date passport

  • Visa

  • Drivers licence

  • Find a migration agent

  • Job application

  • Birth certificate

  • ID

  • Moving company

  • Transfer all prescriptions

  • Clear all outstanding debts

  • Set up a place to live initially

  • Get all pets immunised

  • Set up a school if you have kids

  • Book plane tickets

2. When you get there:

  • Get a bank account

  • Set up a money transfer

  • Get a bank code number

  • Set up private health care

  • Buy a mobile phone

  • Hire a car

  • Get a tax file number

  • Look for long term accommodation

Moving to Australia from the UK or any other country involves a lot of detail, but is totally within your grasp. Now that you have all the info that you need, you can take the first steps toward an amazing adventure. Remember to evaluate your skills, experience, and career choice before you begin the process in order to land the best job possible. Once everything is done, all that's left is to enjoy the sunny, beach-going lifestyle, breathe in the culture, and explore everything that Australia has to offer.

WorldRemit has other practical guides for living and immigrating abroad. Have a look at our blogs here.

Moving to Australia: FAQs

Can I move to Australia without a job?

Yes. Although it is a much better idea to have a job lined up, you can still get a visa based on your eligibility. Have a look at your points score on the Australian point system to see how likely a visa application is to be granted.

How much money do I need to immigrate to Australia?

That depends on your visa. Skilled migration visas have no financial restrictions. If you are looking at getting a business investment visa you need to have at least 2.5 million AUS dollars. You will need to be able to prove that you can support yourself for the first few months while you are in the country, and not be a drain on the economy. It's also worth noticing that hiring a migration company, a moving company, getting visas, and renting a new house all cost money, and can be quite expensive.

How much do Australian visas cost?

Visa prices change according to several factors. That being said, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 AUD for your visa per person. To keep up to date have a look at the Australian Government visa page.

This communication is intended for marketing purposes only and does not constitute or provide legal, tax, investment or financial planning related advice.

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