Moving to a new country can be an incredibly exciting and fulfilling experience, opening doors to new adventures and opportunities. Australia, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and bustling urban centres, stands out as a top destination for many individuals looking to make a move abroad.
However, understanding how to move to Australia goes far beyond simply throwing your belongings into suitcases and hopping on a plane. To successfully transition to Australia, there's the hefty process of understanding visa regulations and familiarizing oneself with the country's healthcare system among other crucial considerations.
Throughout this comprehensive guide, we are here to provide you with a detailed roadmap that covers all the essential steps involved in moving to Australia.
Whether you are a skilled professional seeking new career prospects, a student aspiring to pursue your education in a dynamic environment, or someone simply yearning for a change of scenery, this guide has been crafted to cater to your specific needs and queries.
What you'll find in this article:
Choosing the Best City in Australia for Expats
How to Move to Australia: Australian Visas and Immigration
Before you can start your Australian adventure, you'll need the right visa. Australia offers a range of visas, each tailored to different needs and circumstances.
Whether you're planning to work, study, or retire in Australia, there's a visa for you. But, navigating the Australian immigration system can be complex. It's crucial to understand the requirements and processes involved. This will help ensure a smooth transition to your new life down under.
Types of Australian Visas
There are several types of Australian visas. These include skilled visas, student visas, family visas, and retirement visas. Each visa type has its own set of requirements and conditions. You can find out more info on the specific visas mentioned below here
Skilled visas are for individuals who have skills in demand in Australia.
Student visas allow you to study in Australia.
Family visas are for those with family members already living in Australia.
Retirement visas are for those who want to spend their retirement years in Australia.
The Skilled Occupation List
If you're applying for a skilled visa, you'll need to check the Skilled Occupation List.
This list outlines the professions in demand in Australia. If your profession is on the list, you may be eligible for a skilled visa.
While you can search for specific skilled occupations, here are the highest in demand jobs in Australia in 2024:
Civil Engineer.
Plumber.
Registered Nurse.
Dentist.
Psychologist.
Construction Manager.
Applying for an Australian Visa
Applying for an Australian visa involves several steps.
First, you'll need to determine the right visa for your circumstances.
Next, gather all the necessary documents for your application.
This typically includes proof of identity, proof of skills or qualifications, and health and character checks.
Finally, submit your application and wait for the decision.
Remember, it's important to be truthful and thorough in your application. Any inaccuracies or omissions could lead to delays or even visa refusal. You can learn more about the visa requirements and documents needed for each Australian visa here.
Preparing for the Big Move
Once your visa is sorted, it's time to prepare for your relocation to the Land Down Under. This involves important aspects such as finding the best international moving company, packing, finding a place to stay in Australia and doing all the necessary research needed before moving to Australia.
Finding the Right Shipping Company
Parting way with your favourite items isn't always easy, but you need to consider the cost of shipping, especially if you're moving to Australia from the UK. The distance can definitely raise the cost and you could end up paying a fortune instead of buying everything new at your end destination.
However, it is best to contact international moving companies and get an estimate moving quote before you decide. Here are a few things to consider before choosing your relocation company:
Consider cost, but be wary of super low costs that could be scams.
Check testimonials and reviews on Trustpilot and Google My Business from the most recent clients.
Declutter as much as possible to reduce your costs.
Managing Your Finances Before Departure
Before you leave, make sure your finances are in order. This includes closing any unnecessary accounts and settling any outstanding debts. You should also research the cost of living in Australia to help you budget for your new life. You'll find several times to help you save on your overseas relocation in our blog post: 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Overseas Relocation.
Choosing the Best City in Australia for Expats
If you're not relocating to Australia with a job, then you're probably free to choose where to live in Australia. It is best to do your research in advance and find the city that meets your needs. Australia offers several exciting places to live for expats, but it will highly depend on your needs and budget. First, you should consider the following criteria:
Moving with family: If you're relocating with your family, you choose a family-friendly city with good education, quality of life, access to healthcare, leisure activities and affordable housing.
Possible considerations could be: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra and Darwin
Cities with vast expat communities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Budget-Friendly cities: Hobart, Adelaide and Perth have a low cost of living in comparison to Sydney and Melbourne and could be affordable options for relocating on a budget.
Setting Up in Australia
Once you've landed Down Under, it's time to start setting up your new life. This involves finding a place to live, opening a bank account, and understanding the healthcare system.
It might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information, you'll be settled in no time.
Finding a Place to Live
Finding a place to live is one of the first things you'll need to do. Australia has a wide range of accommodation options, from city apartments to suburban houses. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and work location when choosing where to live.
Below are several websites you can browse to find rental options:
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Australia is a straightforward process. You'll need to provide identification and proof of address. Most banks offer accounts specifically for new arrivals, making the process even easier.
Here are a few banks that will be quite easy to open a bank account:
HSBC Expat
ME Bank
Revolut - Digital Bank
Wise - Digital Bank
Macquarie Bank - Digital Bank
Living in Australia
Living in Australia is a unique experience, filled with stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and a laid-back lifestyle. From the bustling cities to the quiet outback, there's something for everyone. However, it's important to understand the cost of living, the best places to live, and the local culture and lifestyle.
Cost of Living in Australia vs UK
The cost of living in Australia can be higher than in the UK. For example, rent prices are 5.91% higher in Australia than in the UK. However, groceries are 2.83% cheaper in Australia.
Here's a quick comparison:
Rent Prices: Australia is 5.91% more expensive
Restaurant Prices: Australia is 9.91% cheaper
Groceries Prices: Australia is 2.83% cheaper
While prices can vary heavily from one city to another, here's a rough estimate of the main expenses to help you budget for your relocation to Australia:
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost an average of £1,180 per month.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around £13.5.
A monthly transportation pass will cost an average of £88.
Healthcare System in Australia
Australia has a world-class healthcare system, known as Medicare. It provides free or subsidized treatment by health professionals and free treatment and accommodation in public hospitals. However, it's important to note that not all services are covered.
For example, Medicare does not cover:
Private patient hospital costs
Medical and hospital costs incurred overseas
Medical services which are not clinically necessary
Surgery solely for cosmetic reasons
It's recommended to take out private health insurance to cover these and other potential costs.
Australian Culture and Lifestyle
Australian culture is a blend of indigenous heritage, British traditions, and multicultural influences. Australians are known for their friendly and laid-back nature.
There are also lots of fun outdoor activities that are highly popular in Australia such as surfing, skateboarding, barbecuing and camping. Australia also has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous festivals, galleries, and live music events throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Australia is a big step, but it can be a rewarding one. To help you enjoy your new journey, building a social network is key. While it can take time, joining local clubs, participating in community events, and volunteering for local organizations can help you come a long way and meet new people faster.
Australians are friendly, welcoming and open to new friendships which will make your stay in this beautiful country a whole lot easier. Be sure to take a look at our guide to moving abroad to help you wrap your head around the whole process and you'll be ready to jet, set and go!
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