- Serhat Ahmed
Without experience of having lived abroad, I thought it would be hard to get to know other expats. But not with InterNations.
Planning a move to Australia? This guide breaks down what you need to know—from the basics of getting a visa to what daily life is like once you’re there. Many expats choose Australia for its solid healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
If you already have a job offer, relocating is usually straightforward. You’ll need to apply for a relevant work visa. There’s also a demand for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, which can improve your chances. The following sections cover each step in more detail.
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A Comprehensive Guide on Relocating to Australia
There is plenty an expat needs to prepare for when it comes to moving and shipping to, and storing their household goods in, Australia. For example, there are strict limitations on the items you can bring into the country duty-free. The personal items you bring cannot exceed a total value of 900 AUD (650 USD), and they must have been owned and used for at least a year. No more than 2.25 liters of alcohol is allowed to enter the country per traveler, and only 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of tobacco products can be brought in per person aged 18 years or older.
When it comes to vaccinations required for Australia, the main one to make sure you have is the yellow fever vaccine. This is mandatory for anyone coming to Australia from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Routine vaccinations are recommended too, such as the measles vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and yearly flu shot. Specific health requirements and medical examinations will be necessary too depending on your age, the type of visa you apply for, and country you are coming from. Learn more in this section of our guide.
If you intend on moving to Australia with pets, we also detail how you must first know the group your cat or dog falls under: 1, 2, or 3. Group 1 are dogs and cats coming from New Zealand, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island. These pets will not require an import permit when migrating. Cats and dogs that fall under group 2 and 3 will require an import permit. These are dogs and cats that come from approved rabies-free countries, and approved countries where rabies is absent or well-controlled, respectively.
The Guide to Visa Types and Work Permit Requirements
Good news for professional expats who may be wondering how to get an Australian visa and work permit: there are plenty of visa types to choose from. It’s just a matter of figuring out which visa is best suited for you and your particular employment situation. You can also book a phone call with our Australian immigration experts. They will do all the research on your behalf, taking your doubts away and guiding you through the online visa application process to increase your chances of success.
The country’s visa requirements depend on the type of professional work permit you are applying for. Some of the most common factors to meet in the visa application process include needing a competent level of English language skill, meeting Australia’s health and character requirements, and holding an eligible job or profession.
If you are a business owner or investor, you must also hold sufficient funds, assets, or have a minimum net value to qualify for the prestigious Business Talent visa. This is one of several visas that is equal to permanent residency, but the visa cost for this permit is over 7,000 AUD (5,100 USD). Read this section for more detailed information.
Read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Australia
Everything You Need to Know About Finding a New Home
In this section of the guide, we look at accommodation in Australian cities, which is famously expensive whatever type of house you choose. Average rent prices in the capital, Sydney, hit 600 AUD (430 USD) per week in the beginning of 2020. The most expensive city to buy in is also Sydney, with the median house price being 995,000 AUD (725,000 USD).
Great housing is also difficult to secure in Australia, as the housing market is incredibly competitive. You need to know how to rent or buy a house as a foreigner before you even start looking. For instance, you must first become familiar with the country’s 100-point check system. This is an identification system adopted by the government which many landlords and real estate agents use. Many will not rent to tenants who do not meet the 100-point criteria. Learn what this means in this section of our guide.
When you have finally settled into your new dwelling, you can set up your services such as gas, electricity, and water. The good news is that setting up utilities in Australia, including phone and internet service, is not nearly as difficult.
Connect with like-minded expatriates
Discover our welcoming community of expats! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new friends. Attend online and in-person events that bring global minds together.
Health Insurance and the Healthcare System of Australia Explained
Understanding the public healthcare system (known as Medicare) and health insurance in Australia is an essential step to your international relocation. One of the first things to note is that the country’s healthcare system is a hybrid system of both private and public schemes. Health insurance in Australia is part of the private sector. More than 50% of the population purchase private insurance. This is because the Medicare health insurance card does not cover everything.
This section also covers the practicalities of healthcare here. When you know how to find a doctor in Australia, being attended to should happen quickly if you live in a major city or capital. In rural areas, you may have to travel some distance to the nearest hospital. To see a specialist, you will have to be referred to one by your general practitioner (GP) if you are a public patient. If you are a private patient, you are free to schedule your appointment with a specialist.
Should you find yourself pregnant while abroad, giving birth in Australia has many benefits. Your child will gain Australian citizenship as long as you are an expat with permanent residency status. Otherwise, your child will receive the same visa status as you (e.g., temporary residence if you are on a Temporary Work visa). We explore more at the bottom section of this guide.
Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Australia
Learn More About the Education System in Australia
Thinking about education in Australia? This overview outlines the key facts—from how the school system works to what options are available for expat families. Education is compulsory from age 6 to 16, with public, private, and international schools to choose from.
Public schools are government-funded and generally offer a good standard of education, though spaces can be limited for temporary visa holders. Private and international schools are widely available, especially in major cities, but they come with higher fees. Universities in Australia are well-regarded globally, with many programs taught in English. The next sections explain the structure, costs, and enrollment process in more detail.
Read our complete guide on international schools & education in Australia
Talk to other international parents with young children in Australia
Discover our welcoming community of expats! You’ll find many ways to network, socialize, and make new friends. Attend online and in-person events that bring global minds together.
See all upcoming events for expats in Australia
Our Global Partners
- Serhat Ahmed
Without experience of having lived abroad, I thought it would be hard to get to know other expats. But not with InterNations.
- Lotta Koskinen
When I first attended the Sydney Bar night I was really nervous. But everyone welcomed me and I quickly felt as part of the community.
