Moving to Australia: your guide to a successful move Down Under

For 2024-25, Australia will issue

185,000 work visas

Source: the Australia Department of Home Affairs

How to get an Australian visa: everything you need to know about entry requirements

To get an Australian visa, you must first apply for permission, detailing how long you wish to stay and your reason for moving. The visa process can be complex and take months or years. The easiest way to get a visa is by having a desirable professional skill or getting sponsorship from a family member.

Talk to a registered Australian migration agent

You can choose the best migration agent in Australia by ensuring they are registered with the Australian Office of Migration Registration Authority (MARA). Incorrect advice may damage your application. Since gaining entry to Australia is complex, a registered migration agent can guide you through each stage of your visa application, including your eligibility, likelihood of acceptance, and probable wait times.

Migration agents can be particularly beneficial when appealing a rejected application or suggesting alternative entry options. Hiring costs vary depending on individual circumstances and which visa type you wish to apply for, so do research thoroughly.

How much do Australian visas cost as of 2025?

Australian visa costs vary, with some free and others reaching as high as AU$10,000. Below are some of the most common Australian visas and their base application cost. However, check the Australian Home Affairs website before applying, as prices can change, and your particular circumstances might mean you're exempt from visa application charges.

Working and getting a job in Australia

With almost four hundred thousand job vacancies across Australia, expats have ample opportunities to land a job. Your best chance is to obtain sponsorship from an Australian employer for an in-demand role as part of the country's Skilled Migration Program. Work experience is often valued over university or college qualifications, so don't worry if you don't have a degree.

Plus, if your profession isn't currently in demand, Australia offers a whopping 43 working visas covering everything from business owner and investor visas to working holiday and religious worker visas. There's bound to be one that suits your situation!

Tips for job hunting in Australia

Before job hunting in Australia, check your visa's working conditions. Some visas limit the number of hours you can work, whether you can work full-time, and how long you can stay with one employer. Review your working visa's specific terms and conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Next, research Australia's biggest employers and industries to determine where your skills fit best. The government website Job Outlook Australia is an excellent resource for job statistics, including any required training, average pay, demographics and how in-demand the role is.

Then, make several CV versions to highlight different aspects of your employability. For example, one resume might emphasise technical abilities and experience when applying for a job in IT. In contrast, you might highlight your customer-facing skills for a role in sales.

Utilise popular job listing websites like Seek, Indeed and CareerOne, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn, a social media platform designed for professionals.

Further, job-seeking searching options include:

• Attending networking social events and career fairs to build connections.
• Displaying your skills for free by offering to volunteer or take up an internship.
• Registering with recruitment agencies who can liaise with employers on your behalf.
• Checking your desired employer's website for vacancies. If you don't see any, email them your resume anyway!

Stand out from the competition by researching standard Australian resume layouts, then write a well-crafted cover letter highlighting your skills, suitability for the role, and desire to go the extra mile. Remember to learn as much as you can about the company first.

Finding a job in a competitive market requires persistence and resilience — keep applying and making connections, and you'll land your dream Aussie job in no time!

How much money do you need in the bank to move to Australia?

There is no set minimum or maximum amount you need in your bank account to apply for an Australian visa. However, on arrival, Australian customs may ask for proof of AU$5,000 in the form of a bank statement to show you can support yourself during your first weeks and months in the country.

Renting vs. buying a property in Australia

Once you've chosen an area of Australia to settle, it's time to decide whether to buy or rent. Renting is an excellent way to acclimate to your new surroundings before committing to a large purchase. After all, if you discover Australia isn't suitable for you and your family, you may wish to return home. On the other hand, buying lets you build roots immediately with a piece of land that's all yours.

And remember to book temporary accommodation at a local hotel or Airbnb so you have a place to stay while house hunting!

Renting property in Australia

Before arriving in Australia, conduct online research into your chosen area. Consider house prices, your work commute, public transport, schools, crime rates, parks and local amenities. Popular letting websites such as Realestate, Rent and Property are excellent resources.

Avoid picking a home based only on images, video and text. Instead, arrange to see it in person. You'll get a better feel for the property and can ask the letting agent for further information.

Top tip: use Realestate.com.au's suburb searcher tool to explore each Australian state's most popular residential areas. It also offers price trends, the number and types of homes leased, and other handy property market insights.

Once you pick a property, complete the application form. Other people will likely apply, so fill it out quickly. You'll need to provide proof of income and ID (a passport, driver's licence, birth certificate, etc.), so ensure these are easily accessible. The estate agent will also ask for personal and rental references to verify your character and suitability. Add a cover letter about yourself and why you like the property. It adds a personal touch to your application, helping you stand out from the competition.

Before moving in, you must sign a rental contract (lease). Usually, leases last a year and include details on your responsibilities as a tenant, such as paying for utilities, paying a bond (deposit) and regulations if you have pets. It should also include your landlord's contact details and duties like repairs and health and safety considerations. Read your rental contract carefully and request a copy. 

Buying a house in Australia

Start by working out your finances to ensure you can afford a mortgage — remember you'll need a deposit, typically 20% of your desired home's price. Then, check your credit score on sites like Experian, Equifax and Illion, which can assess your mortgage acceptance likelihood and offer tips to improve your score.

Next, apply for a pre-approved home loan from a few banks. Trusted institutions include the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation and the National Australia Bank Limited. Pre-approval gives you an idea of what you can afford and the interest rates you might be offered. Consider using a mortgage broker to help liaise with the banks on your behalf for the best rates.

View as many houses as possible via popular property sites like Realestate.com.au and OntheMarket.com. Once you find the ideal home for your family, make a bid. If needed, a buyer's advocate can help with negotiations. If your offer is accepted, you and the seller will sign a Contract of Sale, which you should read carefully. If you have any doubts about its contents, consult a conveyancing solicitor.

Next, hire professionals to conduct a building inspection. Missing this step could be costly in years to come. Finally, make an official offer on the home, complete your loan agreement with your bank, and let your conveyancing solicitor handle the legal aspects.

The minimum wage in Australia is

AU$23.23 per hour

Source: Wage Indicator

How much money do you need to move to Australia?

The amount you need to move to Australia varies. Consider expenses like visa fees, healthcare, accommodation, daily living costs and international removal costs. Research thoroughly and budget for a comfortable transition.

Below, we provide further information about these potential expenses:

Visa application costs:

Depending on the type of visa you opt for, there may be associated application fees. While some, such as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa, are free, others, like the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa, can cost up to AU$10,000.

There are twenty-two subclasses of working and skilled Australian visas, each with its own fees, including base charges, additional applicant charges, a temporary application charge and a non-internet application charge if you don't apply online.

Flights:

The cost of flights to Australia depends on your departure location, the time of year, flight class and the airline. International flights can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and Flights Finder for the best deals.

Temporary accommodation:

Buying a house is a huge commitment, especially when you've only recently moved to the country. Instead, test the waters by renting a property first. After all, you might decide to try living somewhere else in Australia or that you miss home and want to return.

Look for the perfect pitstop on Real Estate, Rent or Property. Housing costs vary dramatically depending on the region and accommodation type, with Melbourne ranking the cheapest due to an average rental cost of AU$507 per week and Canberra the most expensive, costing roughly AU$690 per week.

Settling in costs:

Monthly living expenses include groceries, utilities, transportation, and other day-to-day costs, which vary between cities and regions. Keep aside enough cash for job training costs, unexpected household items, car rental and general administration fees.

How to open an Australian bank account as an expat

To open an Australian bank account as an expat, visit a few brick-and-mortar banks in your new neighbourhood and do some online comparisons. The most popular Australian banks are known as "The Big Four" — Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) and National Australia Bank.

Here are some examples of common Australian bank accounts:

Transaction account: for receiving wages and paying for everyday necessities like bills, groceries, petrol, etc. Services you can access with this type of account include ATM withdrawals and account transfers.

Savings account: for storing spare money to use at a later date. These accounts have higher interest rates than transaction accounts so that you can earn more on top of your savings.

Term deposits: savings accounts that usually earn higher interest than regular savings accounts on the provision they are untouched for a fixed amount of time (1+ years).

To open an account, you must provide identification such as an Australian driver's licence, birth certificate or passport. 

Is it expensive to live in Australia?

It is expensive to live in Australia, although the average cost of living will vary significantly depending on the city or region you move to, your lifestyle, and your family size. Fortunately, competitive salaries offset this, including a minimum wage of AU$23.23 (£12.23) per hour for adults over 21 — the second highest in the world!

Before making any decisions, research the regions you're interested in, work out your earnings and outgoings and create a budget. The Australian government provides cost of living estimates on its official website.

Here are some more important points to consider when calculating the cost of moving to Australia:

• Housing: rental prices and property costs vary across cities and regions. Sydney and Canberra are on the higher side, with Perth and Adelaide relatively more affordable. The average cost of owning a home in Australia is currently $912,700 while renting costs $2,600.
• Utilities and bills: conduct thorough research into how much your energy bills, such as electricity, gas and water, will cost using comparison websites like Compare the Market and the Australian government website, Energy Made Easy.
• Transportation: according to finder.com, the average Australian spends around $122 per week on commuting, which is around $5,388 per year for the average full-time employee. Public transport is generally cheaper than driving, so consider ditching your car — it also helps the environment!
• Food: based on the world's largest living database, Numbeo, an average three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Australia is $120. Alternatively, a litre of milk and a loaf of white bread will set you back $6.64 in Sydney, $6.23 in Melbourne, $6.93 in Perth, and $6.86 in Adelaide.
• Healthcare: Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare, covers most medical services for free or at a low cost. Many residents supplement Medicare with private health insurance, which can vary in price at an average of $166 per month for a single person.

Practical advice from expats: what is it like to live in Australia?

Moving to Australia is a dream for many; full of sunshine, friendly locals, stunning landscapes and adventures. So, what better way to understand the true expat experience than by asking some brand new immigrants who used our services what to do before moving to Australia? Here is what they had to share about their new lives Down Under:

UK expats achieve dream life Down Under with the help of a MoveCube®

Nick, Jody and family, aka The Great Emigrate on YouTube, recently moved from the UK to Brisbane, Australia. Watch as they welcome the safe arrival of their belongings in a MoveCube®, unload it, and discuss their entire Seven Seas Worldwide removal experience.

The UK nationals cover how helpful our drivers were in both countries, their site visit, total costs, and much more.

From generating a free quote to being reunited with their belongings, The Great Emigrate enjoyed an end-to-end removal experience thanks to our expert team and global network of depots.

How international removals to Australia work

Seven Seas Worldwide has shipped home removals worldwide for over 25 years. From Perth to the Gold Coast, we'll safely ship furniture, boxes, bags, bicycles and more wherever you settle in Australia. Our knowledgeable team, free packing supplies, complimentary storage and multilingual customer service set us apart from other international removals companies.

What is the MoveCube® moving pod?

Our sturdy moving pod, the MoveCube®, acts as your own dedicated shipping container. It is delivered to your door for you to fill with household goods, such as kitchen appliances, furniture, sports equipment, boxes, bags and more!

To help you pack your belongings securely, each MoveCube® order comes with a free Starter Pack containing a measuring tape, a box cutter, a marker pen, a roll of parcel tape, and a tape dispenser. Plus, three plastic sheets you can lay on the floor to work out what will fit inside a Large, Medium or Small MoveCube®.

You can order as many MoveCubes® as needed to suit the size of your removal. Please note that if you order more than one MoveCube®, they may arrive on separate days. Start your exciting overseas adventure today with a free instant quote and get a transparent cost breakdown of the entire shipping to Australia process.

Another benefit of using our international removal service is that we handle the Australian customs process. However, there are a few things you should be aware of when moving household items to Australia.

• Like all countries, Australia has a list of banned items to protect its people and environment. Check our Prohibited Goods page before you pack to avoid delays or fines.
• Ensure all your belongings are clean and dry before packing, especially outdoor clothing, garden furniture and sports equipment. You will incur fines and delays if Australian quarantine officials find dirt or organic matter on the items in your removals shipment. Shoes must also be clean and dry and placed at the front of your MoveCube® for easy inspection.
• Complete all your online documents and ensure your inventory packing list accurately matches what you have packed in your MoveCube®.
• Upload scans of your passport clearly showing the picture and signature pages.
• Ensure any wood, animal products or plant life and their derivatives you are shipping are not endangered as designated by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

Please reference our Importing into Australia page and Australian customs declaration B534 form guide for a full breakdown of the Australian customs process.

10 surprising facts about Australia

Here are 10 surprising facts about Australia you might not know, from natural wonders to cultural highlights. The Land of Oz is a unique country with many interesting and quirky features.

1. Australia is home to several pink-coloured lakes, including Lake Hillier in Western Australia. The cause is believed to be a combination of high salt concentration and blush-hued algae.
2. The Dingo Fence is the longest in the world, stretching over 5,600 kilometres (3,480 miles)! It was initially built to keep dingoes away from farmland and serves various agricultural purposes.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef, is the world's largest coral reef system. The breathtaking natural wonder is so vast it can be seen from space!
4. Melbourne, known for its multiculturalism, has the largest Greek population of any city outside of Athens.
5. The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland is considered the world's oldest tropical rainforest at around 180 million years old, which is older than the Amazon Rainforest.
6. Australia is the home to iconic animal species not found anywhere else on Earth, including kangaroos, koalas, platypuses and wombats.
7. Australia is often called the "island continent" since it's the world's largest island and smallest continent.
8. "The Outback" makes up most of the country — a remote and arid region with sparse population density, home to unique landscapes and wildlife.
9. Australia is home to the world's longest golf course, Nullarbor Links, spanning over 1,365 kilometres (848 miles) across the Nullarbor Plain.
10. While it has a rich geological history, Australia is the only continent without active volcanoes.