Moving to Australia Guide

Welcome to the Moving to Australia Guide

This site is a free, practical guide for anyone planning to move to Australia — from the first visa application to your first week on the ground. You will find plain-English walkthroughs of the skilled migration points test, visa costs (updated for the roughly 25% fee rise on 1 July 2026), renting with no local history, opening bank accounts, getting a TFN, Medicare enrolment, tax, driving, and how the major cities really compare.

Who is it for? Skilled professionals applying for 189, 190 and 491 visas, families weighing the full cost of relocation, students and working holiday makers, and anyone who wants an honest budget before they commit. Figures are current for 2025–26 and 2026–27, and where prices vary by state or provider we say so — always confirm against official sources like the Department of Home Affairs and the ATO.

How to use the guides: start with the visas overview to pick your pathway, then cost of moving to build your budget, then first week for the arrival checklist. Use the city comparison before you choose where to live, and the rental, banking and tax guides once you land.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to move to Australia?

A single person should budget roughly AUD $10,000–$20,000 including visa, flights, bond and setup; a family of four typically needs AUD $30,000–$50,000. Since 1 July 2026, skilled visa fees alone are about $6,135–$6,140 for the primary applicant, and you should hold at least three months of living expenses as a buffer.

Can I get Medicare when I arrive?

It depends on your visa. Permanent residents and most skilled visa holders (189, 190 and 491) can enrol in Medicare. Temporary visa holders such as students (500), working holiday makers (417/462) and visitors (600) generally cannot and must hold private health cover — students need Overseas Student Health Cover as a visa condition.

Do I need a job offer before I move?

No — the skilled migration points test does not require a job offer, and you can search once you arrive. For employer-sponsored visas (482 and 186) you do need sponsorship first. Having an offer helps with rental applications and bank account setup, but it is not a requirement for skilled visas.

What is the fastest way to open a bank account?

Open it online before you arrive (all major banks allow this), then activate it in a branch with your passport and visa once you land. Apply for a TFN at the same time — interest earned on accounts without a TFN is taxed at the top marginal rate.

Do I pay tax on overseas income after moving?

Once you are an Australian tax resident, you generally declare worldwide income and assets. New arrivals are usually taxed from their arrival date; the tax-free threshold is $18,200, and the Medicare Levy (2%) applies to most residents. See the tax guide for the full picture and get professional advice if you have overseas assets.

How long does a skilled visa take?

Processing times vary by visa and occupation. Skilled visas (189, 190 and 491) typically take 6–14 months after lodgement, while working holiday and visitor visas can be granted in days or weeks. The Department of Home Affairs publishes rolling processing-time data for each visa — check it before you commit to a start date.