Relocating from the UAE to Australia - 5 things to consider

Moving Tips
Moving to Australia
International Relocation
Moving from the UAE

Published
December 28th, 2023

Written By 
Baquer Hussain

Baquer is a Senior Consultant for Residential Sales based in our Middle East service hub in Dubai, UAE.
 
Image of blog author, Baquer Hussain
  
Baquer is a Senior Consultant for Residential Sales at Crown Dubai, UAE. He has over 15 years of experience in the Moving Industry and hails from India. 

During his time with Crown, he has assisted hundreds of customers in planning their moves and relocating to various destinations worldwide. 
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Are you preparing for an international relocation from the UAE to Australia? 


Navigating the move to a new country demands meticulous planning, and having the right information is essential for a seamless transition.

In this guide, Baquer Hussain, a Residential Sales Consultant from Crown Relocations, shares crucial insights to address five commonly asked questions about relocating to Australia.

From transit times to customs duties and shipping vehicles, we've got you covered.
  

1. Transit times for Sea Shipments to Australia


You should plan for a delivery timeframe of 9 to 11 weeks for a shipment to reach your new home. From Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Crown offers sailing from Jebel Ali to the ports of Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Fremantle - depending on your final destination.

The door-to-door transit times include:

  • Time at sea: 35-45 days from port to port.
  • 3 to 5 working days in the UAE and 14-15 working days in Australia      for quarantine inspection and customs clearance.
  • Loading, unloading, and final delivery.

A young boy rides on his fathers back at allett Cove, South Australia
  

2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises


At Crown Relocations, we strive to provide comprehensive quotations for international moves. However, it's important to be aware of potential additional costs at your destination. Some typical examples include:

Oversized/Heavy Furniture: Assess whether items fit and can be maneuvered easily in your new home, especially upstairs. Additional costs may apply for dismantling and reassembly or access via external windows. 

Reassembly: Your delivery crew will reassemble straightforward items such as beds and tables. However, more complicated items and flat-pack furniture may require a handyman, incurring extra costs. 

If you have a final delivery address at the time of enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will work with you to discuss the details and provide tailored solutions to avoid surprises or unexpected expenses. 
  

3. Customs Duties on Household Goods


If you are a first-time migrant or returning Australian resident, you’re entitled to bring personal and household effects duty and tax-free, if you have owned and used them for over 12 months before departure for Australia. However, certain items, such as vehicles, caravans, aircraft, boats, and trailers, are excluded.

Important Note: This is not applicable for students or individuals on short-term or bridging visas. 

However, certain items are excluded from the definition of “personal and household effects” and are subject to other requirements. These include motor vehicles, caravans, aircraft, boats and trailers. 

Ariel view of houses close to a harbour in Australia
  

4. Cleaning and Preparing your Personal Effects for Shipment to Australia


Upon arrival in Australia, your personal effects will undergo a thorough assessment by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry to address potential biosecurity concerns. The department carefully reviews both the Crown Relocations packing list and your completed B534 form to determine which items require inspection.

Quarantine officers will focus their attention on items with origins from, or contact with, animals, plants (including wood), water, food, or soil. Items typically used outdoors or for pets fall into this category. Therefore, it's crucial to pay extra attention and ensure a meticulous cleaning process before shipment. 

Here's a list of items to consider:

  • Outdoor Footwear
  • Bikes (chain, tyres, under the saddle)
  • Barbeques
  • Camping Equipment
  • Sports Equipment (e.g., Golf clubs, tennis rackets, cricket bats)
  • Garden Furniture
  • Plant Pots
  • Natural Wood Items (especially those with small holes)
  • Christmas Decorations (Pine needles)
  • Vacuum Cleaners
  • Pet Baskets, Blankets or Rugs

Important Note: Exercise careful consideration when including items in your shipment to avoid potential additional costs and delays. Any flagged items may require treatment, destruction, or re-exportation at your expense.

Click here for a comprehensive list of items that may be deemed a biosecurity concern.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
  

5. Shipping Vehicles to Australia


It is possible to ship a car and/or motorbike, along with your household goods to Australia. Vehicles and personal effects should have the same owner.

Import Permits: Import permits are required for a number of items including cars,
trailers, motorbikes, off-road quads including those marketed for kids, electric scooters and electric bicycles. You must ensure to have obtained a permit BEFORE goods are shipped. 

For more information click here
 
Crown Relocations can assist in the transportation, customs clearance, handover, and delivery of your motor vehicle. You will be responsible for mandatory insurance, technical inspection, and registration of the vehicle in Australia.