Topic
Published
Aug 22nd, 2023
Written By
Kerry Daniels
Kerry is Crown's Director of Sales and Customer Success for the UKI, Nordics and European region based in Prague.
Kerry joined Crown in 1994 in Dubai and has lived in various countries around the world. Kerry is an expert in relocation and understands the challenges faced when moving.
Moving to Australia from the UK is an exciting and life-changing endeavour that requires careful planning and preparation. In this blog, I will present the top tips for a successful relocation.
1. What visa will I need?
Before moving to Australia, familiarise yourself with the various visa options available. Research the eligibility criteria for skilled migration, student visas, working holiday visas, and other relevant categories. Choose the visa that aligns with your intended purpose and duration of stay and start the visa applications promptly.
If you plan to work in Australia, research the job market in your industry. Leverage online job portals, professional networks, and job fairs to explore potential opportunities. If you already have a job offer, familiarize yourself with employer-sponsored visa options for a smoother relocation process.
If you plan to move to Australia for work, you will need a visa. There are various visas you can apply for as long as you meet the criteria. Most visas will also help you to become a permanent resident. There are various types of work visas so this may be the easier option to become a permanent resident or awarded citizenship.
Highly skilled workers are more likely to be issued a work visa and once you have the visa you can apply for a permanent residence or citizenship after a specified time.
Australia issues more than 30 visas for the purpose of family reunification. You must select one type of family visa, depending on your status. Keep in mind that not every family visa is permanent, so you must check to see which one corresponds to your travel purpose to Australia.
Here are more entry requirements for Australia and travel advice. To find the right visa for you look on the Visa Finder for clarity.
You can hold both Australian and British citizenship. Learn about being an Australian citizen and see information on eligibility and how to apply.
2. Healthcare – what do I need to know?
Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage during your stay in Australia. Depending on your visa type, you might be eligible for certain healthcare benefits. Familiarise yourself with the Australian healthcare system and insurance options to stay protected and receive quality medical care if needed.
While you are in Australia, you can access essential and urgent medical care through the UK-Australia Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement. Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in Australia.
Essential and urgent hospital treatment is free. There is a charge to visit GPs and receive prescriptions. Some costs can be recovered through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. You can enrol with Medicare through Services Australia. There are exclusions under the reciprocal agreement however which include pharmaceuticals (unless you’re in hospital), use of ambulance services and medical evacuations, which are very expensive.
Although the standard of healthcare in Australia is very good, as mentioned UK residents are only entitled to limited subsidised health services from Medicare for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia, so it is good to ensure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage.
3. What is the best way to move my belongings?
Moving to a new country involves financial considerations. Plan your budget carefully, accounting for visa fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and initial living costs. Having a financial cushion will ease your transition and give you peace of mind as you settle into your new life in Australia.
When considering moving your belongings from your current home to America, there are many factors, such as the number of items, custom clearance, whether you can use the items in Australia, budget, and timeline. These are all essential points to consider. Start planning your move early to avoid any last-minute stress. Create a detailed moving plan, including logistics, packing, and necessary paperwork.
A popular route is to select an international removal company, such as Crown Relocations that specialise in overseas relocations. It will ensure your peace of mind as they specialise and assist with the packing, shipping and customs procedures taking one more thing off your to-do list! Companies such as Crown Relocations can also help calculate the cost of your move so you can ensure you plan which items you wish to take with you and those you will leave behind.
Other points to consider are to declutter and pack wisely. Will you require everything in Australia? Consider selling or donating any items you may no longer need.
The best approach taken by many people who relocate is to research your options online and ensure plenty of planning for a smooth relocation process. Prioritise what to take and declutter items you don't need. Consider packing essential documents and valuables in a separate, easily accessible bag for the move.
4. How will I manage my finances in Australia?
Even if you are a non-resident of Australia you can still open a bank account, however each bank will have different rules and regulations governing its processes so research the banks available to ensure you have the right facilities from a bank that you will require.
Australian banks have made it is quite easy for a foreigner to open an account and many banks do not require you to be in Australia to open an account. Most allow you to open an account via the internet or over the telephone.
In addition, you'll usually need to have an Australian residential address to open a bank account. Depending on the bank in question, you might be asked to prove this address using one or more documents, however Australian banking laws, now allow you to open an account if you don't have an Australian address (provided you haven't been in the country for more than six weeks). Check on the Bank you are opening an account with beforehand to check their rules.
The standard request of documents would be one of the following:
- One form of primary ID with a photo (i.e. passport or driver's licence)
- Two forms of primary ID without a photo (e.g. birth certificate and government benefits card)
- One form of primary ID without a photo (e.g. birth certificate or Citizenship papers) and one form of secondary ID (e.g. a utility bill)
On arrival into Australia, you may be asked to provide proof of AUD $5,000 in support funds – usually in the form of bank statements.
Visa and Mastercard debit cards are widely accepted. However, be warned that many UK debit cards charge foreign usage fees. For example, you might be charged between 2.75% and 2.99% for purchases, plus another fee of around 2–2.75% for cash withdrawals.
5. How will I find somewhere to live when moving to Australia?
Finding a property to rent in Australia can be easier on the internet or via real estate agencies these are usually the best place to start. Once a property is found then you need to contact the landlord or estate agent for a viewing. If renting, then applications will usually ask for certain details such as:
- Contact information
- Employment status
- Personal and professional references
- Rental history
It will save time to have this information ready before you start you search. If you wanted to buy a property however, you need to be a permanent resident or citizen and many of the available home loans also require you to be Australian. Foreigners can still buy but the property would need to be categorised as an investment and you need to get government approval.
Australia has a reputation to have a high living cost, however the wages are also higher than in the UK so this accommodates for the cost of living. Properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth can be more expensive as well as areas with a waterfront position. If you are looking for better value accommodation, then look in the regional areas or suburbs away from the city centres but take into consideration the location and if it is convenient for your situation.
If you are considering rental property, there are different leases to consider on residential properties which are usually either fixed-term or periodic leases. Both leases have clear terms and conditions from both the tenant and the landlord. The leases are:
- A fixed-term lease – this is a specific set time of six – twelve months and cannot be changed unless both parties agree
- A periodic lease – this is a lease on a rolling basis and can be changed with notification given from the Landlord
Check the requirement in the area you are choosing to live as the requirements do vary from state to state. There are consumer groups that can offer advise of rights when renting so worth researching into this before signing an agreement.
When agreeing on a lease in Australia you are often asked to pay a bond which usually equates to a month’s rent. These is held and on the lease finishing this is paid back if the property is in the same condition as when you moved in. In most cases this bond is lodged with a government bond authority or a rental bond board in the state or territory the property is located in. If there are any disputes between the landlord and tenant, then the bond authority or rental tribunal can help resolve this.
When you have found your property then it is always best to make sure you have rental insurance which will cover the content of you accommodation. This is the responsibility of the renter not the landlord, the landlord will cover the building insurance. When taking out renters insurance check the conditions of the policy as some do not cover or have restrictions for non-residents.
Rental are available furnished, unfurnished or partially furnished and do not often include white goods so double check what the rental includes. If you need to buy appliances or furniture there are a variety of second-hand shops, charity shops, Gumtree or Facebook marketplace for some excellent bargains.
6. Is childcare expensive in Australia?
Every family’s needs are different when it comes to childcare, so it’s important to do your research and find the option that best suits you and your budget. With that said, here are some ballpark figures to give you a general idea of the childcare fee involved:
- In-home care: anywhere from $5 to $15 per hour
- Centre-based care: varies widely, but can cost anywhere from $70 to $200 per day
- Preschool: around $200 per month
- University childcare: varies significantly, but can be upwards of $2000 per term
The most common type of childcare is long day care which are typically centre-based in day centres and are open from 7 am to 6 pm. These centres usually have a playroom, bathroom and kitchenette, and they provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. This usually leads into Pre-school age.
In-home care is the most flexible type of childcare, as it can be tailored to your needs. Nannies can come to your home for a few hours each day, or you can send your child to the nanny’s home. This is a good option if you need someone to look after your child during emergencies or when you’re working late. The type of care you choose will vary in cost. Centre-based care is usually more expensive than home-based care. The location of the service is another important consideration. Services in major cities will be more expensive than those in regional areas.
The most important thing to remember is that each provider differs in terms of costs and quality. It’s also important to determine what type of childcare is needed by your family. How many hours of care does your child needs – is it full-time, part-time, before and after-school care or just occasional care?
When it comes to choosing a childcare provider, look for one that is accredited by the National Quality Framework (NQF) and has experienced, friendly staff who are passionate about looking after children. It’s also a good idea to check out their policies on safe sleeping practices, healthy food and hygiene.
Another great way to choose a provider is to read online reviews from parents who have used their services or have enrolled their children in them. As a parent, you know your child best so make sure you consider all the available options. Doing this will ensure that you find the right one and give your child the best care possible.
Moving to Australia from the UK is a remarkable opportunity for growth and exploration. By following these top tips, you can navigate the relocation process with confidence. Research visa options, plan your finances, and explore job opportunities to ensure a successful move. Embrace the unique Australian lifestyle and get ready to embark on an exciting chapter in your life's journey.