Moving to Australia is an exciting life decision — and one that millions of people make every year. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, family or a fresh start, Australia offers a high standard of living, a diverse and welcoming culture, and strong economic opportunities.
But moving to a new country also comes with a long list of practicalities to navigate — visas, housing, banking, healthcare, and staying financially connected to family back home. This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Australia in 2026, from applying for a visa to setting up your life once you arrive.
Why move to Australia?
Australia consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable countries. Here’s why so many people choose to call it home:
- Strong economy — Australia has one of the most stable economies in the world, with low unemployment and strong demand for skilled workers across industries including healthcare, engineering, technology, construction and education
- High quality of life — excellent healthcare, world-class universities, clean cities and abundant natural beauty
- Diverse, multicultural society — Australia is home to people from over 200 countries, making it one of the most culturally diverse nations on earth
- Pathways to permanent residency and citizenship — multiple visa pathways exist for skilled workers, students, family members and investors
- Climate — from tropical north to temperate south, Australia offers a wide range of climates and landscapes
Visas and immigration
Before you can move to Australia, you’ll need the right visa. Australia’s immigration system is managed by the Department of Home Affairs, and visa options depend on your circumstances, skills, and intentions.
Common visa pathways
Skilled migration visas Australia actively recruits skilled workers from around the world. Common skilled migration visas include:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or state/territory
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) — for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory
- Employer Sponsored visas (subclass 482 / 186) — for workers sponsored by an Australian employer
Most skilled visas require an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, where applicants are ranked by points based on age, English proficiency, qualifications and work experience.
Student visas: Australia is one of the world’s top destinations for international students. The Student visa (subclass 500) allows you to study full-time at an Australian educational institution. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
Working Holiday visas: The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allow young people (typically aged 18–30 or 35, depending on nationality) to live and work in Australia for up to one year, with the option to extend.
Partner and family visas: If you have an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner or family member, there are several family visa pathways available, including the Partner visa (subclass 820/801) and Family Stream visas.
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482): For workers sponsored by an Australian employer to fill a skills shortage. Can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme.
For the most current visa information and eligibility requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Cost of living in Australia
Australia is a wonderful place to live, but it’s important to understand the cost of living before you arrive. Costs vary significantly between cities and regions.
Average monthly costs (approximate, 2026)
| Expense | Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city) | $2,800–$3,500 | $2,200–$2,800 | $2,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$2,600 |
| Groceries | $400–$600 | $400–$600 | $350–$550 | $350–$550 |
| Utilities | $150–$250 | $150–$250 | $120–$200 | $120–$200 |
| Public transport | $150–$200 | $100–$180 | $100–$160 | $100–$160 |
| Health insurance | $100–$200 | $100–$200 | $100–$200 | $100–$200 |
Costs are approximate and subject to change. Rental prices in particular have risen significantly in recent years across major Australian cities.
Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities; Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth offer a more affordable lifestyle while still providing access to strong job markets and amenities.
Finding housing in Australia
Finding a place to live is one of the first challenges new arrivals face. Australia’s rental market is competitive, particularly in major cities.
Renting in Australia
Most rental properties in Australia are managed through real estate agencies. Popular platforms for searching rental listings include:
- realestate.com.au
- domain.com.au
- flatmates.com.au (for share accommodation)
To apply for a rental property, you’ll typically need:
- Proof of identity (passport, visa)
- Proof of income or employment (pay slips, employment contract, bank statements)
- References from previous landlords or employers
Tip for new arrivals: If you’re arriving without a rental history in Australia, consider short-term accommodation — serviced apartments, Airbnb, or share housing — while you establish yourself and build a local rental history.
Buying property in Australia
Foreign nationals are generally restricted from purchasing established (existing) residential properties in Australia. However, temporary residents may be able to purchase new dwellings or vacant land subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). Permanent residents and citizens have the same property rights as Australian-born residents.
Setting up a bank account in Australia
You’ll need an Australian bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and manage day-to-day finances. Most Australian banks allow you to open an account before you arrive, or within a few weeks of landing.
Major Australian banks
- Commonwealth Bank (CBA)
- NAB (National Australia Bank)
- Westpac
- ANZ
- ING
- Macquarie Bank
What you’ll need to open a bank account
- Passport and visa
- Australian address (some banks allow a temporary address)
- Tax File Number (TFN) — you can apply for this once you arrive
Getting a Tax File Number (TFN)
Your TFN is your unique identifier for the Australian tax system. You’ll need it to work legally, pay tax, and access government services. Apply through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) once you’re in the country.
Healthcare in Australia
Australia has one of the world’s best public healthcare systems, Medicare. However, access to Medicare depends on your visa status.
Medicare
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements (including the UK, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Malta, Slovenia and Ireland) are eligible for Medicare.
Medicare covers:
- Free treatment as a public patient in public hospitals
- Subsidised visits to GPs and specialists
- Subsidised prescription medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Private health insurance
Even if you’re eligible for Medicare, many people in Australia choose to take out private health insurance to cover extras such as dental, optical, physiotherapy, and private hospital treatment. For some visa holders, private health insurance is a visa condition.
If you’re on a temporary visa without Medicare access, private health insurance is strongly recommended.
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Temporary visa holders who are not eligible for Medicare should consider Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) — a type of private health insurance designed for people on temporary visas.
Working in Australia
Australia has a strong job market with high demand for skilled workers across many industries. Here’s what you need to know about working in Australia as a new arrival.
Finding work
Popular job search platforms in Australia include:
- seek.com.au — the largest job board in Australia
- linkedin.com — widely used for professional roles
- indeed.com.au
- au.jora.com
Networking is also highly valued in Australia. LinkedIn, industry events and professional associations are important tools for building connections in your field.
Minimum wage and employment conditions
Australia has a strong framework of worker protections. The National Minimum Wage is reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. Most workers are covered by a relevant award or enterprise agreement that sets out minimum pay rates and conditions for their industry.
For the current National Minimum Wage and award rates, visit fairwork.gov.au.
Superannuation
Australia has a compulsory superannuation (pension) system. Employers are required to contribute a percentage of your salary into a superannuation fund on your behalf. The Superannuation Guarantee rate is 12% as of 1 July 2025 — the final scheduled increase under legislated reforms. When you leave Australia permanently, you may be able to claim your superannuation back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.
Getting around Australia
Australia is a vast country. How you get around depends on where you live.
Public transport
Major Australian cities have well-developed public transport networks including trains, trams, buses and ferries.
Sydney accepts both Opal cards and contactless debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).
Melbourne is rolling out contactless bank card and phone payments across its myki network from early 2026, with select train lines already live — myki remains valid across all routes.
Perth now accepts contactless debit/credit cards and phones alongside SmartRider.
Canberra’s MyWay+ system accepts contactless bank cards and digital wallets.
Brisbane uses the go card and Adelaide uses the Metrocard as their primary travel cards.
Driving in Australia
Australia drives on the left side of the road. If you hold a valid overseas driver’s licence, you can generally drive in Australia for up to three months after arriving. After that, you’ll need to obtain an Australian driver’s licence from your state or territory’s road authority.
International driving licences accompanied by an official translation are accepted if not in English.
Domestic flights
Given Australia’s size, domestic flights are common and relatively affordable. Major carriers include Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar.
Education in Australia
If you’re moving to Australia with children, you’ll need to enrol them in school. Australia has a strong public education system, with free schooling available to eligible children.
School system
- Primary school: Years 1–6 (ages 5–12)
- Secondary school: Years 7–12 (ages 12–18)
- Higher education: Universities and TAFE colleges
Public schools are funded by state and territory governments and are free for permanent residents and citizens. International students on student visas attend fee-paying schools.
Australia is home to several of the world’s top universities, including the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University (ANU), University of Queensland, Monash University and others.
Staying connected with family back home
One of the most important things for new arrivals in Australia is staying financially connected to family back home. Whether you’re sending regular support payments, helping with emergency expenses, or contributing to family milestones, having a reliable, affordable way to send money overseas matters.
Sending money home from Australia with OrbitRemit
OrbitRemit is built for exactly this — fast, secure and affordable international money transfers from Australia to 50+ countries, with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
- Many popular corridors are completely free from AUD — including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand and the UK
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- Regulated by ASIC and registered with AUSTRAC
Public holidays in Australia
Australia has a mix of national and state-based public holidays, meaning the dates you get off work can vary depending on which state or territory you live in. As a new arrival, knowing when public holidays fall is essential for planning — banks, government offices, many businesses and some public transport services operate on reduced hours or close entirely on these days. Transfer times for international money transfers may also be slightly longer around public holidays.
National public holidays include New Year’s Day, Australia Day (26 January), Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Beyond these, each state and territory observes its own additional public holidays — for example, the Queen’s Birthday is celebrated on different dates across different states, and Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne but not elsewhere in Australia.
For a full list of Australian public holidays in 2026 — including state-by-state dates and tips on planning your transfers around them — visit our guide:
📋 Public Holidays 2026 in Australia & New Zealand →
Useful contacts and resources for new arrivals in Australia
- Department of Home Affairs (visas and immigration): immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Australian Taxation Office (TFN, tax returns): ato.gov.au
- Services Australia (Medicare, Centrelink): servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Fair Work Commission (employment conditions): fairwork.gov.au
- Study Australia (international students): studyaustralia.gov.au
- Foreign Investment Review Board (property): firb.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I move to Australia permanently?
The most common pathways to permanent residency in Australia are through skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or family visas. Most pathways require meeting points-based criteria including age, English proficiency, qualifications and work experience. Visit the Department of Home Affairs for current eligibility requirements.
Can I work in Australia on a student visa?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
Do I need private health insurance to move to Australia?
It depends on your visa. Temporary visa holders without access to Medicare are strongly recommended to hold private health insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Some visa conditions make it mandatory.
How much money do I need to move to Australia?
Financial requirements vary by visa type. As a general guide, having at least AUD $20,000–$30,000 in savings before arriving is advisable to cover initial costs including accommodation, transport, living expenses and emergency funds while you establish yourself.
Can I send money home from Australia?
Yes. There are no restrictions on sending money overseas from Australia for personal purposes. Services like OrbitRemit allow you to send money to 50+ countries with low fees and competitive exchange rates, often with free transfers to popular destinations.
How do I get an Australian driver’s licence?
If you hold a valid overseas licence, you can drive in Australia for up to three months. After that, you’ll need to apply for an Australian licence through your state or territory’s road authority. Requirements vary by state.
What is a Tax File Number (TFN) and do I need one?
A TFN is your unique identifier for Australia’s tax system. You need one to work legally, lodge a tax return, and access government services. Apply through the ATO after you arrive in Australia.
Welcome to Australia
Moving to a new country is one of life’s great adventures. Australia offers an incredible quality of life, a warm and welcoming culture, and genuine opportunities to build the future you’re working towards.
And when it comes to staying connected with the people you love back home, OrbitRemit is here to make sending money as easy, affordable and reliable as possible.
