Australia has become home to the largest Bhutanese community in the world — and it’s easy to see why. With a strong economy, high standard of living, and an already-thriving Bhutanese community (particularly in Perth), thousands of Bhutanese make the move every year in search of better opportunities and a new chapter for their families.
Whether you’re still planning your move or you’ve recently arrived and are finding your feet, this guide covers everything you need to know: visas, jobs, banking, cost of living, sending money home, and connecting with the community once you’re here.
Visa options for Bhutanese moving to Australia
Bhutanese citizens require a visa to enter Australia. The right visa for you will depend on your purpose — studying, working, or joining family. Here are the most common pathways:
Student Visa (Subclass 500) The most common route for young Bhutanese. This visa allows you to study at a registered Australian institution and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. Many students use this as a stepping stone toward permanent residency. There is no age limit for the Subclass 500. However, note that as of January 2026, Australia upgraded Bhutan to Evidence Level 3 for student visa processing — the strictest scrutiny setting — meaning Bhutanese applicants must now supply significantly more documentation, including bank statements covering at least three months, detailed source-of-funds evidence, and authenticated academic transcripts. Genuine applicants with solid documentation are not disadvantaged, but it’s important to prepare a thorough application.
Skilled Migration Visas (Subclasses 189, 190, 491) If you have a qualification or trade in demand in Australia, skilled migration is a strong pathway to permanent residency. You’ll need your occupation to appear on Australia’s skilled occupation lists, a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority, and a points score of 65 or above based on age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482) If you have a job offer from an Australian employer in an eligible occupation, the Temporary Skills Shortage visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to four years, with a pathway to permanent residency in some cases.
Partner and Family Visas If you have a spouse, de facto partner, or close family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, partner and family visas provide a pathway to join them in Australia.
For all visa applications, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or consult a registered migration agent. The Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Canberra ([email protected]) can also assist in limited circumstances.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs — Student Visa (Subclass 500) · VisaHQ — Australia upgrades Bhutan to Evidence Level 3 (Jan 2026) · Department of Home Affairs — Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) · Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 189 Points Table · Legacy Migration — Student Visa Work Rights 2026
Finding work in Australia
Australia’s job market is strong in sectors where many Bhutanese have existing skills and qualifications. The most in-demand industries include:
- Healthcare and aged care — nurses, care workers, and allied health professionals are highly sought after across all states
- Childcare and education — a major employer of Bhutanese arrivals, particularly in Perth
- Hospitality and food service — a common entry point for new arrivals and students
- Construction and trades — strong demand in Western Australia and Queensland
- IT and engineering — growing demand for qualified professionals
Practical tips for your job search:
- Register with Seek.com.au and Indeed.com.au — Australia’s two largest job boards
- Join Bhutanese community Facebook groups in your city, where job leads and referrals are frequently shared
- Have your qualifications assessed early — some professions (nursing, teaching, engineering) require formal recognition before you can work in Australia
- English language proficiency (IELTS or PTE) is important for many professional roles
Perth in particular has a well-established Bhutanese community with informal employment networks — connecting with the Association of Bhutanese in Perth (ABPI) at bhutaneseinperth.com is a great early step.
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia — In-demand occupations · Seek.com.au · Indeed.com.au · Association of Bhutanese in Perth Inc.
Cost of living in Australia
Australia is significantly more expensive than Bhutan, so understanding costs before you arrive helps you plan effectively.
Perth — a typical monthly budget
| Expense | Estimated monthly cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Shared room rental | $800 – $1,200 |
| Groceries | $200 – $800 |
| Public transport | $100 – $150 |
| Phone plan | $30 – $80 |
| Utilities (share of household) | $80 – $120 |
| Total (approx.) | $1,300 – $2,000 |
Renting independently in Perth has become more expensive in recent years due to high demand. Many newly arrived Bhutanese share apartments with community members to keep costs manageable — connecting with the community before you arrive can help you find a room more quickly.
Sydney and Melbourne are generally more expensive than Perth across housing and transport. For Bhutanese arriving in Australia, Perth offers the best combination of affordability, community support, and employment opportunity.
Sources: Curtin University — Cost of Living in Perth (updated Feb 2026) · UniAcco — Cost of Living in Perth for Students 2026 · Numbeo — Cost of Living in Perth, May 2026
Setting up your banking
Opening an Australian bank account is one of the first things to do when you arrive — you’ll need it to receive your pay, pay rent, and manage daily expenses.
Major banks in Australia:
- Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) — largest network, well-regarded mobile app
- NAB — popular for new migrants, has a dedicated migrant banking service
- Westpac and ANZ — strong national networks
Most banks allow you to open an account online before you arrive in Australia, using your passport. You’ll need to visit a branch within a few weeks of arrival to verify your identity.
What you’ll need:
- Passport
- Proof of address (a utility bill or lease agreement)
- Tax File Number (TFN) — apply at ato.gov.au once you arrive
For day-to-day spending, most Australians use tap-and-pay debit cards. Cash is increasingly less common.
Sources: Australian Taxation Office — Apply for a Tax File Number · NAB — New to Australia banking · MoneySmart (ASIC) — Banking basics
Sending money home to Bhutan
Once you’re settled and earning, supporting family back home in Bhutan is a priority for most Bhutanese Australians. Choosing the right money transfer service can make a significant difference to how much your family actually receives.
What to look for in a transfer service:
- Competitive AUD to BTN exchange rate
- Low, transparent fees
- Fast delivery times
- Trusted and AUSTRAC regulated
OrbitRemit is an Australia and New Zealand money transfer service purpose-built for diaspora communities. Sending money to Bhutan with OrbitRemit costs a flat $4 fee — with no hidden charges — and transfers typically arrive within 1 working day, with over 85% arriving in under 2 hours.
New customers receive a special promo rate plus $0 fees on their first transfer.
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Sources: OrbitRemit — Send money to Bhutan · OrbitRemit on Trustpilot · AUSTRAC — Remittance sector overview
Connecting with the Bhutanese community
One of the greatest advantages of moving to Australia as a Bhutanese is the strength of the community already here. Across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and beyond, there are well-organised associations that help newcomers settle in.
Key community organisations:
- Association of Bhutanese in Perth Inc. (ABPI) — Perth’s largest Bhutanese association, organises events, assists newcomers, and provides a strong social network. Visit bhutaneseinperth.com or find them on Facebook.
- Druk Melbourne Association (DMA) — active community for Bhutanese in Victoria
- Brisbane Bhutanese Association (BBAI) — community support for Bhutanese in Queensland
- Sydney Bhutanese Community — connecting Bhutanese in NSW
Facebook groups to join:
- Bhutanese In Australia (17,500+ members) — active group for jobs, housing, news, and community discussions
- Bhutanese Community in Australia (2,400+ members) — general community group
These groups are invaluable for practical help — finding accommodation, job leads, settling-in tips, and staying connected to Bhutanese culture while you’re far from home.
Sources: Association of Bhutanese in Perth Inc. (ABPI) · Australian Bureau of Statistics — Overseas-born population, Bhutan (June 2024) · Facebook — Bhutanese In Australia group · Facebook — Bhutanese Community in Australia group
FAQS (Frequently asked questions)
Do Bhutanese citizens need a visa to move to Australia?
Yes. Bhutanese passport holders require a visa to enter Australia. The most common pathways are student visas, skilled migration visas, and family/partner visas. Apply through the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Which city in Australia has the most Bhutanese residents?
Perth has the largest Bhutanese population in Australia, with over 20,000 Bhutanese residents — making it home to the world’s largest Bhutanese diaspora community outside Bhutan itself.
How much does it cost to live in Australia on a student budget?
A typical monthly budget in Perth ranges from AUD $1,300 to $2,000, covering shared accommodation, groceries, transport, and basic expenses. Costs in Sydney and Melbourne are generally higher.
What jobs can Bhutanese find in Australia?
Healthcare, aged care, childcare, hospitality, and construction are the most common sectors. Qualified professionals in nursing, engineering, and IT are in strong demand. Many Bhutanese start in hospitality or care work while studying or settling in.
How do I send money from Australia to Bhutan?
How do I send money from Australia to Bhutan? OrbitRemit offers fast, low-cost transfers from AUD to BTN with a flat $4 fee and no hidden charges. Transfers typically arrive within 1 working day.
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Is there a Bhutanese community organisation I can join?
Yes — the Association of Bhutanese in Perth Inc. (ABPI) is the most active, with over 2,100 members. Similar associations exist in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra.
Start your Australian journey with confidence
Moving to Australia from Bhutan is a major step — but thousands have done it before you, and a warm, supportive community is waiting. Whether you’re still planning your visa, preparing for your first week in Perth, or already settled and looking to connect, the Bhutanese community in Australia is one of its greatest strengths.
And when it comes to supporting your family back home, OrbitRemit is here to make sure more of your money reaches the people who matter most.
This guide was last updated May 2026. Visa rules, costs, and policies change frequently — always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or with a registered migration agent before making decisions.
