Moving to Australia from the UK may be filled with the promise of a new adventure, work and educational opportunities, and fun experiences. Here’s some important information for British citizens thinking about emigrating to Australia.
Whether it’s an extended backpacking trip, a career move, the chance for a fresh start, or to join family and friends, tens of thousands of UK citizens are emigrating to Australia every year.
And with plentiful job opportunities, world class educational institutions, more sunshine, wide open spaces and dreams of a more relaxed lifestyle, who can blame them? We also speak the same language, which can help make the move more straightforward.
But don’t relax yet…deciding to emigrate to Australia from the UK still takes research, considerable planning and some adjustments. Here’s what you might want to consider.
Emigrating to Australia to start a new life may seem like one big adventure, but all new beginnings are better with foresight. While the systems and cultural norms look much the same as the UK, there are some key differences for British citizens to understand.
One of the most important aspects of moving to Australia from the United Kingdom is understanding the cost of living. Living costs can vary significantly between cities and regions, with Sydney and Melbourne being among the most expensive.
Before entering Australia, you might want to research the costs and availability for housing, rent, transportation, groceries, and how much money you’ll need for other essentials in your chosen destination. Don’t forget education costs if you have children, and make sure you account for any currency exchange rates and fees.
There is a range of Australian visas, each with its own requirements and eligibility criteria. The type of visa you need will depend on your personal circumstances, such as whether you plan to work, study, invest, or join family members in Australia. Below are just some of the visa options:
Skilled migration visas: Also known as skilled worker visa, a skilled migration visa is for skilled professionals wanting to live and work in Australia permanently. British expats will need to have a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This is a list of specific in-demand professions which could help determine whether your work skills are in demand. This list changes frequently, so be sure to check it on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
First Working holiday visa (Subclass 417): This is a visa for young UK citizens between 18 and 30 (up to 35 for Irish citizens) who want to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
Student visa (Subclass 500): If you’re a British citizen emigrating to Australia to study, a student visa may be suitable. This visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia and work up to 48 hours a fortnight while you study. You’ll need to be enrolled in an eligible course of study in Australia before you apply.
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482): This type of Australian visa covers short-term, medium-term, and labour agreement streams. Basic eligibility requires nomination for a skilled position by an approved sponsor – usually an Australian employer – and of course, having the right skills to do the job.
Permanent residency visa: British citizens who qualify for a permanent resident visa can remain in Australia indefinitely. Three common ways to obtain permanent residency are through family visas, a work stream permanent visa, or a business or investor stream permanent visa. Permanent residents can live, work, and study in Australia without restriction. It's important to note that permanent residents are not Australian citizens.
To become an Australian citizen, you'll need to be a permanent resident, be in Australia, and intend to live in Australia or maintain a lasting link with Australia while overseas.
Each Australian visa has different eligibility requirements, processing times, and costs, so it’s important to make sure you understand the specifics for your chosen visa.
As well as the cost of living, it’s crucial for you to understand your tax obligations before emigrating to Australia. Depending on your visa status, your income, and residency, you may be subject to different tax rates and rules.
Once you arrive in Australia, you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN). This is your unique identifier from the Australian Taxation Office, and it will help when you open an Australian bank account, file a tax return, or when you deal with finance or government institutions. You can apply for a TFN online for free.
Once you’ve made the big move, it’s all about getting settled in and accustomed to your new surroundings. This phase involves finding a place to live, navigating healthcare and exploring employment options.
Finding a place to call home should be a top priority. Compare the varied cost and availability of housing between cities and regions. Consider your specific housing requirements, including the type of property (apartment, house, townhouse), the number of bedrooms, proximity to work or educational institutions, and your budget.
You can browse available properties on online property websites, enlist a real estate agent to help you, and attend open homes and inspections. If you plan on renting, you’ll need a rental bond (security deposit) when signing a lease agreement. If you plan on buying a property, you’ll need finance and pre-approval for a home loan.
You might also want to enlist the help of a moving company or relocation services to move your belongings to Australia from the UK.
Living in Australia means access to a high quality, robust healthcare system. Medicare is Australia's public healthcare service, available to all Australian citizens. There’s a reciprocal healthcare agreement in place between Australia and the UK to ensure that UK citizens have access to Medicare. To be eligible for Medicare, you need to have been living in the United Kingdom immediately before moving to Australia.
This public health insurance coverage includes medically necessary healthcare as a public patient in a public hospital. It's a valuable benefit that can provide peace of mind when it comes to healthcare costs.
Private health insurance is also common in Australia, so think about your healthcare needs and budget when choosing the right access and coverage.
Australia offers a range of employment opportunities for British expats. Key sectors include healthcare and medical fields, engineering and construction, education, IT, trades and skilled labour, mining and resources, agriculture and agribusiness, and remote and regional work.
It's possible to research potential employers before you move to Australia. Use networking sites like LinkedIn to make connections, search for jobs, and find up-to-date information from potential companies. Don't forget to tailor your resumé and cover letter to the Australian job market.
Remember, you'll need a valid visa to work in Australia. You should also verify whether your qualifications are recognised in Australia.
Let’s be honest. Moving to Australia from the UK isn’t just about work and financial considerations. It’s a land of adventure, culture, the great outdoors, and a relaxed way of life.
Australia’s First People, Indigenous Australians, have lived on mainland Australia for over 65,000 years, and have a rich cultural history. Today, Australia’s multicultural society is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Thirty per cent of the Australian population was born overseas, so you’ll meet people from all walks of life while you’re here. When it comes to events, whether it’s music, art, sport or theatre, most of what’s on offer in Australia will have a familiar ring.
From endless beaches to unique wildlife, lush rainforests and the rugged outback, Australia is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty. If you have gone to all the effort to live in Australia, take time to go on holidays and short breaks. There are gourmet food tours through Tasmania, hiking the Larapinta Trail in the Red Centre, and plenty to see in National Parks that skirt the major cities.
Moving to an entirely new country – and continent – is no mean feat, and British citizens aren’t exempt from the challenges that arise when it comes to adjusting to life in Australia.
Australia may feel like home from the get-go, but homesickness is a natural part of any international move. After all, some of your favourite people may be missing! Stay connected with your loved ones when you live in Australia through regular communication, build a support network in Australia, connect with other expats from the UK, and engage in activities you enjoy to help combat homesickness.
It may be a wise move to open an Australian bank account as soon as possible. Different banks offer different types of everyday transaction accounts (you might know these as current accounts), so do your research and choose one that best suits you. Setting up an Australian bank account when you arrive could help you manage your finances, pay bills, transfer money, and get paid more conveniently.
Westpac, Australia's first bank, has an everyday bank account - Westpac Choice. If you've arrived here within the last 12 months, you'll pay no monthly account fee for your first year. After that, the $5 monthly fee may continue to be waived if you meet certain criteria, such as minimum monthly deposits, if you’re under 30 or a full- time tertiary student.
You can open a Westpac Choice account online or in a local branch in just a few minutes. If you open online, you may still be required to visit a branch to verify your ID.
For a list of documents that we accept, refer to Identification Checklist. (PDF 657KB)
If you want to send money back to your home country, you can make international money transfers with Westpac. You can request international money transfers in Online Banking or the Westpac App and send money to over 200 countries in multiple currencies. When using the App or Online Banking, Westpac does not charge a fee for transfers sent in foreign currencies.
If you are registered for Online Banking, you automatically get access to Australia’s #1 banking app*, which has a selection of award-winning tools and features can make your everyday banking that bit easier.
Embarking on the adventure of moving from the United Kingdom to Australia should be an exciting chapter. Some planning and preparation, such as obtaining the right visa, and understanding essential services like education, healthcare and bank accounts, could help make your transition a smooth one. Don’t forget to throw in your sunscreen, your adventurous spirit and a good sense of humour!
Information correct as at 15th September 2024
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'*Claim based on "The Forrester Digital Experience Review™: Australian Mobile Banking Apps, Q4 2023" an evaluation of five Australian Banks.'
Fees and charges may apply for international money transfers.