Moving to Australia: Complete Guide for New Migrants
Everything you need to know about relocating to Australia.
Essential Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Visa: Valid visa grant notice
- TFN: Apply for Tax File Number online (free)
- Medicare Card: Apply at Services Australia
- Bank Account: ID required (passport + visa)
- Driver Licence: Convert to Australian licence (written + practical test)
Banking in Australia
Major banks include:
- Commonwealth Bank (CBA)
- Westpac
- ANZ
- NAB (National Australia Bank)
You can open an account before arriving with some banks using your passport and visa details.
Finding Accommodation
Rental Process
- Research suburbs – consider transport, schools, amenities
- Use platforms like Domain, Realestate.com.au, Rent.com.au
- Prepare rental application (references, payslips)
- Typical lease: 12 months
- Bond: 4 weeks rent (refundable)
- Rent in advance: 2-4 weeks
Average Weekly Rents
- Sydney: $550-700
- Melbourne: $450-600
- Brisbane: $400-550
- Perth: $400-550
- Adelaide: $350-480
- Hobart: $350-450
Healthcare
Australias healthcare system includes:
- Medicare: Public healthcare for residents
- Private Health Insurance: Optional but recommended
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): Subsidised medicines
Employment
- Resume format: 1-2 pages, Australian address/phone
- Job search: Seek.com.au, Indeed, LinkedIn
- Minimum wage: $24.10/hour (as of 2026)
- Standard work week: 38 hours
- Paid annual leave: 4 weeks per year
Education
- Public Schools: Free for permanent residents
- Private Schools: $10,000-40,000/year
- Childcare: $100-180/day, government rebate available
- University: $20,000-45,000/year for international students
Useful Government Services
- Services Australia: Centrelink benefits
- ATO: Tax and superannuation
- ABN: Australian Business Number (if self-employed)
- Electoral Commission: Voter registration
First Week Checklist
- Apply for TFN
- Register for Medicare
- Open bank account
- Get mobile phone plan
- Apply for rental property
- Set up utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
- Transfer driver licence
- Register to vote
Note: Information is general guidance. Specific requirements vary based on visa type and individual circumstances.