All visa information sourced from: Department of Home Affairs — Visa listing. Visa conditions, fees and processing times change. Always verify on homeaffairs.gov.au before applying. Consider using a registered migration agent for complex applications — check mara.gov.au.
The most popular first visa for UK nationals. Allows you to live, work and travel in Australia for 12 months, extendable to a second and third year. UK nationals can apply up to age 35 (most other nationalities cap at 30). As of 1 July 2024 under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, UK passport holders can apply for up to three Working Holiday visas without needing to complete any regional specified work — a significant advantage over other nationalities. Application fee: AUD 670 (verify current fee on homeaffairs.gov.au — increases with CPI annually). Apply online via ImmiAccount. Most applications processed within 24 hours. Minimum funds on arrival: AUD 5,000.
The primary route for professionals moving to Australia with a job offer. Replaces the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. Your Australian employer sponsors your application and nominates you for a specific role that cannot be filled by an Australian worker. The Core Skills stream covers most professional occupations — check the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) on homeaffairs.gov.au to confirm your role is eligible. Valid for up to 4 years. Pathway to permanent residence via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after 2 years on an employer-sponsored visa.
Points-based permanent visa requiring no employer sponsorship or state nomination. You must be invited to apply based on your Expression of Interest (EOI) score — competition is high. Points are awarded for age (25–32 is optimal), English ability, skilled employment, qualifications and Australian study. The occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. Processing times vary significantly.
Points-based permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. State nomination is worth 5 additional points and some states will nominate you for roles they need locally — making it a more achievable route than the 189 for many applicants. Each state publishes its own occupation list and nomination requirements separately.
The 482, 189 and 190 visa processes are complex, points-dependent and have significant consequences if you get them wrong. We strongly recommend using a registered migration agent (MARA registered) rather than self-applying. Check registrations at mara.gov.au.
Australia's banking system is well-developed and easy to navigate for new arrivals. You can open accounts at most major banks before you arrive or within days of landing. The four major banks — Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB — all offer accounts to new arrivals with just a passport.
Australia's largest retail bank and the most commonly used by new expats. The CommBank app is excellent. You can open a Smart Access everyday account online before you arrive — just walk into a branch within 6 weeks to verify your identity with your passport. No minimum balance. ATM network is extensive.
All offer similar new arrival account opening processes. Westpac has a specific new-to-Australia migrant banking package. ANZ has a strong presence in Western Australia. NAB is a solid all-round option. All are regulated by APRA and covered by the Australian Government's Financial Claims Scheme (deposits up to AUD 250,000 per institution are guaranteed).
Wise supports AUD and lets you spend at the mid-market rate from day one. Essential for your first days before your bank account is fully operational. AUD spending and local card work well across Australia.
This is a significant advantage the UK has over most other nationalities in Australia. The UK and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement that gives UK nationals access to Medicare — Australia's public health system — while they're residing in Australia. This covers GP visits and public hospital treatment.
Under the UK-Australia Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, UK nationals residing in Australia can access Medicare for medically necessary treatment. You need to enrol at a Medicare service centre (bring your passport and UK Medicare/NHS card). This covers GP visits, public hospital treatment and some prescription medications under the PBS. It does not cover dental, physiotherapy, optometry or private hospital treatment. Source: servicesaustralia.gov.au — Reciprocal health care agreements
Yes, for most expats. Medicare covers basics but not extras (dental, optical, physio), not private hospital, and not ambulance in most states. If you're on a Working Holiday visa and planning outdoor activities, adventure sports or motorbike riding, private cover for ambulance alone is worth having. On an employer-sponsored visa, check whether your employer provides private health cover. If not, consider a hospital and extras policy from one of the major providers (Bupa, Medibank, HCF, HBF).
For most expats on Working Holiday or employer-sponsored visas living in Australia long-term, local Australian private health insurance (with Medicare underneath it) is the better value proposition than a full international IPMI policy. Cigna, AXA and Pacific Cross are better suited to those on multi-country moves who need worldwide cover. If Australia is your base for 2+ years, get a local policy.
General information only. Source: Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au). Consult a qualified tax adviser for your situation.
If you live in Australia, you're generally an Australian tax resident and taxed on your worldwide income. Australian residents pay income tax on a progressive scale — the first AUD 18,200 is tax-free, then 19% up to AUD 45,000, 32.5% to AUD 120,000, 37% to AUD 180,000 and 45% above that (2025/26 rates, always verify on ato.gov.au). Working Holiday makers (417/462) are taxed at 15% on the first AUD 45,000 of earnings — a flat rate, not progressive.
Australian employers are required to pay superannuation contributions (currently 11.5% of your salary) into a super fund on your behalf. As a temporary resident leaving Australia permanently, you can claim your accumulated superannuation back after your visa expires — this is called a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). Tax is withheld on DASP claims. If you're on a Working Holiday visa, the DASP rate is 65% tax. Track your super from the start — money gets lost in multiple funds or unclaimed accounts.
If non-UK resident under the SRT, you won't pay UK income tax on your Australian earnings. UK rental income from UK property remains taxable in the UK. Capital gains on most assets including crypto are not subject to UK CGT for non-residents. Capital gains on UK land and property are. See our Tax & Legal section for the full picture on non-resident UK tax. Australia and the UK have a double taxation agreement — income taxed in Australia won't be taxed again in the UK and vice versa.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Australia are the three main networks. Telstra has the best rural and regional coverage — important if you're heading outside major cities. Prepaid SIMs are available from supermarkets, convenience stores and airport kiosks. Get a Telstra prepaid SIM for regional travel.
Buy and install before you land. Avoid airport SIM queues entirely and have data working from the moment you clear customs. Australia eSIM plans from around $8 for 3GB. Works on any compatible unlocked handset. Good for the first week before you decide which local SIM plan suits you best.
Get an Australia eSIM from Airalo (AD)Indicative figures. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are cheaper. Regional areas significantly cheaper again. Figures in GBP at April 2026 rates.
Australia's rental market has tightened significantly in Sydney and Melbourne since 2021. Budget above the mid-range figures if moving there. Regional areas like the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Geelong offer substantially lower rents within reasonable commuting distance of larger cities.
OFX is particularly strong on the UK-to-Australia corridor and specifically targets British expats in Australia. Wise and WorldRemit also serve this corridor well. For the full provider comparison:
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