Your Comprehensive Relocation Guide to Moving to Australia with Confidence
Here’s your ultimate guide for relocating to the land down under! If you’re considering moving to Australia, you’ve come to the right place. Our relocation guide will provide you with a thorough checklist to make your move a breeze, whether you want to move to South Australia, Western Australia, or any other region of this diverse country.
Remember, our relocation service is here to support you every step of the way as you embark on your exciting new chapter in Australia!
Relocation Checklist: Before you begin your Australia move
Before you begin your journey planning, it’s essential to create a detailed checklist to ensure a smooth transition; so here are the key elements to consider:
- Research Australia's regions and cities to determine the best fit for your needs.
- Check your visa requirements and apply as appropriate (see more below)
- Gather necessary documents, including passports, birth certificates, and medical records.
- Arrange for the transfer of residence, including shipping your belongings.
- Tell us if your pets are to be relocated as part of your move - we can help
- Consider relocating your vehicle(s)
- Notify banks, insurance companies, and other institutions about your move
- Look into healthcare and schooling options in Australia
- Obtain health insurance coverage
Australian Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know
Before moving to Australia, take a look at Australia's relevant visa options, for you, your dependents and visitors:
- Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189 – permanent skilled (invited) independent visa, info here
- Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 190 – permanent skilled (nominated) independent visa, info here
- Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186 – permanent skilled (employer nominated) independent visa, info here
Consult the Australian Immigration Department’s website for detailed information on visa types and eligibility criteria. Remember, we provide a full document attestation service and can assist with all steps of preparing your visa file.
Customs Information: Importing Personal Belongings and Pets
Understanding Australian customs regulations is crucial for a seamless move. You'll need to declare all items you're bringing into the country, and some items may be subject to duty or taxes.
Transfer of Residence Concession
Importation of goods without duty and taxes is possible on your household goods, so long as you meet the following criteria:
- You are relocating to Australia with the intention to reside there for at least 12 months.
- You have owned and used the goods for at least 12 months prior to your arrival.
- You will not sell, lease, or dispose of the goods within the first 12 months after importation.
For household goods, you will need:
- A completed Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (B534 Form)
- A copy of your passport photo and identification pages
- A copy of your visa or proof of Australian residency
- Your detailed inventory list
- Any required permits for restricted items
Importing a Vehicle
To relocate your vehicle to Australia, you must meet specific import requirements, including obtaining a Vehicle Import Approval from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications. Additionally, you may need to pay import taxes and comply with Australian vehicle standards. We can help you with this.
Relocating your Pets
Australia has strict rules on which animals can be imported. Cats and dogs are generally allowed, but some breeds may be restricted or prohibited. To check your pet’s eligibility, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)‘s website.
The pet relocation process has many things to consider for Australia, here are a few pointers:
- Verify your country's export category since Australia classifies countries into different export categories based on their rabies status.
- Microchip your pet
- Vaccinate your pet
- Conduct a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)
- Apply for an Import Permit
- Book Quarantine Space
- Treat Your Pet for External and Internal Parasites
- Obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate
- Arrange Pet Transport
- Notify Australian Authorities of your pet's arrival
Remember! Our comprehensive Pet Relocation Service can manage your pet relocation entirely, ensuring a smooth experience for both you and your pet.
Home Search in Australia
Relocate MENA operates a Home Search Service, whereby we task a team of local agents to find an ideal property in your destination, according to your specific requirements. However, should you wish to do this alone, or have already found your dream new home, here are some pointers:
Property Portals in Australia
Other Considerations When Relocating to Australia
Healthcare
Expats moving to Australia can benefit from the country’s public healthcare system, known as Medicare, which provides free or subsidised treatment at public hospitals and covers a range of services, such as general practitioner visits, tests, and prescription medications. To access Medicare, expats must apply for a Medicare card upon arrival, provided they are eligible based on their visa status or reciprocal healthcare agreements between Australia and their home country.
In addition, you may choose to register for your own private health insurance.
Education
Australia offers a high-quality education system for expat children, with a range of public, private, and international schools to choose from. Public schools are typically free or low-cost for permanent residents, while private schools and international schools charge tuition fees.
Many international schools follow a curriculum from the child’s home country or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, providing a seamless transition for expat children. It is crucial for expat families to research the various schooling options available, considering factors such as location, curriculum, and cost. Engaging with local education authorities, online forums, and other expat families can be beneficial in making an informed decision that caters to their child’s needs and ensures a positive educational experience in Australia.
Our School Search Service can help you with this hugely important step of settling into your new life.
We're here to help any time, click the "Talk To Us" button to speak with our friendly team about your relocation requirements today.
Relocating to Australia: the complete guide
Australia is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals and families — a strong economy, high quality of life and globally liveable cities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. It is also one of the more complex places to move to, with a points-based migration system and famously strict biosecurity. Relocate MENA manages relocations to Australia from the UAE, the wider GCC and worldwide, end to end. Here is what to plan for.
Visas and immigration
Australia’s migration system runs on three main routes:
- Points-tested skilled visas — Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent, permanent), 190 (state/territory nominated, permanent) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional, a five-year temporary visa leading to permanent residency via the Subclass 191). These use a points test and a skilled occupation list.
- Employer-sponsored visas — the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa (which replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024 and has Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams) and the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, which grants permanent residency directly. A 482 can lead to PR via the 186 after you have worked for your sponsor.
- Partner and family visas — for partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents (for example Subclass 820/801 onshore or 309/100 offshore).
Points thresholds, occupation lists and fees change frequently, and from 1 July 2025 the core income threshold rose (to about AUD 76,515) and nominations must be for a genuine position. Our visa and immigration team confirms the right pathway for your situation, prepares the application, and arranges the attestation of the degree, marriage and birth certificates these applications require.
Cost of living (2026)
Australia pairs high salaries with a high cost of living that is concentrated in housing. As an indicative 2026 guide:
| Item | Indicative cost (AUD, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Single person, excluding rent | ~2,500–3,500 / month |
| Family of four, excluding rent | ~5,000–7,000 / month |
| One-bedroom, Sydney city centre | ~700–900 / week |
| One-bedroom, Melbourne city centre | ~1,700–2,200 / month |
Sydney is consistently the most expensive city; Melbourne runs roughly 12–15% cheaper overall, with Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide more affordable again. These figures are indicative only and move with the rental market and the AED/AUD exchange rate — your move manager helps you build a realistic budget for your destination city.
Where to live and home search
Most people moving to Australia rent before they buy. The rental market in the big cities is competitive: expect to provide references and pay a bond (deposit) plus rent in advance, and to move quickly when you find the right place. Sydney offers a harbour lifestyle at a premium; Melbourne balances liveability with lower rents; Brisbane and Perth suit families wanting more space for less. Our home search approach matches you to the right suburb and property for schools, commute and budget.
Schools and education
Australia has strong public and private school systems. Private and international school fees are broadly AUD 18,000–35,000 a year for primary and AUD 28,000–50,000+ for secondary, with premium city schools higher. Two points catch families out: those on temporary visas (such as the 482) may pay an “overseas student” rate above the standard fee, and some states charge international fees even at government schools. Plan school places early — our school search service helps secure them.
Healthcare
Medicare, Australia’s public health system, covers citizens and permanent residents (and nationals of some countries under reciprocal agreements). If you arrive on a temporary visa you will generally need private health insurance until you obtain PR. Even with Medicare, dental, optical and ambulance cover are usually extra, so most families budget for some private cover.
Shipping your belongings and biosecurity
We manage your move door to door: professional packing, sea or air freight, and customs clearance. Australia enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity rules — timber, foodstuffs, plant matter, soil and inadequately cleaned items (including outdoor furniture, tools and footwear) can be inspected, treated, or refused entry. Professional packing and accurate declarations are essential to avoid delays and treatment fees. If Australia is becoming your primary residence, you can usually import your used personal effects and household goods free of duty under the Transfer of Residence (ABF Form B534) rules, which we prepare and lodge for you.
Bringing pets and vehicles
Pets: Australia requires an import permit, specific vaccinations and testing, and a mandatory stay at a government quarantine facility on arrival — the process must start months ahead. Our pet relocation team manages the schedule, paperwork and IATA-compliant travel. Vehicles: Australia tightly restricts private vehicle imports (import approvals, compliance and strict asbestos rules, plus duties and taxes), which often makes importing costly or impractical. We advise whether shipping your car or buying locally makes more sense, and handle the vehicle relocation if you proceed.
How Relocate MENA helps you move to Australia
One dedicated move manager coordinates the entire relocation — visas and immigration, document attestation, international shipping and biosecurity-compliant customs clearance, home and school search, and pet and vehicle relocation — so your move to Sydney, Melbourne or anywhere in Australia is handled end to end. Request a callback and a relocation specialist will build your plan.