Moving to Australia for Work: 6 Things to Help You Organize

From an efficient healthcare system and year-round favorable climate to cultural diversity and laid-back lifestyle, there are plenty of reasons to consider finding a job and relocating to the Land Down Under (Australia). It is one of the world’s most popular emigration destinations, after all.

Although it is a thrilling prospect, relocating to Australia requires thorough research. To help you out, we are listing six things that will help you plan and organize your move to the Land Down Under more efficiently.

1. Getting the right visa to Australia

When moving abroad for business, you want to make sure that you get the correct visa type. The type of visa you will need to get will depend on your relocation circumstances and the kind of job you’ll be doing.

With more than 30 options (e.g. skilled work visa, partner/spouse visa, working holiday visa, etc.) and nifty visa finder tools online, getting a work visa in Australia doesn’t have to be too complex. In fact, the process of applying for a visa in Australia is a concise one compared to other countries.

That said, you want to make sure that you begin sorting out your immigration to the Land Down Under early on – the sooner, the better.

2. Exploring different job opportunities

Another crucial aspect of relocating to the Land Down Under is looking at different job opportunities and finding a job that fits your skillset.

Now, this could seem like a daunting task, but when you consider the fact that Australia’s unemployment rate is as low as 5 percent, you realize that landing a job overseas doesn’t have to be so challenging nor is it something that’s unthinkable nowadays.

With a strong economy and a plethora of career options being offered to expatriates, Australia could be an ideal place to start a new job and a new life while securing an idyllic work-life balance – something that Aussies are especially proud of. If you are highly skilled, you should be able to find a job in practically every part of the country.

3. Cost of living

Depending on where you are looking to relocate, the cost of living will vary greatly.

Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne are at the top of the list when it comes to popular Australian relocation destinations, but the cost of living in these popular places isn’t that much higher compared to large cities such as London or New York. In fact, living in Australian cities that are on the more expensive side such as Sydney can often end up costing you less.

For instance, prices in Sydney’s supermarkets, as well as medium-priced restaurants, tend to be much lower compared to those in New York and London. There are also farmers’ markets (which Australians are very proud of) where you can easily pick up a bargain.

While you get to save on eating out and grocery shopping, you should be prepared to spend more when you go shopping for clothes and shoes. Of course, you will need to take into account how much you can earn once you move to Australia, and use that to calculate the cost of living.

4. Transportation options

When it comes to getting around Australian cities, you can expect to pay less if you are coming from London. If you are relocating from New York, however, your budget for public transportation will have to increase, and the prices of fuel can get 50 percent more expensive.

That said, it is possible to get around Australian cities at a low cost. Cities such as Perth, for example, offer less expensive options such as obtaining a car hire.

With rental locations spread out around the Western Australia capital, choosing a cheap car rental in Perth is your safest bet when it comes to getting around this city and exploring everything it has to offer without breaking the bank.

Other than that, you’ll also need to think about how you are going to move your possessions from one state to another. When it comes to international removals, the most affordable option is container shipping. It is slower than transporting your belongings by sea or air freight, but it’ll ensure significant savings down the road.

5. Deciding where to live in the Land Down Under

This is a decision that will depend on several factors. Other than the cost of living and employment, you’ll need to factor in the quality of life (healthcare, education, transport links, social stability, etc.).

Be sure to check out Mercer’s Quality of Living reports for the cities you are thinking of relocating to as this will give you an insight into how safe and comfortable living in each of the cities is. It is important to note that cities such as Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth all rank high (among the top 40) on Mercer’s Quality of Living ranking list. 

You’ll also need to consider the climate that is the most suitable for you and your family and choose an area based on your preferences. If you have friends and family living in a particular area, you’ll be more inclined to move somewhere close to them to cut costs when the time comes to visit them. 

6. Deciding whether you should rent or buy a home

Last but not least, another thing to cross off your checklist is to decide if you want to rent or buy a home. If you are looking to move to the Land Down Under permanently, consider purchasing a property there.

This is usually done via a private seller or through an auction. Real estate in Australian cities such as Sydney costs 40 percent less per sq ft compared to the properties in London and New York, although you can expect to pay more when it comes to utilities and mortgage rates.

Renting, on the other hand, is a more convenient option for those looking to settle temporarily. Lease agreements last from 6 to 12 months, which is ideal for individuals looking to live and work in Australia as digital nomads.

Keep in mind that, although renting an apartment in the city center may be cheaper compared to New York and London, securing rentals in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne can be quite stressful because of the constantly changing market. Because of this, settling in places such as Perth or Brisbane with high quality of life and reasonable prices makes more sense when you are just starting out.

Wrapping up

The process of relocating to Australia for work can be exciting and daunting at the same time. There is a lot of planning involved, and you will need to put in the time and effort so that everything goes according to plan.

Keep these tips in mind when planning your move to the Land Down Under so that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.