You’re Moving to Sydney! Are You Excited? Overwhelmed?
Or a bit of both with a dash of AM-I-REALLY-GOING-TO-DO-THIS sprinkled on top?
Sydney Moving Checklist
What to Know Before You Pack & Go
You can’t google your way through coordinating pet quarantine, visa paperwork, school enrollments, and international shipping while working full-time and keeping your family sane.
This checklist breaks down when to start each process (spoiler: pet import takes 7 months if you’re on top of it), what actually costs money, and which decisions you can push until you’re on the ground.
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Before You Move
Moving to Sydney is a big decision and will consume every minute of your day. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. Most expats now living in Sydney, never want to leave. If they do, it’s with a very heavy heart. Start planning and budgeting your move ASAP. It will make all the difference.
Sydney Relocation Costs You Need to Know Before Moving
A complete list of moving costs from Australian visa application fees to international shipping costs.
Read MoreFour Reasons Why Most People Do NOT Move to Sydney
Are you thinking of moving to Sydney? Here are four reasons why most people don’t make the move and usually regret it in the end.
Read More
Australian Visas
You can’t enter Australia without a valid visa, whether you’re visiting for two weeks or moving permanently to Sydney. There are dozens of visa subtypes, from tourist visas to permanent residency. I focus on work visas for skilled migrants since that’s what most people relocating to Sydney actually need.
189 Visa Australia Eligibility + Points Assessment
Australia’s 189 visa officially needs 65 points but really requires 85-95+. Get the competitive reality for skilled independent permanent residency.
Read MoreWant to Move to Australia Permanently? Your Six Permanent Residency Visa Options
The Australian Permanent Residency guide that tells you what others won’t. Why minimum requirements are meaningless, which visa actually works, and how much it’s going to costs you.
Read MoreThree Years to Permanent Residency: Regional Provisional Visas 491 and 494
Regional provisional visas 491 and 494 include Perth, Adelaide. Regional doesn’t mean remote. Both lead to Australian permanent residency.
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Real Estate & Renting
Sydney’s rental market is brutally competitive. Figure out where you want to live and what you can afford before you move. Over 600 suburbs make this harder than it sounds. Factor in commute times, local schools, and the 100 Points ID Test. That last one’s critical.
Surry Hills Suburb Guide for Expats Relocating to Sydney
A complete guide for expats in Surry Hills covering rental prices, commute, schools, parks, dining, and pros and cons.
Read MoreSydney Suburbs for Expat Families with Young Children
Are you moving to Sydney with young children? Here are the best suburbs for expat families with small children, all an easy commute to the city.
Read MoreGuide to Living in Bondi for Parents Moving to Sydney
Schools in Bondi, after school activities, where to go for a fun family day out, and yearly family-friendly events.
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Expat Finances
How much money do you need saved? Can you open a bank account before leaving? Best way to transfer funds? Psst – You can lock in your rate before moving. Filing taxes in both countries? Yes, both countries. Get your money questions sorted before you leave home.
Opening Australian Bank Account From Overseas Before You Move
Open Australian bank account from USA before moving. Two banks accept applications 14 days before arrival. One requires no Australian address. Step-by-step guide.
Read MoreHow Australian Superannuation Affects US Tax Return
When filing your US tax return, you’ll need to know if your Australian superannuation is an employee benefit trust or a foreign grantor trust. Not sure what either of those are? Find out here.
Read MoreMistakes to Avoid When Transferring Money to Australia
Transferring money to Australia is one of the biggest issues you’ll have as an expat. Here are common mistakes made when transferring money.
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Sydney Moving Timeline
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12 Months Out: Budget & Visa
Create moving budget:
• Cost to Move to Sydney
• Sydney Arrival Expenses
Submit visa application → Australian Visas Articles
Research shipping costs → Shipping Costs
8 Months Out: Pets & Finances
Start pet importation → Recommended Pet Relocation Companies
Open forex account → Transferring Money Guide
Consult Expat Tax Accountant → Recommended Tax Accountants
NOTE: U.S. Taxes for expats is a pain in the butt. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how living in Australia is going to affect your U.S. tax filing.
4 Months Out: Packing & Research
Downsize household and personal belongings → What NOT to Pack
Research schools/childcare
• NSW Schools Guide
• Sydney Daycare Guide
Book short-term housing → Stayz.com.au
2 Months Out: Jobs & Logistics
Get shipping quotes → Moving Quotes Contact Form
Update resume for Australia → All Finding a Job in Sydney Articles
Zero in on Sydney suburbs → Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats
Final Month: Pack & Prepare
Organize documents → 100 Points of ID Check
Prepare for Sydney’s Competitive Rental Market → How We Found Our Apartment in a Week
Open Sydney bank account → Open Bank Account guide
