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.
Eight Reasons Why You Should Migrate to Australia
Why migrate to Australia? Considered one of the best countries in the world to live for it’s diversity, amazing landscapes, and overall quality of life.
Read MoreSydney Relocation Costs You Need to Know Before Moving
A complete list of moving costs from Australian visa application fees to international shipping costs.
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.
Australian Employer Sponsorship Requirements for 482 Visas
Understand Australian visa sponsorship from both sides. Employer costs ($5,550-7,950), compliance obligations, and how to prove you’re worth the investment.
Read MoreSkills in Demand Visa Rights: What You Can (and Can’t) Do
Understand your 482 visa work rights, the 180-day job transition rule, mandatory health insurance, and compliance requirements to avoid visa violations.
Read MoreGet Your Australian Skills Assessment Right the First Time
Australian skilled migration requires positive skills assessment: step-by-step process from finding assessing authority to avoiding mistakes.
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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.
Paddington Suburb Guide for Expats Relocating to Sydney
Moving to Sydney and want a suburb with character? Paddington, just east of Sydney’s CBD, combines historic terraces with city living.
Read MoreBondi Suburb Guide for Expats Moving to Sydney, Australia
The complete expat relocation guide to Bondi, Sydney. Find child care centers, schools, pros, cons, and rental prices. Plan your move today.
Read MoreFind a Rental in Sydney Fast, Even Before You Move
Need to find rental in Sydney fast? How to jump-start your rental search and beat the competition BEFORE you move.
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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.
Estimating the Cost of Living in Sydney Before You Move
To help you estimate your cost of living in Sydney, here is a breakdown of daily and monthly household expenses.
Read MoreHow to Get Your Australian Tax File Number
Everyone moving to Australia needs to get a Tax File Number (TFN). There are three conditions you must meet to apply for your TFN online.
Read MoreNavigating Australian Taxes: An Expat’s Essential Guide
Are you a resident in Australia for tax purposes? Tax tables, how to file your taxes online, and a list of due dates you need to know.
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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
