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
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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.
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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.
PTE Superior English: Add 20 Points to Your Australian PR Application
Get 20 points for Australian permanent residency with PTE Academic Superior English scores. Native speakers’ guide to hitting 85+ in Writing and Speaking, the two sections that matter most for skilled migration points.
Read MoreShould TSS Visa/SID Visa Holders Apply for the Permanent Residency Employer Nominated 186 Visa?
Thinking about Australia’s 186 visa for permanent residency? See if you qualify, what your employer needs to do, and if it’s worth it.
Read MoreHow to Bring Family to Australia on 482 Visa (Skills Demand)
Bring your family to Australia on 482 visa: spouse/partner documentation, Form 1229 custody consent, dependent child age limits, subsequent application steps.
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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.
Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats New to the City
Find the perfect Sydney suburbs for expats new to the city. Explore affordable options and median weekly rents. Start your journey today!
Read MoreManly Suburb Guide: Essentials for Expats Moving to Sydney
Your ultimate living guide in Sydney’s coastal paradise. Essential tips for expats in Manly: rent, commute, schools, daycare, dog parks.
Read MoreRental Application: Required Documents & 100 Points of ID
If you don’t have proof of income, rental history in Australia, or these documents for your 100 Points of ID Check, you won’t be able to rent in Sydney.
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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.
How 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 MoreWhat is an Australian Superannuation?
You’re going to love Australia’s Superannuation. For one, it’s a 9.5% employer compulsory contribution. And you can cash it out when you move back home.
Read MoreFAQs from Expats Filing First Tax Return in Australia
SMG readers wrote in with their questions about filing a tax return in Australia. Questions range from transferring money to tax deductions.
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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
