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 MoreArrival Expenses to Budget for When You Move to Sydney
Yes, moving to Sydney is expensive, but you also need to budget for these expenses when you arrive plus the first few months afterwards.
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.
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 MoreTSS vs. SID Visa: What’s Changed and How It Affects Current Visa Holders
Learn how TSS visa holders can transition to SID visas, what requirements changed, when to apply, why the renewal process differs, and how to plan your next steps.
Read MoreAustralia NIV Visa: Subclass 858 Requirements & Timeline
While others calculate points, exceptional talent gets direct invitations to Australian PR. No age limits, no points race. Are you invitation-worthy?
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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.
Bondi 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 MorePaddington 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 MoreFurnishing First Rental in Sydney on a Tight Budget
Even after moving, the expenses keep rolling in. Here’s where to shop for inexpensive furniture and appliances for your first rental 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.
FAQs 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.
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 MoreDo You Owe Tax on Money You Transfer to Australia?
Many expats transfer large sums of money to Australia when they move. Is that money going to be taxed after it’s transferred? What about customs?
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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
