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 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.
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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.
How 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.
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 MoreAustralia’s Skills in Demand Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
Skills in Demand visa for Australia: work up to 4 years, bring family, path to permanent residency after 2 years. Three streams, processing times, requirements.
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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.
Rental 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.
Read MoreNSW Tenant Rights to Know Before Renting in Sydney
NSW tenant rights can be confusing, and expats are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Here are five rights you need to know.
Read MoreSydney Rental Prices: Weekly Costs by Suburb & Bedrooms
Looking for average rents in Sydney? I have two tables that list rental prices by suburb and number of bedrooms.
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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.
Expat’s Guide to Transferring Money to Australia
What you need to know before you start transferring money to Australia plus recommended forex brokers and transfer services that we use.
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.
Read MoreEstimating 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.
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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
