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Australia Relocation Resources
Head up! This is a long page full of resources to help you with your move to Australia, ranging from migration agents to tax accountants. I update this page often as I come across new resources when researching a post, so you might want to bookmark it for later.
I have also included businesses that I have referral partnerships with where I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Some of my partners have generously agreed to special discounts for Sydney Moving Guide readers.
All sponsoring partners listed below are marked with an asterisk (*). Thank you for supporting Sydney Moving Guide.
Do you own a business or provide a service that helps people relocate to Australia? More on partnerships here.
Looking for International Movers in Your Area?
What are you taking with? Do you know yet?
The truth is you don’t need to know right now, for sure, what’s going with you. But you do have to get a shipping quote ASAP, especially now. Why? Because international moving companies need to schedule your move to Australia far in advance, some ask for 6 months in advance. Yes, COVID has changed everything, including international shipping.
Moving to Australia With Just a Few Boxes?
5% Off First Order with Send My Bag*
Ship your luggage worldwide. For vacation, sports, relocation, students – everyone! SendMyBag offers fast and affordable door-to-door delivery of your bags and boxes to over 100 countries. Skip long lines at the airport and avoid paying extortionate airline baggage fees.
Luggage Forward*
Yes, Luggage Forward and Send My Bag are very similar, but I wanted to include them both so you can compare prices. Even with my special discount for Send My Bag, Luggage Forward might work out to be better. It's worth checking.
Need Help Getting a Visa? Recommended Migration Agents
AUREC Migration & Mobility*
Kelly Lloyd is the founder of AUREC and a member of my private Facebook Group! AUREC is one of few migration agencies to successfully achieve a Federal On-Hire Labour Agreement with the Department of Immigration. This agreement enables AUREC to sponsor overseas workers on the TSS Visa On-Hire Labour Agreement in contract or permanent roles. Contact AUREC for a free visa assessment.
Worldwide Migration Partners
Melissa Vincenty is the founder of Worldwide Migration Partners and a US expat that has lived in Sydney since 2012. Melissa has 20 years of experience in migration law in both the United States and now in Australia. As a migrant herself, Melissa understands how overwhelming the whole visa process can be. Melissa can guide you and assess what visa is the best match for you if you're not sure what visa you qualify for.
TSS Immigration
I've heard nothing but good things about TSS Immigration. TSS Immigration has an excellent track record of getting visas approved. They've been in business for 14 years. They're experts in Employer-Sponsored Migration. TSS Immigration offers complete end-to-end service with fixed costs. TSS provides a full appraisal of possible visa options and guides you through the entire visa application process from start to finish.
Recommended for Sending Money to Australia
Special Offer From OFX*
Free Money Transfers for LIFE! I have referred over 4,000 expats and have yet to hear a negative review of OFX. They have excellent 24/7 customer service and can help you lock in an exchange rate up to 12 months before transferring any money to Australia. It's completely free to set up an account and get the ball rolling. This is something you need to do now because getting the best exchange rate is all about timing.
3 Free Transfers with CurrencyFair*
CurrencyFair lets you set the exchange rate you want to get. When you set up your account with CurrencyFair, you're joining an international marketplace along with other CurrencyFair customers that also want to transfer money. The marketplace matches you with other customers who want to buy the currency you're selling at the rate you've chosen. Simply set your rate, and wait for a match. It's free to set up an account, so you really don't have anything to lose.
Transfer Money Quickly with Wise*
Wise is great for transferring money quickly. They charge a small, flat fee + fixed percentage of the transfer amount, but you’ll always see the total cost upfront, which is nice. They also have multi-currency accounts and a debit card that you use just like any other debit card to access the funds in your multi-currency account.
Australian Banks With Accounts Specifically for People Moving From Overseas
Commonwealth Bank of Australia*
Commonwealth Bank, known to Aussies as CommBank, is Australia’s largest bank. They offer a range of banking solutions – including the CommBank app which lets you bank on the go. You can also benefit from the Bank’s extensive branch and ATM network across Australia.
If you’re planning on moving to Australia you can find tips and guidance on CommBank’s Moving to Australia website.
Things you should know: Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 is a company incorporated in Australia with limited liability and subject to Australian regulation.
Australia and New Zealand Banking (ANZ)
Opening an ANZ Access Advantage account is quick and easy, so you'll have one less thing to worry about before you leave. ANZ will email you within 2 days after you open an account with your account details.
National Australia Bank (NAB)
Open a NAB Classic Banking account and an optional NAB iSaver account from overseas. Opening a bank account with NAB from overseas takes up to 3 business days.
Recommended Tax Accountants and Financial Advisors
Taxes for US Expats*
While an average tax preparer or CPA may prepare returns for only a handful of clients living abroad, Taxes for US Expats is 100% dedicated to them. This focus enables them to provide best-in-class service at very competitive rates. Special Offer for SMG Readers: $25 Discount on Any Tax Services
Uptrend Advisory
As an Australian expat himself, Jason – the owner of Uptrend – knows how difficult it can be to navigate two tax systems. He’s been there. Lucky for you, Jason is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Australian Chartered Accountant (CA), specializing in expat taxes.
Apt Wealth Partners
Living and working as an expat comes with some unique financial challenges. Apt Wealth Partners helps take the complexity out of expat finances, from currency shifts, tax laws, and regulations, to legislation around what assets you can purchase.
Need to Find a Job in Australia ASAP? Australian Employment Resources
Book: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile*
This is a book I recommend to everyone moving anywhere that is looking for a job. Why? Because my husband has gotten his past two jobs through LinkedIn. It doesn't matter what job or what industry you're in. At one point during the hiring process, someone will be checking out your LinkedIn profile. It's one of the best ways to tip the scales in your favor. The best time to do this is before you move when you're still in contact with your coworkers and manager or boss. At the very least, start working on getting recommendations for projects you've worked on. Those recommendations count for a lot when it comes to getting hired.
Adzuna Job Search Engine
Adzuna is a search engine for job ads that lists every job everywhere. Adzuna searches thousands of websites so you don’t have to and bring together millions of ads so you can find every job everywhere. Adzuna provides smarter search options and powerful data about the job market, giving you the information you need to take control of your career.
Ashdown People Recruiting Firm
Established in 2006, Ashdown People has earned a reputation for being one of Australia’s leading IT recruitment specialists. Ashdown's clients range from major global IT&T brands to niche digital startups that trust us to find them the best IT professionals to ensure the strongest business and technology outcomes. Ashdown People has offices in Sydney and Melbourne with a number of longstanding preferred supplier agreements in place across Australia.
Hays Specialist Recruitment
Whether you are returning to Australia or have obtained a work visa, Hays can provide you with fast, easy access to multiple job opportunities. Hays is the leading global specialist recruiting group. Hays is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the Asia Pacific and the UK and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. Hays operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles, and temporary assignments.
Konnecting Recruitment for TSS Visas
Konnecting is an integrated recruitment and migration company, with 6 registered migration agents (RMAs) on staff, each has various visa specializations. Konnecting will take the hassle out of visa applications and employer nominations. Having worked previously in industries with skills shortages in Australia, the founders of Konnecting experienced firsthand the difficulties of sourcing skilled staff from overseas.
Michael Page Recruitment
Michael Page Recruitment is a globally recognized and respected recruitment consultancy that connects professionals with the world’s best employers for over 40 years. Michael Page has been helping job seekers realize their career ambitions; whether you're looking for a permanent, contract, and temporary role, they can help. Michael Page has 1,000 jobs available at some of Australia's leading companies, from clerical to executive-level positions.
Moving to Australia with Pets? Recommended Pet Relocation Companies
PetRelocation USA to Australia
If you’re planning a move to Australia, you're likely already aware of the strict import requirements for pets. One requirement is that live animals must first enter Australia through Melbourne to begin quarantine. There's no way around this. PetRelocation offers door-to-door pet relocation services include pick-up at your residence, delivery to the airport, flight bookings and flight arrangements on a safe, pet-friendly airline, as well as customs clearance and delivery to your new home.
Jetpets Animal Transport
All pets traveling into Australia are required to spend 10 days in Quarantine. Jetpets Animal Transport can help with collecting your pet and taking care of any onward travel requirements once they’ve been released from Quarantine. So whether your new home is in Melbourne or Sydney, we’ll provide safe and stress-free transport of your furbaby to your door or any final destination across Australia.
Pets Abroad UK to Australia
Pets Abroad provide personalized and professional pet export and import services, sending pets all around the world. We pride ourselves on our friendly, approachable service. Whatever your question, whatever stage of the relocation process you're at, Pets Abroad is here to assist you. We'll tailor-make a relocation package specific to your pet and your destination.
Moving to Australia With Kids? Recommended Resources for Schools
NSW Department of Education
This is your one-stop shop for public schools in NSW. Find a public school, explore designated catchment areas, and access contact details for all NSW public schools. Information on enrolling in NSW public preschools, primary schools, high schools, forms, and general enrolment information. NSW Department of Education website also has calendars of all public school holidays and term dates.
Catholic Schools NSW Limited (CSNSW)
Many expats moving to Sydney choose to go with a Catholic school rather than a public school, especially if they move on a 482 TSS visa or another temporary visa. This is because temporary visa holders are required to pay tuition for public school attendance. It is often the case that a private Catholic school charges the same tuition or maybe slightly more than the public school for temporary visa holders. The other benefit is there are no enrollment areas since they are private schools and not public.
Montessori Australia Foundation
In Australia, Montessori education is available for children of all ages with programmes offered for children as young as 8 weeks old to age 18, through early childhood education and care services, preschools and kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools. All Montessori schools and centres in Australia are independently owned and operated not governed by Montessori Australia.
My School Finder for Australia
Are you moving to Australia with kids but not necessarily settling in Sydney or NSW? My School Finder is where you'll find info on all Australian schools. It has data on school rankings compared to schools nearby and similar areas that you might want to consider moving to. My School is run by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)
NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken every year in the second full week in May.
NSW Depart. of Education for Temporary Visa Holders
Moving to Sydney on a 482 TSS Visa or another temporary visa? If you are, then enrolling your kids in school is a bit more complicated. NSW Department of Education has a special enrolment process for temporary visa holders. It's all mapped out on the DE International website. Be sure to check on your visa subclass as it's not the same process for all temporary visa subclasses.
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
Want to compare the NSW school curriculum to the curriculum back home? NESA is where you will find detailed information about the curriculum of every school year. You'll also find downloadable pdfs that you can share with the school back home to get an idea of how it compares. NESA sets and monitors the quality of teaching, learning, assessment, and school standards across all NSW public, Catholic and independent schools.
International Baccalaureate®
For over 50 years, International Baccalaureate's global community of world-class educators and coordinators engage with more than 1.4 million students in over 5,300 schools across 158 countries. International Baccalaureate offers an education for students from age 3 to 19, comprising four programs that focus on teaching students to think critically and independently and inquire with care and logic.
Steiner Education Australia
Steiner philosophy had its genesis in 1919 in Europe, as Austrian philosopher and social reformer Rudolf Steiner recognized the need for education to enable children to become free and autonomous human beings to impart purpose and direction in their lives. Steiner Education Australia (SEA) supports and strengthens Steiner education across the Asia Pacific and ensures Steiner education is accessible to all Australians. SEA taps into a network of over 1,000 Steiner schools across the globe, including over 50 in Australia.
Rental Search Sites, Short-Term Rentals, Flatmates, and Housesitting
Stayz Australia*
Stayz was recently bought by Expedia and is now being rebranded and soon to become VRBO Australia. Stayz has the largest inventory of vacation rentals in Australia.
Domain.com.au
Domain is Australia’s best destination for property seekers, led by a team of real estate experts and journalists. Domain also has Sydney Suburb guides that are worth checking out too.
TrustedHousesitters*
You can save a lot of money on accommodations in Australia by becoming a housesitter! This is often overlooked when first arriving in Australia, but it's something definitely worth checking out.
RealEstate
Australia’s most popular real estate website and community. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent, or share, we have the tools available to help you find the perfect place. You can also apply for most rentals directly through the site.
Flatmates
Flatmates.com.au is Australia’s No.1 share accommodation website. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Flatmates allows people to list their spare rooms, find accommodation or team up with others to start a share house.
Gumtree
Gumtree is the Craigslist of Australia. I'm adding it here with the other rental listings sites, but you can buy just about anything on Gumtree, just like Craigslist, so keep it in mind when you're ready to start furnishing your new home.
Flatmate Finders
Established 31 years ago, Flatmate Finders receives over 2,000 new listings weekly and is Australia’s largest flatmate matching service.
Mortgage Brokers for Expats and Returning Australian Citizens
Headstart Financial Services
Headstart Financial Services isn't just a Mortgage Broking business to assist you with your next loan or property purchase. Headstart looks at all aspects of your financial position to give you the best possible advice and knowledge to get you ‘ahead’ financially.
MAP Mortgage Brokers
MAP specializes in helping temporary and non-residents (including Australian Expats) get fast home loan approval at a great rate. And because they only work with expats, they're very good at getting loans approved.
SMATS Group
I've heard good things about SMATS from several expats moving to Australia and returning Australian citizens wanting to secure a home loan before they move.
Health Insurance for Expats Living in Australia
HCF Health Insurance
HCF Health Insurance fully meets any of the Australian workers' visa requirements for as little as $11.50 per week. HCF has been in business for 85 years and has 24/7 customer service.
IMAN Australian Health Plans
Working Visa Health Cover made to fit your budget and lifestyle. For Graduate 485 Visa, TSS 482 Visa and other Australia working visas: hospital cover, ambulance cover, visa compliance letter, over 30 years experience.
Bupa Health Insurance
Whether it's budget overseas health cover or premium health cover, Bupa has a wide range of options, including the 485 visa to suit your needs. Once you have applied for Bupa overseas visitors cover, you will receive your health insurance visa letter to support your visa application, by email.
Medibank Health Insurance
Here are two popular visas that Medibank’s Overseas Workers Health Covers are 100% compliant for. You have four levels of cover to choose from. Each one includes unlimited emergency ambulance cover. When you purchase online, you’ll get your visa health insurance certificate straight away.