December 13, 2022

Moving to Australia FAQ

Are you moving to Australia? Check out our answers to your commonly asked questions.

woman-with-uk-passport

Can I live in Australia with a British passport?

British passport-holders may stay in Australia for up to 90 days with an Electronic Travel Authorisation or eVisitor temporary visa. 

UK citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days, work, study, or retire in Australia will need to apply for a longer-term visa.

 

woman-with-pets

Can you move a pet to Australia?

You can move a pet to Australia, but the process can be difficult. You may be required to submit proof of vaccinations and tests up to 180 days or more before your arrival in order to obtain a valid import permit. It is recommended to work with a professional pet relocation company and begin the application process as soon as you find out you are moving. 

The following dog breeds are prohibited in Australia:

  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa
  • American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
  • Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

Learn more about moving a pet with our 2022 Pet Relocation Guide

**This advice is for general informational purposes and does not replace the requirements of the Australian government or the recommendations of a veterinarian. 

couple-surfing-australia

Is Australia a healthy place to live?

Australia is considered a very healthy place to live. A 2022 study by Money.co.uk found that Canberra is the third healthiest city in the world, after Madrid and Valencia, Spain. Australia has a high life expectancy, low crime rate, and plenty of warm sunshine. 

Australia has opportunities for skiing, hiking, cycling, golf, and watersports. It is ranked 1st in Asia–Oceania for its clean environment. It is also known for its healthy work/life balance. 

Do you need health insurance in Australia?

Australia’s universal healthcare – Medicare – offers residents and some visitors free or low-cost health care services, including hospital treatment, medications, and some medical services.

While private medical insurance is optional for most Australia residents, high-income earners must purchase private insurance or pay a Medicare Levy Surcharge. 

The government’s mandated website offers pricing and descriptions for private healthcare plans. 

australia-harbour

What are the customs requirements for moving household goods from the UK to Australia?

Australia has strict customs requirements and restrictions. For clients moving with Sterling Lexicon, our Move Specialists help with the customs forms and clearance process.

Moving shipments arriving in Australia are considered Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE B534). Automobiles and other large items must be accompanied by an Import Declaration and may be subject to import duty, GST, and luxury tax. 

What items are prohibited for personal moves to Australia?

As per the Australia Border Force, the following items cannot be shipped as Unaccompanied Personal Effects:

  • fresh fruit and vegetables
  • live plants, bulbs, tubers, corms and cuttings
  • prohibited and restricted seeds​
  • unidentified seeds (including spices)
  • khapra beetle high-risk plant products
  • biological products including some plant based, herbal medications
  • unprocessed goods of plant or animal origin
  • soiled goods, or goods containing organic residues
  • goods knowingly infested with pests or a disease.
  • tobacco
  • weapons
  • drugs and medicines 

**These restrictions may change. If in doubt, speak to your Move Specialist for further guidance.

What types of visas does Australia offer?

Australia offers more than 100 types of visas. Most new residents in Australia will need to apply for an Australian visa, such as:

New Employees - for sponsored employees or those holding special skills

  • Global Talent Visa 
  • Employer Nomination Scheme 
  • Skilled Independent Visa 
  • Skilled Nominated Visa 
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa 

Business and investment visas – for business owners of new or existing businesses in Australia:

  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa, either Permanent or Provisional
  • Business Owner (Subclass 890)
  • Investor Visa (Subclass 891)

Other visa types:

  • Tourist Visa 
  • Study and Training Visa 
  • Parent, Family and Caregiver Visa 
  • New Zealand Citizen Visas
  • Humanitarian visas
  • Bridging visas

*Information provided above is for awareness purposes only and should not be used as legal advice. Please consult a qualified immigration lawyer for details about your specific situation.

Is shipping a car to Australia worth it?

You may want to consider taking your car with you to Australia, particularly if it would be expensive or difficult to replace once you arrive.  

The total cost of importing your car to Australia will include the price for door-to-door shipping as well as a goods and services tax charged by the Australian government. Newer automobiles and luxury cars may also be subject to import duties and additional tax. 

In order to import your automobile into Australia, you must receive vehicle import approval. Approval is subject to various criteria, such as: 

  • You must own your vehicle for at least 24 months prior to importing it to Australia. 
  • Vehicles must pass mechanical inspection and be free of asbestos (applicable to cars made before 1991). 
  • Upon arrival, your automobile must be inspected for biosecurity measures.

Need to ship your car to Australia? We can help. Learn more about Sterling Lexicon’s Auto Shipping services

 

australia-heart

Is there a checklist for moving to Australia from the UK?

The steps for moving to Australia are:

  1. Check visa requirements and travel restrictions. Make necessary applications
  2. Find accommodations in Australia
  3. Request an in-person or virtual moving survey from an accredited moving company that specialises in international removals 
  4. Schedule your move
  5. Prepare your home for moving
  6. Find a safe place for your pets on moving day
  7. Fill out customs and other forms, and purchase Australian health insurance if needed
  8. Leave plenty of time on your day of travel
  9. Notify your moving company when you have arrived 
  10. Save all paperwork until you have received and unpacked your shipment

For everything you need to know about how to move to Australia, visit our Moving to Australia Easy 10 Step Checklist.

Our move specialists are experts in overseas removals. If you have any questions, reach out to us today!

Speak with a Move Specialist

 

  

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