Moving from London to Australia requires careful planning, paperwork, and understanding of both countries’ requirements.
Visa Requirements
You’ll need the right visa before moving to Australia – common options include skilled worker, partner, or working holiday visas.
- Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 189, 190, 491): For professionals with skills on Australia’s occupation lists
- Partner Visa: For those in relationships with Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Working Holiday Visa: Available for UK citizens aged 18-30
Timeline Planning
| Time Before Move | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 12 months | Research visas, start application process |
| 6 months | Book flights, arrange shipping |
| 3 months | Sort housing, banking, healthcare |
| 1 month | Final paperwork, pack belongings |
Cost Considerations
- Visa costs: £2,000-£4,000 depending on type
- Shipping: £3,000-£7,000 for a 20ft container
- Flights: £600-£1,500 per person
- Initial housing deposit: AU$2,000-4,000
Essential Steps
- Apply for visa
- Get police check from ACRO (£55)
- Arrange international health insurance
- Open Australian bank account (Commonwealth Bank offers online applications)
- Transfer pensions and investments
- Register with Medicare upon arrival
Important Documents
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Educational qualifications
- Employment references
- Police clearance certificate
Shipping and Storage
International shipping companies like Crown Relocations or Allied Pickfords specialize in UK to Australia moves.
Shipping Options
- Sea freight: 6-8 weeks, most economical
- Air freight: 1-2 weeks, significantly more expensive
- Shared container: Lower cost but longer transit time
Banking and Finance
Australian banks like Commonwealth Bank and ANZ allow account setup before arrival.
Healthcare Transfer
Register for Medicare within 7 days of arrival – bring passport and visa documentation to a Medicare office.
Finding Housing
Websites like Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au list rental properties across Australia.
Job Search
Major job sites include Seek.com.au and Indeed.com.au.
Useful Contacts
- Australian High Commission in London: +44 20 7379 4334
- Department of Home Affairs (visas): +61 131 881
- Medicare: +61 132 011
- Australian Taxation Office: +61 132 861
Common Challenges
- Time zone differences for communication
- Weather adjustment (opposite seasons)
- Distance from family and friends
- Different driving side (left side, same as UK)
Adjusting to Life in Australia
Cultural adjustment takes time but Australians generally welcome newcomers. Understanding local customs and slang helps with integration.
Cultural Tips
- Casual dress is more common than in London
- Beach and outdoor lifestyle is prevalent
- Work-life balance is highly valued
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated
Setting Up Utilities
- Electricity: Major providers include Origin and AGL
- Internet: NBN providers like Telstra and Optus
- Mobile phones: Convert to local plan within first month
- Water: Usually arranged through property manager
Transportation
Public transport varies by city, with extensive networks in Sydney and Melbourne. Consider car purchase for suburban areas.
Driver’s License
- UK license valid for first 3 months
- State-specific requirements for conversion
- Proof of identity and residency required
Conclusion
Moving from London to Australia requires significant preparation and investment. Success depends on careful planning, particularly regarding visa requirements and timing. While the initial process may seem overwhelming, Australia’s high quality of life and opportunities make it a popular choice for UK expatriates.
Key Success Factors
- Start preparations early – ideally 12 months ahead
- Maintain detailed documentation
- Build local connections before arrival
- Budget for unexpected expenses
- Stay flexible during the transition period
FAQs
- What visa do I need to move from London to Australia?
You’ll need either a Skilled Migration visa, Employer-Sponsored visa, Partner visa, or Working Holiday visa (if under 30). The most common is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). - How much money should I save before moving to Australia?
You should have at least AUD $20,000-30,000 saved to cover initial expenses, including accommodation deposits, transportation, living costs for 3-6 months, and potential job hunting period. - How do I transfer my UK qualifications to Australian recognition?
Contact the relevant professional body in Australia for your field or submit your qualifications to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) for assessment through organizations like Vetassess or TRA. - What’s the process for shipping belongings from London to Australia?
You’ll need to hire an international removal company, prepare a detailed inventory, obtain necessary customs documentation, and expect shipping to take 8-12 weeks by sea freight. - Can I bring my pets from the UK to Australia?
Yes, but pets must undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine period. They need vaccinations, microchipping, blood tests, and import permits. The process can take 6-8 months of preparation. - How do I set up healthcare coverage in Australia?
UK citizens can access Medicare through the reciprocal healthcare agreement. Register for Medicare upon arrival and consider private health insurance for comprehensive coverage. - What’s the process for transferring my UK driving license to Australia?
You can drive on your UK license for three months (varies by state). After that, you’ll need to obtain an Australian license, which may require a written test and/or practical driving test. - How do I set up an Australian bank account?
You can open an Australian bank account up to three months before arrival. Major banks like Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB offer this service. You’ll need passport and visa documentation. - What are the tax implications of moving from the UK to Australia?
You’ll need to notify HMRC of your departure, consider tax residence status, and register for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). Seek professional advice about UK pension and investment arrangements. - How do I find accommodation in Australia?
Start with short-term accommodation while searching for long-term rentals through real estate websites like Domain or Realestate.com.au. You’ll need references and usually 4-6 weeks’ rent as deposit.