Moving to Australia from the UK: Costs, Visas & Tips (2026)

Thinking of moving to Australia? Better weather, a healthier work–life balance, and a shared language are among the many reasons almost 50,000 Brits make the move every year.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from visas and logistics to cost of living, housing, and healthcare. At the end, we’ll also draw on real experiences of expats who have made the move, highlighting common pitfalls and misconceptions to help set realistic expectations about life in Australia once you arrive.

Moving to Australia from the UK: key facts (2026)

🇦🇺 Capital / largest city	Canberra / Sydney
💰 Currency	Australian dollar (AUD). £1 ≈ A$1.89
🗣️ Main language	English
👥 UK-born residents	Around 1.2 million
🧭 Popular with UK movers	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast
🛂 Most common visa routes	Skilled (189/190/491), employer-sponsored (482/186), family
💷 Typical total move cost	£10,000 to £20,000+ depending on household size and visa (source)
⏱️ Typical timeline	6 to 9 months (fast) to 12 to 24 months (typical)
🚢 Shipping time	From 6 to 9 weeks door to door on 1st Move’s weekly removals to Australia services

Can You Move to Australia from the UK?

Yes, it is possible to move to Australia from the UK, but it is not a straightforward process. Australia operates a tightly controlled immigration system, and long-term moves are based on meeting strict visa eligibility criteria.

For most people, eligibility depends on skills, employer sponsorship, or family connections. The majority of applicants begin on temporary visas and seek to attain permanent residency afterwards, but it’s not always guaranteed.

How hard is it to move to Australia?

For most people, moving to Australia from the UK is a lengthy and costly process. Difficulty varies depending on whether you qualify for a suitable visa, can secure employer sponsorship, and pass mandatory health and character checks. In many cases, the process takes months or even years and requires careful planning well in advance.

Those without in-demand skills, sponsorship, or close family ties generally face more limited options, particularly if their goal is permanent residency.

A reality check on permanent residency

Moving to Australia does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Many people spend several years on temporary or provisional visas, and some never progress beyond them.

Temporary visas often come with restrictions on employment, job mobility, or length of stay, which can affect long-term decisions around housing, careers, and family life.

How to Get an Australian Visa?

There are several possible visa routes for UK citizens. Most fall into the following categories, each with different eligibility requirements, costs, and levels of long-term security.

Explore your visa options here.

• Family-stream permanent residence visa
  For partners, children, or dependent relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  Processing times can be long. Parent visas in particular may take many years unless applying under higher-cost contributory schemes.
  Explore visa options for joining family in Australia.
  
• Work-stream permanent residence visa
  The main points-tested routes are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491).
  
  All require an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment and a points score. The minimum is 65 points, but in practice most occupations need 80 or more to receive an invitation, and applicants generally need to be under 45.
  
  State nomination (190) or regional/family sponsorship (491) each add 15 points. The 491 is a five-year provisional visa that can lead to permanent residency via the subclass 191 after three years of regional living.
  
  Government application fees for 189, 190 and 491 are around AUD $4,910 for the main applicant for 2025-26, with additional charges for partners and children.
  
  Tips for applying for a skilled visa.
  
• Employer-sponsored visas
  For applicants with a confirmed job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor them. The main route is now the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024.
  
  It has three streams (Specialist, Core and Essential Skills); the Core Skills stream requires two years of relevant experience and a salary at or above the Core Skills income threshold of around AUD $73,150 a year.
  
  The permanent employer-sponsored route is the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Employment is usually tied to the sponsoring employer until permanent residency is secured.
  
• Business or investment-stream permanent residence visa
  For entrepreneurs and investors looking to start or invest in a business in Australia.
  These visas require substantial capital and ongoing compliance and are not suitable for most UK movers.
  
• Temporary visas as entry routes
  Many people initially enter Australia on temporary or provisional visas.
  Progression to permanent residency is not automatic and can take several years, if it happens at all.

How Long Does It Take to Move to Australia?

How long does it take to move to Australia from the UK? For most people, 12 to 24 months from decision to arrival, though straightforward employer-sponsored cases can be done in 6 to 9 months. The timeline depends on the visa route, document preparation and how the move is organised, and breaks down into the stages below.

1. Visa processing time (3-12+ months)

This is usually the longest and least predictable part of the process.

• Employer-sponsored visas:
  Approx. 3–9 months once a complete application is lodged
• Skilled visas (points-based):
  6–18+ months, including skills assessments and waiting for an invitation
• Family visas:
  12 months to several years, depending on the visa type
• Parent visas:
  Often many years, unless applying under higher-cost contributory routes

2. Notice periods and exit planning (1-6 months)

Even after a visa is granted, most people need time to prepare their exit from the UK.

• Job notice periods:
  Typically 1–3 months
• Property sale or tenancy end:
  1–6 months, depending on circumstances
• School or family planning:
  Often adds additional lead time

3. Flights and arrival timing (24-48 hours)

Once a visa is granted and commitments in the UK are wrapped up:

• Flight booking:
  Can be arranged within days, but prices vary significantly by season
• Travel time:
  Around 22–24 hours flight time, usually with at least one stopover

Arrival dates are often planned around housing availability or job start dates rather than visa timing alone.

4. Shipping household goods (1.5-3 months)

Shipping runs in parallel with flights but often starts earlier.

• Sea freight:
  8–14 weeks door-to-door is common
  6–8 weeks with our faster weekly shipping

Because most international removals companies wait until they can fill a full container, household goods are often held in the UK for several weeks before shipping. We ship to Australia weekly, which means belongings can leave the UK sooner and arrive up to 14 weeks faster than with companies operating on less frequent sailings.

A realistic overall timeline

For most people, the total time from deciding to move to actually living in Australia is:

• Fastest cases: 6–9 months
• More typical: 12–24 months
• Complex cases: Several years, particularly where permanent residency is the goal

How to Transport Your Belongings to Australia

What is the cheapest way to move belongings to Australia? Sea freight, using a shared or sole-use container. Air freight is faster but costs considerably more. Most UK households ship by sea, and with our weekly consolidated sailings goods can leave the UK sooner and arrive from 6 to 9 weeks door to door.

How removals to Australia works

You will typically choose between a shared or a sole-use container shipping service. Shared container is great for smaller moves that don’t require the full space of a 20ft container, allowing you to share container space with others at a lower cost. Sole-use provides you with the entire container and is ideal for large full-house moves (3-4+ bed homes). Check out container shipping costs to Australia here.

Because of Australia’s strict customs and biosecurity requirements, most people use a specialist international removals company such as 1st Move International to manage packing, shipping, customs clearance, and delivery as a single process.

Sailings schedules to Australia vary between removals companies, depending on how frequently they ship to Australia and how consignments are managed. We are the only removals company to offer weekly removals to Australia using regular consolidated shipping services, meaning your goods can arrive up to 14 weeks faster compare to typical movers (who may have to wait weeks to fill a container before departure.) Get in a touch or request a free quote today.

Cost of Living in Australia

Is Australia more expensive than the UK? Overall, yes, by roughly 10 to 25% on everyday living costs, though the picture is more nuanced than the headline suggests. On Numbeo’s 2026 index, Sydney and Melbourne rank above every UK city for consumer prices, but once rent is included, Sydney works out around 6% cheaper than London. The gap is driven by where you live and what you buy, not by Australia being uniformly dearer.

Housing and rent

Housing is the largest expense and the main pressure point for new arrivals. The national median rent reached around AUD $681 a week (roughly AUD $2,950 a month, or £1,572) in Cotality’s 2025 report and continues to rise. Sydney sits well above that; a one-bedroom city apartment can run AUD $800 a week or more, while a room in a shared house averages closer to AUD $350. Regional areas drop to around AUD $550 a week. Counter to expectation, Sydney rents are actually lower than central London on a like-for-like basis, but competition is fierce and housing quality does not always match the price, especially in older or poorly insulated properties.

Groceries and everyday spending

According to Numbeo’s UK vs Australia comparison, groceries run up to 29.5% higher than in the UK. Staples show it clearly: a loaf of bread that costs around £1.26 in the UK is closer to £2.00 in Australia, and fresh produce, eating out and alcohol all carry a premium. Imported goods cost noticeably more.

Utilities and transport

Utilities are often cheaper than in the UK. Public transport in the major cities is broadly comparable, with monthly passes around AUD $130 depending on the city. Outside city centres, car ownership is usually necessary, which adds fuel, insurance and maintenance.

Salaries and lifestyle trade-offs

Salaries are the offset. Median full-time earnings in Australia were around AUD $90,500 a year in 2025 (ABS) which is around £48,000 at current exchange rates, against a UK median of about £39,863 (ONS), a gross advantage of around 20% before tax. That gap narrows once higher rent, groceries and private health costs are taken into account.

Superannuation contributions are also higher than typical UK workplace pensions. But the advantage erodes once you account for higher rent, groceries, and the cost of private health cover that many households add on top of the Medicare levy, which can run AUD $4,000 to $8,000 a year for a professional family. For many people the cost of living feels manageable once settled, but the first few months are expensive due to rental deposits, setup costs and relocation expenses.

Figures as of 2026. Sources: ABS, Numbeo 2026 index, Cotality, Domain, OECD Economic Survey of Australia (January 2026).

Renting or Buying Property in Australia

Can you buy a house in Australia as a UK citizen? Only a new-build before you have permanent residency. Since 1 April 2025, a two-year ban has been put in place on foreign persons, which includes UK movers on temporary and skilled provisional visas, from buying established (existing) homes, though they can still buy new or off-the-plan dwellings with FIRB approval. Most people rent first regardless.

Housing is the most competitive and consequential part of the move, and for most arriving from the UK renting comes first even when buying is the longer-term goal.

Renting property in Australia

Most new arrivals rent initially while they settle into work, location, and visa status.

• National median rent reached around AUD $681 a week (roughly AUD $2,950 a month) in 2025 (source) and continues to rise. A one-bedroom Sydney city apartment runs AUD $800~ a week or more; regional areas drop to around AUD $550
• Rental properties are typically advertised online and shown through group inspections, and competition can be high in major cities, with multiple applicants per property
• Upfront costs usually include a rental bond of four weeks’ rent plus two to four weeks’ rent in advance, so budget around AUD $3,000 to $5,000 to secure a city rental
  

Most people begin their housing search remotely and only view properties in person once they are in Australia, particularly when renting. It’s common to secure short-term or furnished accommodation first, then move into a longer-term rental once settled.

The main property portals used across Australia include:

• realestate.com.au
• domain.com.au
• rent.com.au
• onthehouse.com.au

Buying property as a non-resident

Non-citizens can buy property in Australia, but restrictions apply.

• From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign persons (including temporary and provisional visa holders) are banned from buying established dwellings, with only very limited exceptions. In practice this means most UK movers cannot buy an existing home until they hold permanent residency
• Before permanent residency, the only route is a new-build or off-the-plan property, and that still requires Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval and a substantial application fee that rises with the property value (for example around AUD $44,100 on a property up to AUD $1 million)
• Foreign buyers also pay a stamp duty surcharge on top of standard duty, typically 7 to 8% of the purchase price in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland
• Mortgage options are more limited for non-residents, and higher deposits are often required

Permanent residents who are ordinarily resident in Australia are not treated as foreign persons and can buy established homes like locals. Because of this, most UK movers rent until permanent residency is secured.

Finding Work in Australia

What is the average salary in Australia? Median full-time earnings were A$90,532 a year in 2025 (ABS), around £48,000, against £39,863 in the UK, a gross advantage of roughly 20% before tax and cost-of-living differences. The national minimum wage is A$24.95 an hour (about A$948 a week) from 1 July 2025.

Finding work depends heavily on visa status, location and jobs currently in demand in Australia. Some people arrive with a job secured through employer sponsorship; others look for work after arriving, often on temporary visas with conditions attached.

Securing work before arrival

If you are entering Australia on an employer-sponsored or work-stream visa, you may already have a job lined up before you move. This can reduce financial risk but often comes with restrictions, as employment is usually tied to a specific employer.

Changing roles may require a new visa, which can limit flexibility until permanent residency is secured, if it is secured at all.

Looking for work after arrival

Many people begin job hunting once they are in Australia, particularly if they already have the right to work. Employers often prefer candidates who are available locally and can start quickly.

Job searches are typically conducted online, with most roles advertised on major platforms such as:

• Seek
• Workforce Australia
• Adzuna
• CareerOne
• Prosple Australia

Recruitment agencies and professional networks also play a role, especially once you are established locally.

Job market considerations

Australia has ongoing demand in certain sectors, including healthcare, construction, engineering, education, IT and skilled trades. Pay varies sharply by occupation: ABS data puts median full-time earnings for managers at around A$2,072 a week and professionals at A$1,900, against A$940 for labourers and A$742 for sales workers. Demand varies by state and city, and competition can be high in major urban areas.

Australian-recognised qualifications and local experience can significantly improve prospects, particularly in regulated professions.

Work culture and expectations

Work culture is often described as less hierarchical than in the UK, with a strong emphasis on work–life balance in many sectors. Experiences vary widely by employer and industry.

While salaries can be higher in some roles, this does not always offset higher living costs, particularly in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Banking and Managing Money in Australia

Setting up banking early makes the move to Australia significantly easier, particularly when it comes to getting paid, paying rent, and covering everyday expenses.

Opening an Australian bank account

Can you open an Australian bank account from the UK? Yes. The four major banks (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB) all let you open an account online before you arrive, some up to 14 days ahead, then verify your identity with your passport in person within a set window after landing. Doing this early helps avoid delays when starting work or securing a rental.

To open and activate an account, you’ll typically need:

• A valid passport
• Your visa details
• Proof of address (UK or Australian, depending on the bank)

Opening an account early can help avoid delays when starting work or securing a rental.

Getting paid and everyday spending

Most employers require an Australian bank account to pay salaries. Rent, utilities, and other regular expenses are usually paid by bank transfer or direct debit.

Contactless payments are widely accepted across Australia, and cash is rarely needed for day-to-day spending.

Keeping a UK bank account

Many people keep a UK bank account open after moving, particularly if they continue to receive income, pensions or refunds from the UK. But some UK banks restrict or close accounts once you become non-resident; Barclays, for example, has closed accounts held by customers who move abroad.

Check your bank’s policy before you move to confirm whether your account can stay open while you live overseas, and consider a specialist transfer service rather than your bank for moving lump sums, since bank exchange margins on large transfers can cost hundreds of pounds.

Managing money during the transition

During the early stages of a move, it’s common to manage money across both the UK and Australia. This may include paying deposits, covering relocation costs, or transferring savings.

Planning how funds will be accessed and moved between accounts in advance can reduce friction during the initial settlement period.

Healthcare in Australia

Is healthcare free in Australia like the NHS? Not entirely. Medicare covers public hospital treatment and subsidises GP visits, but residents also pay a 2% Medicare levy on taxable income, and out-of-pocket costs for dental, optical and ambulance are common. Access and costs depend on your visa status. Many UK arrivals assume it works like the NHS, which is not the case.

Medicare and the UK reciprocal agreement

Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, covers treatment in public hospitals and subsidises visits to doctors and some prescription medicines.

UK citizens can access Medicare under the UK–Australia Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, which provides limited access to necessary healthcare while in Australia. This generally covers essential treatment but does not replace full healthcare coverage.

What Medicare does and doesn’t cover

Medicare typically covers:

• Treatment in public hospitals
• GP visits (fully or partially subsidised)
• Some prescription medicines

It does not usually cover:

• Dental care
• Physiotherapy and other allied health services
• Ambulance services in some states
• Private hospital treatment

As a result, out-of-pocket costs are common, even for people eligible for Medicare.

Private health insurance

Many people take out private health insurance to cover services Medicare excludes, reduce waiting times and access private facilities. For some temporary visa types it is a mandatory condition. Basic hospital cover starts around AUD $100 to $150 a month for a single person, and a professional family can spend AUD $4,000 to $8,000 a year. Higher earners without private hospital cover also pay a Medicare Levy Surcharge of 1 to 1.5% on top of the standard 2% levy, which is why many take out cover.

Whether private cover is necessary depends on your visa, circumstances and risk tolerance, but it is commonly used alongside Medicare rather than instead of it.

• UK Government health advice for Australia

Moving to Australia with a Family

Moving to Australia with a family adds additional considerations around visas, schooling, childcare, and healthcare. While many families relocate successfully, planning tends to be more complex than for solo movers or couples.

Visas and dependants

Most long-term visas allow partners and dependent children to be included in the application. Children granted visas as dependants generally hold the same visa status as the primary applicant.

Visa conditions can affect access to healthcare, education costs, and work rights for partners, so it’s important to understand how family members are covered before committing to a move.

Schools and education

Education in Australia is compulsory for children, and the system includes public, private, and faith-based schools.

• Public schools are usually free or low-cost for permanent residents
• Temporary visa holders often pay international student fees at public schools, which in New South Wales run around AUD $5,000 to $6,000 a year for primary and more for secondary, varying by state
• Catchment areas often determine access to public schools

Because of this, housing location and school options are closely linked, and families often prioritise schooling when choosing where to live.

Childcare considerations

Childcare is widely used in Australia, but availability and cost vary by location.

• Places can be competitive in some areas, and waiting lists are common
• Day care commonly runs AUD $100 to $150 per child per day before subsidy
• The Child Care Subsidy reduces this for permanent residents and eligible visa holders, but many temporary visa holders do not qualify and pay the full rate

Many families factor childcare availability into both housing and employment decisions.

Family life and support networks

Australia is often seen as a family-friendly country, with an emphasis on outdoor activities and work–life balance. However, relocating also means rebuilding support networks from scratch.

Distance from extended family in the UK can be challenging, particularly during the early stages of settlement or around major life events.

Planning with children in mind

For families, moving to Australia is usually best approached as a staged process. Temporary accommodation, flexible schooling arrangements, and contingency planning can help reduce pressure while settling into a new environment.

When choosing where to live as a family, factors such as schooling, safety, healthcare, amenities and lifestyle vary widely across Australia. Some cities suit particular priorities more than others — for example, Sydney and Melbourne are strong on employment and schooling, while Hobart and Perth may appeal for affordability and lifestyle.

For a deeper look at family-friendly cities and what makes them attractive, see our detailed guide on the best places to live in Australia for families.

Bringing Pets to Australia

Can you bring pets to Australia from the UK? Yes, cats and dogs can be imported, but the process is strict, takes months of preparation, costs between £2,200 and £7,000 per animal, and ends with a minimum 10-day stay in a government quarantine facility.

Which pets can be imported

Australia allows the import of cats and dogs from the UK, subject to meeting all entry conditions. Other animals are subject to different rules and are often not permitted.

Import requirements

Pets must meet a series of requirements before travel, including:

• Microchipping
• Rabies vaccination and blood testing
• Additional vaccinations and parasite treatments
• An approved import permit

These steps must be completed in a specific order and within defined timeframes.

Quarantine on arrival

All pets entering Australia are required to spend time in a government-approved quarantine facility after arrival. The minimum stay is typically 10 days, but this can be longer if documentation is incomplete or issues are identified.

Costs and planning

Importing a pet can cost between £2200 and £7000 once veterinary work, transport, permits, and quarantine fees are included. Because of the timelines involved, planning often needs to begin months in advance of the intended move date.

Given the complexity, most people use specialist pet transport companies to manage the process. Early planning is essential, particularly if the move is time-sensitive or involves multiple pets.

Retiring to Australia

Can you retire to Australia from the UK? Only through a family or parent visa. Australia closed its retirement visas to new applicants and offers no general retirement route based on age, savings or pension income, so in practice you need close family already in Australia to sponsor you, and the main parent route costs over AUD $45,000 per person.

Visa options for retirees

Most people who retire in Australia do so through existing permanent residency pathways rather than a dedicated retirement visa. Common routes include:

• Partner or family visas, where close family ties to Australia exist
• Parent or contributory parent visas, which allow long-term residence but often involve high application costs and long waiting times

Australia previously offered retirement-specific visas, but these are now closed to new applicants. In practice, this means most retirees need family connections or sponsorship to settle permanently.

Financial requirements and planning

Visa options for retirees involve strict financial requirements. The Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143) carries a first instalment of around AUD $5,040 and a second instalment of about AUD $43,600 per applicant, plus an Assurance of Support bond of roughly AUD $14,000 for a couple, so a single parent should budget over AUD $45,000 all in. Even this faster route runs many years; as of early 2026 the queue was releasing applications lodged back in 2018. The non-contributory parent visa (subclass 103) is far cheaper but can take around 30 years.

Because of the cost and the waits, retiring to Australia needs long-term planning rather than a late-stage move.

Receiving UK pensions in Australia

UK state and private pensions can generally be paid while living in Australia.

• Payments can be made into a UK or Australian bank account
• Pension payments can usually be received every 4 to 13 weeks, depending on preference

However, the UK State Pension is not uprated for residents in Australia. This means annual increases are frozen at the rate first received overseas, which can significantly affect long-term retirement income.

Related article – Tax Perks in Australia vs the UK

What Expats Say About the Reality of Moving to Australia

Official guidance explains how to move to Australia. It rarely explains what the move feels like afterward. In nearly three decades of handling removals to Australia, we see the same expectation gaps come up again and again, and they are worth flagging before you commit. The themes below combine what our customers tell us with a wider discussion among UK and European expats who have lived there for several years.

Australia is not “the UK with better weather”

A recurring theme is that Australia feels more culturally different than many people expect. Despite the shared language, expats describe differences in humour, social norms, and everyday behaviour that take time to adjust to. Several note that Australia feels more isolated and less culturally connected than Europe, particularly for those used to frequent short trips abroad.

Distance affects relationships more than expected

Many expats highlight distance from the UK as one of the hardest long-term adjustments. Travel back to Britain is expensive and time-consuming, meaning visits to family and friends are far less frequent than people initially assume. Over time, this can affect how connected people feel to life back home, especially during major family events.

Lifestyle and work–life balance are genuine positives

On the positive side, expats commonly report better weather, more outdoor living, and improved work–life balance. Salaries in some sectors are described as strong, annual leave generous, and workplace culture less stressful than in comparable UK roles. For many, these benefits are a major reason they stay.

Housing and everyday life can be disappointing relative to price

Housing quality is one of the most frequent frustrations among our Australia customers. Some describe rental properties as poorly insulated or lower quality than expected for the price, particularly in older homes. This contrast between cost and standard can come as a surprise, especially for people moving from newer or well-insulated UK housing.

Transport and urban layout change daily routines

Outside inner-city areas, Australia is often described as highly car-dependent. Public transport is limited in many regions, which changes commuting patterns and adds costs that UK movers may not initially factor in. Where you live has a major impact on how easy daily life feels.

Social integration takes time

While Australians are often described as friendly, several expats say building close, long-term friendships can take longer than expected. Social circles may feel more established, and new arrivals often find themselves relying on other expats initially before forming deeper local connections.

Overall sentiment: positive, but not without trade-offs

Most contributors describe their experience as broadly positive, but not universally so. Many enjoy the lifestyle and opportunities Australia offers while also acknowledging downsides such as isolation, travel costs, and cultural differences.

Source: First-hand experiences shared by expats in the r/expats community, including the discussion “The realities of moving to Australia” on Reddit.

Moving to Australia FAQs