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.
Table of Contents
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
For people sponsored by an Australian employer or those with skills in demand in Australia.
Eligibility is competitive, criteria changes regularly, and meeting requirements does not guarantee approval.
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.
Employment is usually tied to the sponsoring employer, which can limit job mobility 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 it takes depends on the visa route, how quickly documents are prepared, and how the move itself is organised. In practice, most moves break down into the following stages.
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
You will most likely ship your belongings over using a sea freight removals service. Air freight is an option, but comes at a considerably higher cost.
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).
Because of Australia’s strict import 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.
Shipping timelines 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
The cost of living in Australia is broadly comparable to the UK, but the way costs are distributed often catches new arrivals off guard. Some everyday expenses are higher, while others are lower, and differences vary significantly by city and region.
Housing and rent
Housing is usually the largest expense and the main pressure point for new arrivals.
- Rent in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne is high, particularly in inner-city areas
- Competition for rental properties can be intense
- Housing quality does not always reflect the price, especially in older or poorly insulated properties
Smaller cities and regional areas are generally more affordable but may come with trade-offs in job availability and transport.
Groceries and everyday spending
- Groceries are typically more expensive than in the UK
- Eating out and alcohol tend to cost noticeably more
- Imported goods often carry a premium
Day-to-day costs can feel high initially, particularly when combined with rent and transport expenses.
Utilities and transport
- Utilities are often cheaper than in the UK, though costs vary by property type and location
- Public transport costs are similar to the UK in major cities
- Outside city centres, car ownership is common and often necessary, adding fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs
Salaries and lifestyle trade-offs
Salaries in some sectors are higher than in the UK, which can help offset increased living costs. However, higher pay does not always translate into lower financial pressure, particularly in expensive cities.
For many people, the overall cost of living feels manageable once settled, but the first few months can be expensive due to rental deposits, setup costs, and ongoing relocation expenses.
Sources: numbeo, domain.com.au, oecd.org
Renting or Buying Property in Australia
Housing is one of the most competitive and consequential parts of moving to Australia. For most people arriving from the UK, renting comes first, even if buying is a longer-term goal.
Renting property in Australia
Most new arrivals rent initially while they settle into work, location, and visa status.
- Rental properties are typically advertised online and shown through group inspections
- Competition can be high in major cities, with multiple applicants per property
- Upfront costs usually include a rental bond (deposit) and advance rent
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:
Buying property as a non-resident
Non-citizens can buy property in Australia, but restrictions apply.
- Approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) is usually required before purchase
- Non-residents are generally limited to buying new-build properties, either off-plan or newly completed
- Mortgage options are more limited, and higher deposits are often required
Additional costs, such as higher stamp duty for foreign buyers, apply in many states and territories, with rates varying by location.
Because of these restrictions, many people delay buying until they have permanent residency or a clear long-term visa pathway.
Finding Work in Australia
Finding work in Australia depends heavily on visa status, location, and industry. Some people arrive with a job secured through employer sponsorship, while 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:
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. 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
UK citizens can open an Australian bank account as non-residents, and many major banks allow applications to be started online before arrival. In most cases, identity checks are completed in person after you arrive in Australia.
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. However, some UK banks restrict or close accounts once customers become non-resident.
It’s worth checking your bank’s policy before moving to confirm whether your account can remain open while living abroad.
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
Australia has a well-regarded healthcare system, but access and costs depend on visa status and residency. Many UK arrivals assume healthcare works the same way as the NHS, which is not always 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, either to cover services not included under Medicare or to reduce waiting times and access private facilities. In some cases, private insurance is required as a condition of certain visa types.
Whether private cover is necessary depends on your visa, personal circumstances, and risk tolerance, but it is commonly used alongside Medicare rather than instead of it.
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 may be required to pay school fees, depending on the state or territory
- 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
- Costs can be high, particularly for families without access to government subsidies
- Waiting lists are common
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
Bringing pets to Australia is possible, but the process is strict, time-consuming, and expensive. Australia has some of the world’s toughest biosecurity rules, and requirements must be met well in advance of travel.
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
Retiring to Australia from the UK is possible, but options are limited and often misunderstood. Australia does not offer a general retirement visa based solely on age, savings, or pension income.
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 suitable for retirees typically involve strict financial requirements, including sponsorship obligations, application fees, and, in some cases, substantial contributory payments.
Because of the cost and complexity, retiring to Australia usually requires 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.
What Expats Say About the Reality of Moving to Australia
Official guidance and relocation checklists explain how to move to Australia, but they don’t always reflect what life feels like after the move. To balance the practical information in this guide, it’s useful to look at first-hand experiences from people who have already made the transition.
The insights below are drawn from a detailed discussion among UK and European expats who have lived in Australia for several years, reflecting a mix of positives, trade-offs, and expectation gaps.
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. Some expats 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.
