Moving to Australia: Visa, Work & Cost Guide (2025)

Why Australia?

Australia consistently ranks among the top destinations for expats worldwide. The country offers a high standard of living, strong wages, a robust job market in sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction, and a climate that ranges from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Add in a multicultural society, world-class cities, and access to stunning natural landscapes, and it is easy to see the appeal.

However, Australia’s immigration system is competitive and can be complex. Understanding the visa options, tax obligations, and cost of living before you commit to the move is essential.

Visa Types

Australia has a structured migration program with visas tailored to different circumstances.

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

This is the most common employer-sponsored temporary work visa. Your employer must nominate you for a role on an approved occupation list. The visa is granted for up to four years depending on the stream (short-term, medium-term, or labour agreement). You must have at least two years of relevant work experience, and your employer must demonstrate that they could not find a suitable Australian worker.

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

The Subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It operates on a points-based system where you are assessed on factors including age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. Competition for invitations can be intense, and processing times vary.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)

Similar to the 189, but you need nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state has its own occupation list and requirements. Being nominated by a state adds points to your application and may improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 / 462)

Citizens of eligible countries aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some nationalities) can apply for a Working Holiday visa. This allows you to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for a second and third year if you complete specified regional work. It is an excellent way to experience Australia before committing to a permanent move.

Other Pathways

• Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa for those willing to live and work in regional Australia.
• Partner visas: For partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Student visas: With work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight during term.

Use our Visa Checker and Work Permit Guide to explore options based on your nationality and qualifications.

Tax

The Australian tax system is administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

Tax Rates for Residents (2024/25)

• 0%: AUD 0 to AUD 18,200 (tax-free threshold).
• 16%: AUD 18,201 to AUD 45,000.
• 30%: AUD 45,001 to AUD 135,000.
• 37%: AUD 135,001 to AUD 190,000.
• 45%: Over AUD 190,000.

The Medicare levy of 2% applies on top of these rates for most taxpayers.

Non-Resident Tax Rates

If you are classified as a non-resident for tax purposes, you do not receive the tax-free threshold. Non-residents are taxed from the first dollar earned, starting at 30% for income up to AUD 135,000. Your tax residency status depends on factors like how long you intend to stay, where your home is, and your personal and economic ties. This distinction is critical, so seek professional advice if your situation is unclear.

Use our Salary Calculator to estimate your take-home pay under Australian tax rates.

Cost of Living

Australia is not a cheap country to live in, but wages are generally high by global standards. Costs vary significantly between cities.

Approximate monthly costs for a single person (as of 2025):

• Rent (1-bedroom, city center): AUD 2,200 to 3,000 in Sydney, AUD 1,800 to 2,400 in Melbourne, AUD 1,600 to 2,000 in Brisbane.
• Utilities: AUD 150 to 250 per month.
• Groceries: AUD 300 to 500 per month.
• Public transport: AUD 150 to 200 per month with a transit card.
• Dining out: AUD 18 to 30 for a typical meal at a casual restaurant.

Overall, a single person might spend approximately AUD 3,500 to 5,000 per month in Sydney, and AUD 2,800 to 4,000 in Melbourne or Brisbane.

Compare costs with your current city using our Cost of Living Comparator.

Medicare

Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, provides access to subsidized or free treatment at public hospitals, GP visits, and some specialist services. You become eligible for Medicare once you hold a permanent visa or certain temporary visas that qualify.

Reciprocal healthcare agreements exist between Australia and several countries (including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and some European nations), which may provide limited Medicare access to citizens of those countries during temporary stays.

Many Australians and expats also take out private health insurance to access shorter wait times, private hospital rooms, and services not fully covered by Medicare (such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy). If you earn above a certain income threshold and do not hold private hospital cover, you may face the Medicare Levy Surcharge (an additional 1% to 1.5%).

During your transition period before Medicare eligibility, consider health coverage through SafetyWing or World Nomads to ensure you are covered.

Superannuation

Superannuation (commonly called “super”) is Australia’s compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer is required to contribute a percentage of your ordinary earnings into a super fund on your behalf. As of 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee rate is 11.5% of your base salary.

You can choose your own super fund in most cases. If you do not make a choice, your employer will place contributions into a default fund. When you leave Australia permanently, you may be eligible to claim your super as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP), though tax will be withheld.

Banking and Money Transfers

The four major Australian banks are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. Opening an account is straightforward if you apply within six weeks of arriving. After six weeks, you will need to provide 100 points of identification (a passport, driver’s licence, and utility bill typically cover this).

For international money transfers, many expats use Wise to move money between Australia and their home country. Wise offers the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees, which can result in significant savings compared to traditional bank transfers.

Disclosure: Affiliate links are included above. See our disclaimer for details.

Practical Tips

1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as you arrive. Without one, your employer must withhold tax at the highest marginal rate.
2. Get your bank account sorted early, ideally within the first six weeks when identity requirements are simpler.
3. Consider regional areas for lower living costs and potentially faster visa pathways.
4. Sun protection is essential. Australia has very high UV levels. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are daily necessities.
5. Driving: Australians drive on the left. An international driving permit is accepted temporarily, but you will need to obtain a local licence after a certain period depending on your state.

Explore More

Visit our Australia country page for a complete overview of key facts and relocation resources.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify the latest requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.