You’re Moving to Sydney! Are You Excited? Overwhelmed?
Or a bit of both with a dash of AM-I-REALLY-GOING-TO-DO-THIS sprinkled on top?
Sydney Moving Checklist
What to Know Before You Pack & Go
You can’t google your way through coordinating pet quarantine, visa paperwork, school enrollments, and international shipping while working full-time and keeping your family sane.
This checklist breaks down when to start each process (spoiler: pet import takes 7 months if you’re on top of it), what actually costs money, and which decisions you can push until you’re on the ground.
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Before You Move
Moving to Sydney is a big decision and will consume every minute of your day. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. Most expats now living in Sydney, never want to leave. If they do, it’s with a very heavy heart. Start planning and budgeting your move ASAP. It will make all the difference.
Four Reasons Why Most People Do NOT Move to Sydney
Are you thinking of moving to Sydney? Here are four reasons why most people don’t make the move and usually regret it in the end.
Read MoreEight Reasons Why You Should Migrate to Australia
Why migrate to Australia? Considered one of the best countries in the world to live for it’s diversity, amazing landscapes, and overall quality of life.
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Australian Visas
You can’t enter Australia without a valid visa, whether you’re visiting for two weeks or moving permanently to Sydney. There are dozens of visa subtypes, from tourist visas to permanent residency. I focus on work visas for skilled migrants since that’s what most people relocating to Sydney actually need.
Want to Move to Australia Permanently? Your Six Permanent Residency Visa Options
The Australian Permanent Residency guide that tells you what others won’t. Why minimum requirements are meaningless, which visa actually works, and how much it’s going to costs you.
Read MorePTE Superior English: Add 20 Points to Your Australian PR Application
Get 20 points for Australian permanent residency with PTE Academic Superior English scores. Native speakers’ guide to hitting 85+ in Writing and Speaking, the two sections that matter most for skilled migration points.
Read MoreAustralian Employer Sponsorship Requirements for 482 Visas
Understand Australian visa sponsorship from both sides. Employer costs ($5,550-7,950), compliance obligations, and how to prove you’re worth the investment.
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Real Estate & Renting
Sydney’s rental market is brutally competitive. Figure out where you want to live and what you can afford before you move. Over 600 suburbs make this harder than it sounds. Factor in commute times, local schools, and the 100 Points ID Test. That last one’s critical.
Parramatta Suburb Guide for Expats Moving to Sydney
Comprehensive guide to Parramatta for professionals and parents moving to Sydney. Explore real estate, schools, transport, and local amenities.
Read MoreRental Application: Required Documents & 100 Points of ID
If you don’t have proof of income, rental history in Australia, or these documents for your 100 Points of ID Check, you won’t be able to rent in Sydney.
Read MoreFind a Rental in Sydney With No Rental History
Five tips to help expats secure their first rental in Sydney without having a NSW rental history for their application.
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Expat Finances
How much money do you need saved? Can you open a bank account before leaving? Best way to transfer funds? Psst – You can lock in your rate before moving. Filing taxes in both countries? Yes, both countries. Get your money questions sorted before you leave home.
What US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FATCA
What is FATCA and how it affects your tax return. This post covers Filing Thresholds Values, Physical Presence Test, and Bona Fide Residence Test.
Read MoreDo You Owe Tax on Money You Transfer to Australia?
Many expats transfer large sums of money to Australia when they move. Is that money going to be taxed after it’s transferred? What about customs?
Read MoreEstimating the Cost of Living in Sydney Before You Move
To help you estimate your cost of living in Sydney, here is a breakdown of daily and monthly household expenses.
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Sydney Moving Timeline
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12 Months Out: Budget & Visa
Create moving budget:
• Cost to Move to Sydney
• Sydney Arrival Expenses
Submit visa application → Australian Visas Articles
Research shipping costs → Shipping Costs
8 Months Out: Pets & Finances
Start pet importation → Recommended Pet Relocation Companies
Open forex account → Transferring Money Guide
Consult Expat Tax Accountant → Recommended Tax Accountants
NOTE: U.S. Taxes for expats is a pain in the butt. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how living in Australia is going to affect your U.S. tax filing.
4 Months Out: Packing & Research
Downsize household and personal belongings → What NOT to Pack
Research schools/childcare
• NSW Schools Guide
• Sydney Daycare Guide
Book short-term housing → Stayz.com.au
2 Months Out: Jobs & Logistics
Get shipping quotes → Moving Quotes Contact Form
Update resume for Australia → All Finding a Job in Sydney Articles
Zero in on Sydney suburbs → Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats
Final Month: Pack & Prepare
Organize documents → 100 Points of ID Check
Prepare for Sydney’s Competitive Rental Market → How We Found Our Apartment in a Week
Open Sydney bank account → Open Bank Account guide
