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.
Three Reasons Why You Should Move to Sydney
Are you considering moving to Sydney? I got three reasons why you should, especially if you’re from the USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, or Canada.
Read MoreSydney Relocation Costs You Need to Know Before Moving
A complete list of moving costs from Australian visa application fees to international shipping costs.
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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.
189 Visa Australia Eligibility + Points Assessment
Australia’s 189 visa officially needs 65 points but really requires 85-95+. Get the competitive reality for skilled independent permanent residency.
Read More482 Visa After Job Termination: 180-Day Rules and Options
Job termination on 482 visa? You get 180 days to find new sponsorship while keeping work rights. Family stays, income options, and backup plans.
Read MoreShould TSS Visa/SID Visa Holders Apply for the Permanent Residency Employer Nominated 186 Visa?
Thinking about Australia’s 186 visa for permanent residency? See if you qualify, what your employer needs to do, and if it’s worth it.
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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.
NSW Tenant Rights to Know Before Renting in Sydney
NSW tenant rights can be confusing, and expats are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Here are five rights you need to know.
Read MoreBest Sydney Suburbs for Expats New to the City
Find the perfect Sydney suburbs for expats new to the city. Explore affordable options and median weekly rents. Start your journey today!
Read MoreSydney Rental Prices: Weekly Costs by Suburb & Bedrooms
Looking for average rents in Sydney? I have two tables that list rental prices by suburb and number of bedrooms.
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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 is an Australian Superannuation?
You’re going to love Australia’s Superannuation. For one, it’s a 9.5% employer compulsory contribution. And you can cash it out when you move back home.
Read MoreTransferring Large Sum of Money to Australia from the U.S.
Best methods and tips for maximizing savings and locking in an exchange rate when transferring a large sum of money to Australia.
Read MoreWhat US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FBAR
All US expats living abroad need to know what FBAR is, what the financial thresholds for filing an FBAR are, and if they need to file one every year.
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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
