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.
Sydney Relocation Costs You Need to Know Before Moving
A complete list of moving costs from Australian visa application fees to international shipping costs.
Read MoreArrival Expenses to Budget for When You Move to Sydney
Yes, moving to Sydney is expensive, but you also need to budget for these expenses when you arrive plus the first few months afterwards.
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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.
Quick Guide to Australia’s Working Holiday Visas
The Working Holiday Visas are the most popular of all the Australian visas and for a good reason. Here is what you need to know before you apply for your’s.
Read MoreHow to Bring Family to Australia on 482 Visa (Skills Demand)
Bring your family to Australia on 482 visa: spouse/partner documentation, Form 1229 custody consent, dependent child age limits, subsequent application steps.
Read MoreAustralia Skilled Occupation List Guide: MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, CSOL Explained
Australia’s skilled occupation list (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL, CSOL) determines your visa options. Find which list your job is on and understand your pathway to permanent residency.
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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 MoreFind an Apartment in Sydney Before It’s Open for Inspection
Looking for an apartment in Sydney? Having a hard time beating the competition? After you read this you’ll have real estate agents contacting you!
Read MoreFind a Rental in Sydney Fast, Even Before You Move
Need to find rental in Sydney fast? How to jump-start your rental search and beat the competition BEFORE you move.
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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.
Claim Medicare Levy Exemption and Get 2% of Income Back
Your employer automatically deducts for medicare from your taxable income, even if you’re not eligible for Australian medicare. Get this money back!
Read MoreFAQs from Expats Filing First Tax Return in Australia
SMG readers wrote in with their questions about filing a tax return in Australia. Questions range from transferring money to tax deductions.
Read MoreExpat’s Guide to Transferring Money to Australia
What you need to know before you start transferring money to Australia plus recommended forex brokers and transfer services that we use.
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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
