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.
Australia NIV Visa: Subclass 858 Requirements & Timeline
While others calculate points, exceptional talent gets direct invitations to Australian PR. No age limits, no points race. Are you invitation-worthy?
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 MoreAustralia’s Skills in Demand Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
Skills in Demand visa for Australia: work up to 4 years, bring family, path to permanent residency after 2 years. Three streams, processing times, requirements.
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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 MorePaddington Suburb Guide for Expats Relocating to Sydney
Moving to Sydney and want a suburb with character? Paddington, just east of Sydney’s CBD, combines historic terraces with city living.
Read MoreGuide to Living in Bondi for Parents Moving to Sydney
Schools in Bondi, after school activities, where to go for a fun family day out, and yearly family-friendly events.
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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 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
