Complete Guide to Moving to Australia from New Zealand: Everything you need to know.
If you are moving from New Zealand to Australia, there are things to check off the to-do list and keep in mind—like the type of visa you need, the steps to take as a new resident, and how to manage your money. Keep reading to learn all about the process in this complete guide to moving to Australia.
This article is for a long-term move. Check out our Travel to Australia article for a short-term visit to Australia for holidays, work or study.
Australia Visa for New Zealand Residents
New Zealand citizens and permanent residents get special visa concessions when immigrating to Australia from New Zealand. Here’s a breakdown of the visas available:
New Zealand Citizens - Special Category Visa (SCV)
Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement, New Zealand citizens with valid passports can get the Special Category Visa (SCV) (Subclass 444) to visit, study, stay, and work in Australia. Here are the eligibility conditions:
- You must have a valid New Zealand passport
- You must not have a criminal record in New Zealand or elsewhere
- You must not be a tuberculosis patient or have a severe health concern
- You must not have a “No Further Stay” visa condition
- You must remain a New Zealand citizen
Applying for the SCV visa is straightforward. In most cases, you can apply upon arrival at any Australian airport or seaport, making the transition relatively smooth. However, this visa expires when you leave Australia, so you must apply for a new SCV to re-enter.
A SCV is temporary, so you can apply for an Australian Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship after moving. As of 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens with an SCV can apply for Australian citizenship without becoming an Australian PR if they satisfy the following conditions.
- You arrived in Australia on or after 26 February 2001.
- You have lived in Australia for a minimum of four years.1, 2
New Zealand Permanent Residents:
New Zealand permanent residents are ineligible for the SCV and must apply for a separate visa for Australia, whether to join family, live, study or work. Here is a list of long-term stay visa options:3
| Visa Category | Visa Subclass |
|---|---|
| Family-stream PR visas4 | Partner Visa 309 and 100 Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) Partner Visa 820 and 801 New Zealand Citizen Family relationship Visa 461 Student Visa 500 Subsequent Entrant 482 Aged Dependent Relative Visa 114 and 838 Remaining Relative Visa 835 and 115 Orphan Relative Visa 837 and 117 Carer Visa 116 and 836 Parent Visa 103 Contributory Parent Visa 143 Aged Parent Visa 804 Contributory Aged Parent Visa 864 Dependent Child Visa 445 Child Visa 101 and 802 Adoption Visa 102 |
| Business or Investment-Stream PR Visas5 | Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa 888 Business Owner Visa 890 State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa 892 State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa 893 Investor Visa Business Talent (Permanent) Visa 132 |
| Workstream PR Visas6 | Temporary Graduate Visa 485 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa 482 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa 489 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa 491 Skilled Employee Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa 494 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa 187 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa 186 Skilled Nominated Visa 190 Skilled Regional Visa 887 Distinguished Talent Visa 124 Global Talent Visa 858 Skilled Independent Visa 189 |
Other visa options include retirement pathway visas, former resident visas, refugee and humanitarian visas, and Pacific Engagement visas.
Australia Immigration Requirements
When relocating to Australia, New Zealanders must meet the following applicable immigration conditions:7
- Dependent children aged 15 or under are to be included with the parent’s application free of cost. However, the children must be permanent residents.
- Children aged 15 or under can apply to become Australian citizens even if their parents are not applying. In that case, they must pay the associated fee.
- Children aged 16 and 17 holding an SCV can apply independently.
- Persons 60 years and older do not have to sit for the citizenship test.
- Generally, you must be in Australia when you apply for citizenship. However, some temporary and permanent visa categories allow you to do so outside Australia.
- You must meet the mandatory health, character, and national security checks and maintain them throughout your stay in Australia.
Though the basic immigration requirements and eligibility conditions are the same for all visas, specific visas may have particular conditions. For more information, refer to the Australian Home Affairs website.
Moving to Australia checklist
Moving can be exciting, but setting up a new life requires a lot of organisation. Here is a quick checklist of things to remember when moving from New Zealand to Australia:
- Identify the correct visa. New Zealand citizens and permanent residents have different visa options and pathways to Australian citizenship.
- Choose your city. Australia is a big country with much to offer, so research to decide where you want to live. Consider factors like climate, job opportunities, and the cost of living.
- Find a new residence. This can be temporary as you get on your feet, or you can research and find a more permanent home before moving.
- Make sure your health is in order. Australia has specific health requirements and identify doctors, hospitals and pharmacies to ensure there is no gap in treatment if you need it.
- Education. If you are in school or university or have family members, including children, who are, find the right place of learning near you and make sure they are enrolled when the time comes.
- Organise your finances. Identify if you want to open a new bank account in Australia or if you can use your current one there, and maintain any New Zealand accounts you want to keep.
- Create a plan for moving. Whether shipping your moving boxes or just packing a suitcase, have a plan in place for bringing or buying the things you need once you’ve arrived.
Before You Leave New Zealand
Before leaving New Zealand, you’ll want to wrap up your work, friendships and money. Here are a few quick things to remember to do:
- Double-check you have your visa and travel tickets.
- Gather important documents, like a birth certificate, in one place and keep them with you or have them accessible.
- Disconnect and cancel all utilities that will no longer be required.
- Ensure your bank and credit cards are okay for use in Australia. Cancel any you won’t be using.
- Cancel all subscription plans you no longer need.
- If you have a car, make a plan for either bringing it over or selling it before leaving.
- If using movers, coordinate pick up and delivery with your departure and arrival dates.
- Take time off from work to accommodate the move.
- Don’t forget to pack memorable items so you don’t miss home.
- Make a plan to stay in touch with family and friends in New Zealand.
Upon Arrival in Australia
Once you step foot in Australia, here are things to remember to get in order:
- Find housing and update your mailing address to your new home.
- Apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN).
- Enroll with Medicare when you become eligible. It helps you access public health care.
- Make a plan for updating your driver’s license. Usually, your NZ license is valid for three months in Australia. After that, you must get an Australian driving license. Just double-check state laws as they differ from one state to another.
- If necessary, change your SIM card to your new Australian number.
- Settle in with work or school; if you’re on the search, look online for opportunities or how to enrol.
- Open your AUD account in Australia - more on that in the next section.
- Get to know your new surroundings, explore the neighbourhood and familiarise yourself with your new home.
How much money does it cost to move to Australia from NZ
Moving to Australia from New Zealand can be expensive. The cost to relocate to Australia depends on factors like age, occupation, immigration status, qualifications, work experience, and whether you migrate alone or with a family, including pets.
Housing in big cities like Sydney or Melbourne can put a dent in your wallet. You may start off renting a home or even sharing accommodation if you are single. Once you get on your feet, you can rent a complete apartment and bring your family to live with you. You can only purchase a house in Australia once you become a permanent resident.
Here is a sample of different costs that you may incur:9
| Moving activities | Cost |
|---|---|
| Applying for an SCV as a NZ citizen | NZD 0 |
| Applying for any other visa | Can be as high as 1,515 AUD to 9,095 AUD |
| Flight tickets from New Zealand | 300 to 800 NZD |
| English proficiency test if not a native speaker | 330 AUD and 425 AUD |
| Average weekly rent in Sydney | 750 AUD |
| Average weekly rent in regional Australia | 540 AUD |
Pets are an important part of the family. For more information on how to transport furry family members, check out our article on relocating with pets.
Cost of Living in Australia
Australia's cost of living is higher than New Zealand's, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, smaller towns and regions of Australia may be more affordable. The minimum wages are commensurate with the cost of living in the country.
Open your AUD account in Australia as a NZ Expat
You can open an AUD account to receive salary, money transfers, and to manage taxes. Check out our guide to the top banks in Australia and compare fees when considering different bank options.
Opening an account with most providers can generally be completed online. Make sure to have digital versions of important documents, like your passport, as you must comply with KYC regulations before operating your account.
Want to save money on fees—especially when dealing with multiple currencies? Choose Wise. Wise uses smart tech to make money transfers and international payments low-cost and hassle-free. With the mid-market exchange rate, you can save money versus using banks.
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Moving your Money to Australia from New Zealand
When you consider heading to Australia from New Zealand, moving your money is crucial. Fortunately, Australia and New Zealand have similar banking infrastructures, with some banks having branches in both countries. This makes transferring accounts and money easier.
You’ll need to convert and transfer your New Zealand dollars to Australian dollars and possibly open a new bank account. To make transfers easy, choose Wise. Wise can send money directly to local bank accounts around the globe, including in Australia. With one low transfer fee and the actual mid-market exchange rate, you can save money when sending over your New Zealand earnings and savings. Plus, you can use the Wise card like a local and withdraw cash from any ATM in Australia.
Take a look at our YouTube video on how to withdraw money with Wise.
Moving your KiwiSaver Savings to Australia
If you permanently migrate to Australia from New Zealand, you can transfer your KiwiSaver savings to an Australian Super Scheme. However, not all Australian service providers accept KiwiSaver transfers, so check with your Australian service provider to confirm.
Note that you must transfer the entire KiwiSaver account to Australia, including any government contributions you might have received in New Zealand.
Email service@anzinvestments.co.nz or call 0800 736 034 for more information and the necessary documents to complete the transfer.10
Start your Australia journey with Wise
Moving can be stressful. Let Wise make it easier when it comes to managing your money. Whether you’re ready to find your forever home, or looking to explore the country, Wise can make international transfers and payments cheap and simple.
With a Wise multi-currency account, you can convert and hold money in Australian dollars, so you’re ready to make payments right when you arrive. You can swipe or tap at local merchants, order cabs, or send money, like a security deposit, to a bank account. Wise also provides Australian bank details so you can receive payments locally.
The linked debit card lets you withdraw cash from any ATM. And if you need to send money back to New Zealand, you can do so within seconds with a Wise account.
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Sources used for this article:
- Special Category Visa - Subclass 444 SCV
- Benefits of SCV for NZ citizens
- PR Visas for New Zealand PRs
- Family Stream PR Visas
- Business or Investment-Stream PR Visas
- Workstream PR Visas
- Australian Immigration Requirements
- What to do when you arrive in Australia
- Cost of migrating to Australia
- Transferring KiwiSaver accounts to Australia
Sources verified on 27 July 2024.
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