Australia (AU)

Set up a superannuation (super) fund

Superannuation is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund on your behalf (from 1 July 2025 — the final scheduled Super Guarantee increase). If you don't choose a fund, your employer will enrol you in their default fund. Choosing your own fund gives you control over fees and investment options.

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

OSHC is a mandatory health insurance requirement for student visa (subclass 500) holders. It provides access to GP visits, hospital care, and some specialist consultations. OSHC is not Medicare — you cannot use Medicare on a student visa (unless from a bilateral agreement country). Most universities arrange OSHC as part of your offer — check whether it has been included.

Update your address with all institutions when moving

When you move within Australia, update your address with: the ATO (via myGov), Centrelink (via myGov), your bank(s), your super fund(s), your private health insurer, your employer's HR, your state driving licence authority, and vehicle registration.

Enrol in Medicare

Australia's public health insurance system. Eligible migrants (permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and those from countries with bilateral healthcare agreements) can enrol immediately. Medicare covers GP visits, hospital treatment, and some specialist consultations. Your Medicare card arrives by post within 2 weeks.

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Your TFN is your permanent personal tax reference number — it never changes. Without it, your employer must withhold tax at the highest marginal rate (47%). Apply online as soon as you arrive. Australian residents typically receive their TFN within 28 days.

Lodge your annual tax return via myTax

Australian tax returns cover the financial year from 1 July to 30 June. Lodge by 31 October each year (or 15 May the following year if using a registered tax agent). Most employees can use myTax (via myGov) which pre-fills income, employer contributions, and bank interest. Lodge even if you expect a refund — unclaimed tax is not automatically returned.

Confirm your visa work rights and conditions

Every Australian visa has specific conditions including work rights, study rights, and travel restrictions. Confirm your visa conditions in VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to understand exactly what you can and cannot do. Working beyond your visa conditions is a serious breach that can lead to visa cancellation.

Open an Australian bank account

You need an Australian bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up direct debits. The Big Four banks (ANZ, CBA, NAB, Westpac) allow you to open an account from overseas before you arrive. Neobanks like Up and ING offer fee-free accounts with excellent apps.

Create a myGov account and link services

myGov is the central Australian government portal. You use it to access Medicare, the ATO, Centrelink, My Health Record, and over a dozen other services. Create your account immediately — many tasks require it.

Enrol at your Australian university

Complete your university enrolment. Pay your student contribution (HECS-HELP) or tuition fees. International students must pay tuition upfront — no HECS-HELP available. Set up your student ID, email, and library access.

Apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) subsidises up to 90% of childcare fees for eligible families. It is available for approved childcare services including long day care, family day care, and outside school hours care. Entitlement depends on family income, activity level (work/study/volunteer), and childcare type.

Apply for Government Paid Parental Leave

The Australian Government's Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme provides up to 24 weeks of pay (increasing to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026) at the National Minimum Wage ($948/week from 1 July 2025; $1,004/week from 1 July 2026). Available for eligible employees, self-employed, and casual workers. Must meet residency requirements and work tests.

Notify your overseas pension provider of your Australian address

If you receive a pension from your home country, notify your pension provider of your new Australian address immediately. Ensure you understand the taxation — Australian residents are taxed on worldwide income including foreign pensions.

Apply for Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B are income-tested payments for families with children. FTB Part A: up to $227.36/fortnight per child under 13 (2025–26). FTB Part B: up to $193.34/fortnight for single-income families (youngest child under 5). You must meet the newly arrived resident waiting period — permanent residents face a 1-year wait (or 2 years for some payments).

Get private health insurance (hospital cover)

If you earn over $101,000/year (single) or $202,000 (family) and don't have private hospital cover, you pay a Medicare Levy Surcharge of 1–1.5% on top of the standard 2% Medicare Levy. Taking out basic hospital cover avoids this and reduces your tax bill. Lifetime Health Cover loading adds 2% to premiums for every year over 31 you delay — take it out before your 31st birthday if possible.

Register with a local GP (General Practitioner)

Your GP is your entry point to Australia's healthcare system — for referrals to specialists, Mental Health Treatment Plans, prescriptions, and sick certificates. Finding a GP who is bulk-billing (no out-of-pocket cost) saves $30–$80 per visit.

Register your pet with a local vet

Register your pet with a local vet as soon as you arrive. Ensure microchip details are updated to your new Australian address in the national microchip database. Update vaccinations per Australian schedule.

Register immunisation history with the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

The AIR records all vaccinations given to you in Australia. If you have overseas vaccination records, ask your GP to review and enter them. AIR records are required for childcare/school enrolment (for children), and some employment (health, childcare, aged care sectors).

Enrol in free English classes through AMEP (eligible migrants)

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provides free English language tuition to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants. From 2021, the program is available to eligible visa holders for life (no hour cap). Classes are offered in person, online, in the workplace, and via distance learning. Eligible visa subclasses include most Skilled, Family, and Humanitarian visas.

Convert your overseas driving licence

Australia drives on the left. Your overseas licence is valid for 3 months from the date you become a resident (not arrival date). After that you must convert to an Australian licence. Rules vary by state. Some countries (UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Germany) have direct-exchange agreements requiring no test. Others require a knowledge test and/or a driving test.

Get an Australian SIM card

An Australian mobile number is required for myGov, bank accounts, and most government and commercial services. Buy a SIM card from Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, or an MVNO (Boost, Amaysim, ALDIMobile) immediately on arrival.

Set up mail redirection with Australia Post

When you move address or arrive in Australia, setting up mail redirection ensures you don't miss important correspondence from the ATO, banks, ASIC, or Medicare. Australia Post's mail redirection service forwards mail from your old address to your new one for 3–12 months.

Set up NBN broadband at your new home

Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) is the dominant fixed internet infrastructure. Before signing a plan, check your address's technology type at nbnco.com.au (FTTP, HFC, FTTN, FTTB) — speeds vary significantly. Choose a Retail Service Provider (RSP) that resells NBN: Aussie Broadband, Tangerine, Superloop, Telstra, Optus, and TPG are major options.

Learn waste separation and container deposit rules

Australia uses a colour-coded bin system (yellow recycling, green/red general waste, often a separate food waste/FOGO bin). Container deposit schemes operate in all states and territories — earn 10 cents per eligible container returned at designated drop-off points.

Set up myID (Australian Digital ID)

myID (formerly myGovID) is Australia's government digital identity app. It replaces in-person visits for many ATO, ABR (business registration), and government portal tasks. A "Standard" strength myID requires two identity documents; "Strong" requires a biometric verification.

Understand your Fair Work rights and National Employment Standards

All employees in Australia (including temporary visa holders) are covered by the Fair Work Act 2009. The National Employment Standards (NES) set 11 minimum entitlements: 4 weeks paid annual leave, 10 days personal/carer's leave, 18 weeks parental leave, 38 ordinary hours/week, and more. Modern Awards set minimum pay rates by industry. Check your Award and pay rate using the Pay and Conditions Tool at fairwork.gov.au.

Register with Workforce Australia if job seeking

If you are looking for work in Australia, register with Workforce Australia (workforceaustralia.gov.au) — the national employment service replacing jobactive. Create an online account to access job listings, resume tools, career guidance, and government-funded training. If eligible for JobSeeker payment, registration with Workforce Australia is required.

Consolidate multiple superannuation accounts

If you have worked in Australia before or been automatically enrolled in multiple super funds across different jobs, you may have multiple accounts all charging fees. Consolidating them into one fund saves on duplicate fees which erode your retirement balance significantly over time.

Check and build your Australian credit score

Australia uses credit bureau reporting. Your overseas credit history does not transfer. You start with a thin credit file and must build it. Australian credit scores are based on repayment history, credit enquiries, and account age. A good score is needed for rental applications, credit cards, and mortgages.

Link My Health Record to myGov

My Health Record is Australia's national digital health record system. Link it to your myGov account to allow GPs, specialists, and hospitals to access your medical history, prescriptions, and test results. Your health record is created automatically — link it via myGov and set your access controls.

Find and rent accommodation

Australia's rental market is competitive, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. Most landlords require a bond (maximum 4 weeks rent), proof of income, references, and a completed application. Applications are typically processed via online portals.

Set up electricity, gas, and internet

Set up utility accounts as soon as you sign your lease. In most states you can choose your energy provider — compare prices before accepting the default. Internet contracts are typically 12–24 months or month-to-month.

Introduce yourself to neighbours and read body corporate rules (if applicable)

In apartments and units, a body corporate (owners corporation / strata) sets rules about noise, common areas, pets, and renovations. Read the by-laws provided by your landlord or real estate agent. Breaching them can result in fines or lease consequences.

Get home and contents insurance

Contents insurance covers your belongings inside the rental against theft, fire, and water damage. It is not legally mandatory but strongly recommended. Landlords carry building insurance — you cover your contents.

Get comprehensive car insurance

CTP (Compulsory Third Party / Green Slip) covers injury to others but NOT damage to vehicles or property. Comprehensive car insurance covers your vehicle against accidents, theft, fire, and damage. Third party property insurance is a cheaper middle option.

Set up an Enduring Power of Attorney and advance health directive

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) authorises someone to manage your financial and/or personal affairs if you lose capacity. An Advance Health Directive (or Medical Treatment Decision Maker form) records your healthcare wishes. Both are state-governed documents — a NSW EPOA is not valid in QLD. Highly recommended for expats whose family support network may be overseas.

Know how to lodge a consumer complaint or dispute

Australia has strong consumer protection through the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). You can dispute faulty goods, service failures, misleading advertising, and unlawful contracts. Each state has a free fair trading office. Financial disputes go to AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) — free, binding on banks and insurers. Tenant disputes go to state tribunals (NCAT, VCAT, QCAT).

Register with your home country's embassy or consulate

Most countries recommend registering your stay abroad with your embassy. This ensures you receive consular assistance in emergencies, voting information for federal elections, and notifications of important changes to visa or citizenship rules.

Register on Smartraveller (Australian citizens / PRs travelling abroad)

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident planning to travel internationally, register your travel on Smartraveller. This ensures the Australian Government can contact you in an emergency, natural disaster, or political crisis overseas.

Connect with expat and local community groups

Building a social network is one of the most important parts of settling into Australia. Australian culture is generally friendly and outdoors-oriented. Volunteer work, sport clubs, and community organisations are excellent ways to meet both expats and locals.

Set up an e-tag account for toll roads

Most major Australian city motorways are tolled. Toll payment is entirely electronic — no cash booths exist. You need an e-tag (transponder) or image-based account. Without an account, you receive an invoice by post which includes an additional admin fee.

Get a public transport card for your city

Each Australian city has its own public transport card. Cash fares are not accepted on most buses and trains. Cards offer discounted fares, daily/weekly caps, and off-peak discounts.