Every step in the right order. TFN, Medicare, KiwiSaver transfer, AU super, driving licence and more — with official links and Kiwi-specific advice nobody else covers.
Most New Zealand citizens qualify for the Special Category Visa (SCV, Subclass 444) automatically on arrival — you don't apply for it beforehand. It's granted at the Australian border when you present your NZ passport. If you're a NZ permanent resident (not a citizen), you'll need to apply for a separate visa.
The SCV lets you live and work in Australia indefinitely — but it has real restrictions most Kiwis don't know about. You cannot: sponsor family members for migration visas, access most Centrelink payments (with limited exceptions), apply directly for citizenship (you must first get permanent residency), or vote in federal elections. Understanding these limits before you move prevents nasty surprises.
Each city has a very different job market, rent level, lifestyle and Kiwi community. Sydney has the highest Kiwi population and top salaries — but also the highest rents. Melbourne is strong for finance, creative industries and healthcare. Brisbane is growing fast and more affordable. Perth has very high wages in mining and construction. Use the GoAustralia Suburb Finder to compare areas.
Before your first Australian paycheque arrives, you'll need to cover flights, removalists, bond (4 weeks rent), 2 weeks rent in advance, a SIM card, and initial groceries. In Sydney or Melbourne, budget $8,000–$12,000 NZD. Brisbane or Perth is typically $6,000–$9,000 NZD. Use the GoAustralia Move Cost Calculator to get a personalised estimate.
Real first-hand advice from Kiwis who moved recently is more useful than any guide. Join "Kiwis in Sydney", "Kiwis in Melbourne" or equivalent Facebook groups for your target city. Reddit's r/newzealand and r/australia both have active threads about moving. Ask specifically about rental applications, the best suburbs for newcomers, and what they wish they'd known.
Your TFN is your unique identifier with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Without it, your employer must withhold 47% of your wages — the highest possible rate. You can apply for a TFN online from New Zealand before you arrive using your NZ passport. Allow 28 days for the letter to arrive at your Australian address. Apply to your intended address — you can update it later.
Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB and Westpac all let NZ citizens open an account online before arriving. You'll need an Australian address — use your temporary accommodation. Complete identity verification in-branch within 6 weeks of arriving. Having an account ready means your first pay can land the moment you start work. CommBank's Smart Access account is the most popular with new arrivals.
You can transfer your KiwiSaver balance to an approved Australian super fund under the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability scheme. This is optional — you can leave it in NZ. If you transfer: you cannot withdraw it until Australian preservation age (60), it's subject to Australian tax rules, and you lose NZ government contribution history. The transfer takes 6–10 weeks and requires forms from both funds. The Tax & Finance guide covers the full process.
International removal companies can be fully booked months in advance, especially in summer. Get at least 3 quotes — prices vary significantly for the same volume. For a 1-bedroom flat, expect $3,000–$6,000 NZD by sea (4–6 weeks transit). All goods must be declared and may be inspected by Australian biosecurity. A detailed packing inventory is required. Items like wood, soil, seeds, fresh food and some leather goods are restricted.
Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity rules for pets. Dogs and cats from New Zealand must be microchipped, treated for parasites in the 10 days before travel, vaccinated, and have a vet health certificate issued within 5 days of travel. There is mandatory quarantine on arrival (typically 10 days, at your cost). Book quarantine well in advance — spots at the Melbourne AQIS facility are limited and often booked months out.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months past your planned arrival date. If it expires within 12 months, renew it before you move — renewing from Australia takes longer and costs more.
NZ citizens are eligible for Medicare in Australia from day one of arrival. You must enrol in person at a Services Australia office. Medicare covers most GP visits, hospital treatment and some medications. You'll receive a Medicare card in the mail. Until it arrives (2–3 weeks), carry your enrolment receipt.
Use realestate.com.au and domain.com.au to understand realistic rent in your target suburbs. Australian rental markets move fast — properties are often leased within days. Understand the application process differs from NZ and competition is high.
In Australia you typically pay 4 weeks bond plus 2 weeks rent in advance on signing. In Sydney that's easily $8,000–$12,000 AUD upfront before you've had a single paycheque. Start saving this buffer in NZ and transfer it to your Australian account before the move.
Book direct flights to your target city. For short-term accommodation, Airbnb, serviced apartments or a hostel in the right suburb gives you a base to attend property inspections in person. Budget 2–6 weeks of temporary housing — rental applications almost always require attending an open home.
Public schools in Australia are zoned — your child must attend the school for their catchment area. Private and Catholic schools have their own enrolment processes with often long waiting lists. Research which schools are in the zones of suburbs you're considering renting in.
Shipping costs are calculated by volume and weight. Decluttering 3 months out gives you time to sell items on Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe, donate to charities, and reduce your shipping volume significantly. Sell what you can — Australian equivalents are often cheaper than you expect.
Most NZ tenancy agreements require 21 days notice (periodic tenancy). Fixed-term tenancies are more complex — you may need the landlord's agreement. Document everything in writing and photograph the property thoroughly before leaving.
Check your employment agreement for your notice period (typically 4 weeks for most roles). Confirm your final pay, any unused annual leave payout, and your last KiwiSaver contributions. Get a reference letter for your Australian job search.
File an IR886 (Tax residency status) form with Inland Revenue to inform them you're leaving NZ. Update your contact address to your Australian one. If you have ongoing NZ income (rental property, investments), you'll still need to file NZ tax returns.
If you have a NZ student loan, it becomes interest-bearing the day you leave NZ permanently. You're required to make minimum repayments based on your worldwide income. Notify StudyLink and IRD. Ignoring it leads to penalties — the interest rate for overseas borrowers is significant.
You can port your NZ mobile number to a NZ provider that offers roaming, keep it on a low-cost plan, or cancel it and get an Australian number. Most Kiwis get an Australian SIM from Optus, Telstra or Vodafone on arrival. Having a local AU number is essential for bank accounts, rental applications and job applications.
You can drive in Australia on your NZ licence for up to 3 months after arrival. After that, you must convert to an Australian state licence. To do so you'll need your NZ licence, proof of identity and a driving history report from the NZTA. Get this before you leave — it's easier to obtain from NZ.
While NZ citizens are eligible for Medicare in Australia, there's a gap between arrival and enrolment (enrolment is in person on arrival). Get travel insurance that covers health during transit and your first days. Some policies exclude "moving overseas" so read the fine print carefully.
Australian rental applications are competitive. You'll need: 100 points of ID, payslips or employment letter, bank statements, NZ rental references in Australian format, and a cover letter explaining your NZ background. The GoAustralia Masterguide includes a rental application template specifically for Kiwis without Australian rental history.
Australian property managers want references in a specific format. Ask your current NZ landlord for a written reference on letterhead with their contact details and how long you've rented from them. Same for your employer — an employment reference stating your role, tenure and salary is essential for rental applications.
Your employer will pay 11.5% of your salary into an Australian super fund from day one. If you don't choose a fund, your employer will select a default. Compare fees, investment options and insurance. Industry funds (Australian Super, Hostplus, REST) consistently outperform retail funds on long-term returns. You'll need your fund's USI and member number to give to your employer.
Most NZ qualifications are recognised in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). However, regulated professions (nursing, teaching, engineering, law, medicine, real estate) require you to register with the relevant Australian body. Start this process before you arrive — some registrations take months.
Items that don't fit in your shipping container or aren't worth shipping (large furniture, appliances) need to be sold, donated or put in storage. NZ storage typically costs $150–$400/month for a standard unit. Facebook Marketplace is the fastest way to sell large items — list 6–8 weeks before moving.
Update your address and discuss account options. Most NZ banks allow you to keep your account open with an overseas address for ongoing NZ transactions. Consider keeping one NZ account for NZ income, ACC claims or returning visits. Update internet banking to your Australian phone number for 2FA.
You'll repeatedly need certified copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and NZ qualifications. Get 3–5 certified copies of each in NZ — a Justice of the Peace can certify for free. Apostille certification may be needed for some Australian professional registrations.
While NZ citizens qualify for Medicare, Medicare doesn't cover dental, optical, physiotherapy or private hospital rooms. If you earn above $93,000 AUD, you'll pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (1–1.5%) unless you hold private hospital cover. Compare policies on iselect.com.au or privatehealth.gov.au.
NZ Post offers a mail redirection service for 3 or 12 months. Update your address with: NZ IRD, your NZ bank, KiwiSaver provider, insurance providers, subscriptions, and any government agencies. Your NZ electoral roll address also needs updating.
Cancel: gym membership, Spotify/Netflix if switching to AU accounts, magazine subscriptions, NRMA/AA, professional memberships, any recurring direct debits. Check your bank statements for any subscriptions you may have forgotten.
Give your electricity, gas and internet providers notice of your final date. Schedule disconnection for the day you hand the keys back. Get final readings and ensure accounts are closed to avoid being charged after departure. Get refunds for any bonds held.
If you receive any Work and Income NZ payments, you must notify them before leaving. Continuing to receive NZ benefits while living in Australia is fraud. Some entitlements may be accessible from Australia — the MSD can advise on your specific situation.
File any outstanding NZ tax returns before leaving. Check you have no overdue tax, outstanding assessments or payment plans. If you've been self-employed or had untaxed income, sort it before departure — IRD can pursue debts internationally.
Don't use your NZ bank's international transfer — the fees and exchange rates are poor. Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for near mid-market rate transfers with low flat fees. Transfer your moving buffer in stages to avoid holding large amounts in transit. For amounts over $10,000 AUD, Australia requires reporting to AUSTRAC.
Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity controls. Declare everything on your Incoming Passenger Card — penalties for non-declaration are severe. Prohibited or restricted items include: fresh or dried fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, seeds, plants, soil, untreated wood items, and some leather goods. When in doubt, declare it.
Some apps are region-locked and harder to access after you change your App Store region. Before you leave: download myGov, ATO app, your Australian bank's app, Opal/Myki/Go Card app for your target city, realestate.com.au, and your state's emergency services app.
If shipping pets, confirm your quarantine booking, arrange approved airline-compatible crates, and book your vet appointment for the health certificate (must be issued within 5 days of travel). Confirm your quarantine collection date and make accommodation arrangements near the quarantine facility.
Don't underestimate how much time farewells take in the final weeks. Schedule them deliberately — trying to fit everyone in at the last minute adds stress. Allow time for meaningful catch-ups with close family and friends.
Never check important documents. Carry in your hand luggage: both passports (all family members), TFN confirmation letter, Australian bank card, removalist documents, pet import permits, rental application documents, employment offer letters, NZ driver licence and certified document copies.
On your final day, photograph and note electricity, gas and water meter readings. Send these to your utility providers. This prevents you being billed for usage after you vacate. Keep a record in case of disputes.
Do the final inspection with your landlord. Photograph every room before handing keys back. If the property is in good condition, your bond should be refunded within 5 working days via Tenancy Services. Dispute any deductions in writing.
Get written confirmation from your landlord that keys have been returned and the property accepted back. Keep this as evidence the tenancy ended properly. This protects you if any dispute arises later.
The day before pickup, confirm the exact time window, payment method, and any last-minute changes to your inventory. Ensure items are fully packed and labelled before the team arrives — you'll be charged for time if you're not ready.
Arrive at the airport with extra time — international departures require more time than domestic. Complete your Australian Incoming Passenger Card on the plane honestly. You'll clear Australian customs and biosecurity on arrival. The SCV is granted automatically on arrival as an NZ citizen.
Declare everything on your Incoming Passenger Card — always err on the side of declaring. Biosecurity officers may inspect your bags. If you're unsure about an item, declare it and let them decide. Most declared items are cleared quickly. Non-declaration fines are much worse than the inspection process.
If you pre-ordered an Australian SIM, activate it as soon as you land — you'll need it immediately for your bank's 2FA and to contact your short-term accommodation. Optus and Telstra both have airport stores. Prepaid plans start from $30/month for unlimited calls and data.
Settle in, rest, and take your first day slowly. The first 48 hours are overwhelming — don't try to do everything at once. Prioritise: SIM card active, bank account access confirmed, and a plan for the first week.
Before your first shop, note that Australian prices differ from NZ. Woolworths and Coles are the main supermarkets — Aldi is significantly cheaper for pantry staples. Bring your own bags — single-use plastic bags are banned in most states.
You cannot enrol in Medicare online as a new arrival — you must go to a Services Australia office in person. Bring your NZ passport and proof of NZ citizenship. You'll receive a temporary reference number immediately and your card in the mail within 2–3 weeks. Without Medicare enrolment, a single GP visit costs $80–$120 out of pocket.
myGov is Australia's central government portal — it links Medicare, ATO, Centrelink and other agencies. Create your account at my.gov.au using your Australian mobile number. Link Medicare (using your new card or reference number) and the ATO (using your TFN). This is how you manage tax returns, super contributions and health records.
If you opened a bank account from NZ, visit a branch to complete in-person identity verification. Bring your NZ passport. Set up PayID (your phone number or email as your payment identifier) in the banking app — this is how most Australians send money to each other. Set up tap-to-pay on your phone.
An Australian number is essential for rental applications, job applications, bank 2FA and day-to-day life. Optus and Vodafone offer good value plans. Telstra has the best regional coverage. Budget MVNOs on the same networks (Boost, Amaysim) offer significant savings.
Don't wait until you're sick. Find and register with a bulk-billing GP near your temporary accommodation — this means Medicare covers the full cost and you pay nothing. Search "bulk billing GP [suburb]" on healthdirect.gov.au. Walk-in clinics are available but more expensive than registered GPs.
Long-term rental applications almost always require attending an open home in person. Check realestate.com.au and domain.com.au daily — properties in major cities get listed and leased within 3–7 days. Apply quickly with your full application prepared. The GoAustralia Masterguide includes a template specifically for Kiwis without Australian rental history.
You can drive on your NZ licence for 3 months from arrival. After that, you must convert to your state's licence. The process varies by state but typically requires: NZ licence (original), NZ driving history report from NZTA, proof of identity, and proof of Australian residence. No written or practical test needed for direct conversion from NZ.
Once you have a permanent or long-term Australian address, update your TFN registration with the ATO. This ensures your tax correspondence and any refunds go to the right place. Update via the ATO app or through myGov.
Once you have a confirmed address, connect utilities. In Australia, you choose your own energy retailer. Compare using the government's Energy Made Easy tool. For internet, NBN plans take 1–2 weeks to activate — arrange early. Aussie Broadband and Superloop offer the best service for most users.
Finding your community early makes the transition much easier. Search Facebook for "Kiwis in [your city]" — these groups have thousands of members sharing job leads, rental tips and social events. The New Zealand High Commission in Canberra also maintains a list of NZ community organisations.
If you've decided to transfer your KiwiSaver, start the process now. Contact your Australian super fund to request a trans-Tasman transfer form. Then contact your KiwiSaver provider to initiate the transfer on their end. The entire process takes 6–10 weeks. Both funds need to be QROPS-approved for the transfer. The Tax & Finance guide covers this step in full.
Once you're settled in Australia and clearly a tax resident there, formally update your status with IRD. File your IR3 (individual return) for the portion of the NZ tax year before you left. If you have NZ rental income or investments, you'll remain a NZ taxpayer for that income.
Your employer must pay 11.5% super on top of your salary from your first day. Provide them your super fund's USI and your member number. Check your first payslip to confirm super is being paid. Use myGov to monitor your super contributions quarterly.
Contact the school directly with proof of your address (lease agreement) and your child's birth certificate, NZ school reports and immunisation records. Some schools require immunisation records — Australia's schedule differs slightly from NZ's. Most public schools can enrol within 1–2 weeks of receiving all documents.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers NZ residents for injuries in NZ. When you move to Australia permanently, you may still be covered for a short period if you visit NZ. Notify ACC of your move and understand your ongoing entitlements. Any existing ACC claims should be managed with NZ contact details.
Many Kiwis keep their NZ account for: occasional NZ income, visits home, NZ-based investments, or making NZ-denominated payments. If keeping it, ensure the address and contact details are current, and check the monthly fee structure. Use Wise for NZD/AUD transfers to avoid bank exchange rate markups.
If you were employed in NZ during the tax year before leaving (1 April to departure date), you'll likely be due a tax refund. File your NZ return in the April following your departure. If you used a tax agent in NZ, notify them of your new Australian contact details.
The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. If you arrived mid-year and worked, you'll need to file a return by 31 October (or later if using a tax agent). Keep all payment summaries (Group Certificates), bank statements, work expense receipts and super statements. The Tax & Finance guide covers your first Australian return in detail — including foreign income, partial-year residency and what you can and can't claim.