What are Australia's biosecurity rules for arriving passengers?

Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity (quarantine) laws. You must declare all food, plant material, animal products, soil-soiled equipment, and wood items on your incoming passenger card. Failure to declare can result in fines of AUD 2,664. DAFF officers use detector dogs and X-ray at all airports. When in doubt, declare it.

How quickly can I apply for a Tax File Number?

Apply online at ato.gov.au immediately after arriving in Australia (or even before, in some cases). The TFN arrives by post within 28 days. Without a TFN, your employer will withhold tax at the highest rate (45%). Use your TFN carefully — it's sensitive information.

Do I need to exchange my overseas driver's licence?

You can drive in Australia on an overseas licence for a period (typically 3–6 months depending on state) — check your specific state's rules. After that period, you must exchange your overseas licence for an Australian licence at your state's road authority (RMS in NSW, VicRoads in VIC, TMR in QLD, etc.).

What is the best way to ship belongings to Australia?

For a full household move, sea freight in a shared or sole-use container via a reputable international removalist (Crown, Santa Fe, Seven Seas) is most cost-effective at AUD 2,000–9,000 depending on volume and origin. Allow 4–8 weeks. Air freight is faster (3–7 days) but 5–10× the cost — use only for essentials. All items must comply with DAFF biosecurity requirements.

How do I enrol my children in school?

For public schools, contact your local state education department with proof of your address in the catchment area, your child's passport and visa, and any existing school reports. Enrolment is usually processed within 1–2 weeks. Most states run a Term 1 school year starting in late January. Check with the school for specific intake timings.

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🇦🇺 Australia

Moving Guide

Moving to Australia involves careful planning around visa timing, shipping, and the many administrative tasks that need to happen in the first weeks after arrival..

4–8 weeks

Sea Freight

UK/Europe to Australia

3–7 days

Air Freight

Expensive but fast for essentials

Strict

Quarantine (DAFF)

Biosecurity laws — declare all food, plants, animal products

TFN + Medicare + Bank

First Steps

Priority tasks on arrival

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🌉Sydney ☕Melbourne 🌤️Brisbane

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Australia involves careful planning around visa timing, shipping, and the many administrative tasks that need to happen in the first weeks after arrival.

Key Takeaways

Confirm visa grant and check all conditions, expiry dates, and entry requirements
Sea freight: 20-foot container (AUD 6,000–9,000 from UK/Europe) or shared container (AUD 2,000–4,000) — takes 4–8 weeks
Tax File Number (TFN): apply online at ato.gov.au immediately — takes 28 days to arrive by post
Public schools: free for permanent residents/citizens; enrol at local catchment school (address-based)
Australia allows cats and dogs from approved countries only — check current approved list with DAFF

Before You Leave

Getting organised before departure dramatically reduces stress on arrival.

Confirm visa grant and check all conditions, expiry dates, and entry requirements
Open Australian bank account before arrival: CommBank and ANZ allow overseas applications
Arrange international health insurance for the period before Medicare eligibility (if applicable)
Collect important documents: passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), qualifications, employment references
Research and book short-term accommodation (serviced apartment or Airbnb) for first 2–4 weeks
Notify UK/home country HMRC or tax authority of departure for tax compliance
Arrange for overseas mail redirection

Shipping Your Belongings

Australia's strict biosecurity laws affect what can be brought in and how items must be cleaned.

Sea freight: 20-foot container (AUD 6,000–9,000 from UK/Europe) or shared container (AUD 2,000–4,000) — takes 4–8 weeks
Declared items: all food, plants, wooden items, sporting equipment, and animal products must be declared at Customs
Biosecurity cleaning: outdoor gear, camping equipment, and sporting goods must be clean of soil and plant material
Prohibited items: fresh/packaged food (mostly), fresh plants, certain seeds — DAFF has a full prohibited list
Recommended removalists: Crown Relocations, Santa Fe, Seven Seas Worldwide
Insurance: strongly recommended — include replacement value for all items

First Weeks In Australia

Key administrative tasks to complete in the first 4 weeks after arrival.

Tax File Number (TFN): apply online at ato.gov.au immediately — takes 28 days to arrive by post
Medicare enrolment: visit Services Australia office with passport and visa — get card in 2–4 weeks
Driver's licence: present overseas licence at state RMS (NSW) / VicRoads (VIC) / TMR (QLD) for exchange
Bank account: activate your pre-opened account or open in-branch with passport and visa evidence
Find a GP: register with a local general practice — essential before any health needs arise
SIM card: purchase prepaid at convenience store or sign up for a plan at Telstra/Optus/Vodafone
Electoral roll: citizens and eligible residents must enrol to vote (compulsory)

Relocating With Children

Australia's public school system is excellent and free for permanent residents.

Public schools: free for permanent residents/citizens; enrol at local catchment school (address-based)
International schools in major cities: AUD 20,000–40,000/year — international curricula (IB, British, American)
Most public schools start in late January (Term 1); check state school calendar
Childcare: government-subsidised through CCS (Child Care Subsidy) — apply via myGov
NAPLAN: national literacy and numeracy testing in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 — good benchmark for school quality

Bringing Pets to Australia

Australia has the world's strictest biosecurity laws for pets — plan at least 6 months in advance.

Australia allows cats and dogs from approved countries only — check current approved list with DAFF
Microchip, rabies vaccination, and rabies titre test required — titre test must be done 180 days before travel
Post-arrival quarantine: minimum 10 days at DAFF-approved facility (Melbourne or Sydney)
Cost: typically AUD 2,000–5,000+ for quarantine, transport, and documentation
Birds and reptiles from overseas are generally prohibited — contact DAFF for specific species
Start the process 6–12 months before planned travel date

FAQs