Australia Relocation & Arrival Checklist
Step-by-step verified transition checklist. Distinguishes mandatory legal obligations (TFN, super choice, Fair Work statements) from practical settlement recommendations.
Australia Arrival Checklist
Distinguishing legally required workplace/tax milestones from settlement recommendations.
Required to avoid having tax withheld at the maximum non-resident rate (45%). Apply online for free once in Australia using your foreign passport via ATO / Home Affairs portal.
Official Primary Authority Guidance →Employers must pay statutory super (11.5%) on your behalf. Provide your Super Standard Choice form or Australian fund details upon starting employment to avoid multiple orphan accounts.
Official Primary Authority Guidance →Under the Fair Work Act National Employment Standards (NES), every employer must give every new employee the Fair Work Information Statement before or as soon as possible after commencing work.
Official Primary Authority Guidance →Complete 100-point identity check at an Australian bank branch with your passport and visa grant notice to unfreeze deposits and enable domestic withdrawals.
Official Primary Authority Guidance →If you are from a reciprocal healthcare country (e.g. UK, NZ, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands), lodge an application with Services Australia for a reciprocal Medicare card.
Official Primary Authority Guidance →Needed for two-factor authentication on myGov, Australian banking apps, and employment communication. Australian law requires passport ID verification for SIM activation.
Ensure rental deposit is lodged directly with the state authority (e.g. NSW Fair Trading RBO, Victorian RTBA, Queensland RTA) rather than held in a private landlord account.
Opal in Sydney/NSW, myki in Melbourne/VIC, go card in Brisbane/QLD, SmartRider in Perth/WA, metroCARD in Adelaide/SA.
Legal vs Practical Settlement Requirements
Applying for a TFN with the ATO prevents having tax withheld at the top non-resident marginal rate (45%). Receiving the Fair Work Information Statement is a statutory entitlement mandated by the National Employment Standards.
Completing in-branch identity verification to unfreeze bank accounts, purchasing an Australian SIM card, and registering with state transport networks facilitate smooth everyday living.