Moving from New Zealand to Australia is a hard decision, but one that many people make. Sometimes, there’s the perfect working opportunities you need in Australia, and other times, family members are waiting for you to join them there. But, when deciding to move from New Zealand to Australia, how do you even start the process?
Moving can be complicated and overwhelming to handle, which is why Express Movers are here to help. As a reputable Auckland moving company, we have offered services to individuals and families looking to move from New Zealand to Australia for many years. In this blog, we use our experience to tell you everything you need to know about moving from NZ to Australia.
Read on for more.
1. The Special Category Visa
The first thing you need to know about moving from NZ to Australia are the Visa requirements! New Zealand and Australia have a mutual agreement. This agreement means that New Zealanders can work, live and study in Australia for an indefinite period of time under a Special Category Visa.
This visa is granted automatically upon entry into Australia, as long as you meet the health and character requirements. However – it does not mean that you have permanent citizenship. This must be applied for, and is a process that requires multiple steps!
2. Medicare
All New Zealanders living in Australia are eligible for Medicare, which is the public healthcare system there. It covers some, but not always all, of the costs of accessing all kinds of healthcare. However, enrolling in Medicare is still a must – you need to know how to apply, and whether private health insurance is a more viable option for you.
3. The Cost of Living
The cost of living is slightly higher in Australia than in New Zealand. Specifically, it’s around 8.2% cheaper to live in NZ than Australia – excluding the cost of rent. Always thoroughly research the cost of living in the area of Australia you’d like to move to, because this does vary significantly between regions and cities. Don’t forget to set up an Australian bank account before you move, and you’ll absolutely require a TFN (Tax File Number), too. This makes sorting your finances out much easier!
To make your move from NZ to Australia as smooth and efficient as possible, contract the services of our experienced Auckland moving company, Express Movers. Our reputation speaks volumes as to the quality of our moving services, and how much we care for your belongings. For information about these services, contact us at your earliest convenience.