MOVING TO AUSTRALIA

STEP BY STEP EASY GUIDE!

 

Moving to a new country could be as exciting as it is scary: there are several steps to take, and it's not always easy to figure out where to start, is it?

Don’t worry! We got you covered!

If you're new to Australia, or if you're thinking of moving here, this guide is what you need to get your Down Under adventure off to a great start!

DOCUMENTS

  • TFN

  • Bank Account

  • Superannuation

  • ABN

  • Resume 

TFN

The Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique number which identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. It is mandatory for work and it will be the same even if you change jobs, move interstate or overseas. You can apply for a TFN only once in Australia.

Go to this link to apply, then follow these easy steps:

  1. Select the “Foreign Passport Holders” option

  2. Fill the form with your details as shown in your passport (i.e., if you have a double surname, you must write both)

  3. Insert your residential address in Australia, or the address where you wish to receive your TFN (a paper version will be sent by mail). 

  4. Insert your phone number and email address.

  5. Check if everything is correct and click on submit. DONE!

BANK ACCOUNT

If you want to stay in Australia for longer than just a holiday, for example on a Working Holiday Visa, Student Visa or Work Visa, one of the first things you need to do is open a bank account.

In Australia, you can choose between several banks including:

  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank).

  • National Australian Bank (NAB).

  • Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ).

  • Westpac.

Some banks allow you to start the procedure from abroad, however your account activation will be finalised only once you arrive in the country.

You may need to meet the 100-point system to prove your identity. It means that, with your documentation, you must reach at least 100 points: for example your passport or birth certificate is worth 70 points, your driving license 40 points, a credit card or utility bill 25 points and so on.

By showing your passport and driving licence, you would already score 110 points.

Opening a current account in Australia is a very simple procedure that usually does not involve any costs (the cost of managing the account is also very low).

SUPERANNUATION

The superannuation is your retirement fund.

You can let your employer open an account for you, or you can choose a provider yourself and then pass your details to your employer. We recommend this second option, so if you change jobs, each employer will always pay your superannuation into the same account (if you change job, employers may not be able to pay your superannuation in the account previously opened by another employer, and you may end up managing multiple accounts)

Not all banks offer this service anymore, however there are several providers like Hostplus, Australia Super, Australia Aware, Hesta, Virgin Money. They are all valid providers, choosing one or the other depends on you and what you consider most convenient: do a google search to find out fees and advantages of each provider.

Follow this link to find out more.

ABN

The Australian Business Number (ABN) is an 11-digit code that identifies businesses in Australia.

It is not mandatory to have an ABN to work in Australia, however, if you intend to work as self-employed then you need to open an ABN account to invoice clients and pay taxes.

Go to this link and follow these easy steps to set up your ABN:

Step 1) Tick “I agree to provide true and correct information and have read and understand my obligations”

Step 2) The first section is about the ABN entitlement.

1. Select “Individual (sole trader)”, then tick YES to the questions:

a.“Will your activities be carried out in Australia?”, 

b.”Have you started or are you taking steps to start your activity?”.

2. Answer “in the form of a business” to the question “What is the nature of your activity?”

3. Tick YES to ‘Are you doing things that are consistent with running a business?’

Click on Next

Step 3) This section is about the application details.

1. Tick NO to the question “Does the applicant currently have an ABN or previously had an ABN?”

2. Select YES to:

a.“Does the applicant wish to apply or reapply for an ABN?”

b.“Does the applicant have a TFN?’

3. Tick NO to “Does the applicant wish to apply for a TFN?”.

Click on  Next

Step 4) This section is about business information.

1. Select YES to the question “Is the applicant an Australian resident for tax purposes?”

2. Fill the following section with your personal details and your TFN.

Click on Next.

Step 5) This section is about your reason to apply.

1. Give a brief description of your activity (i.e., painting)

2. Select the industry where you will work with your ABN and the reason to apply among the options provided i.e., ‘to receive payments for services’

3. Then, put some personal info like your phone number, your email, your address in Australia.

Click on Next

Step 6) This last section is your declaration.

1. You declare to accept their conditions

2. Click on submit, done. You applied for your ABN.

Note: You can start the procedure, save and complete it at a later time.

RESUME

Applying for a job in Australia can be difficult, especially if you don't know how the recruitment process works or how you should present yourself.

Don't worry: here are some tips on the perfect Australian resume.

  • Include your personal details. Your resume should include your full name and surname, email, phone number, your address in Australia. Date of birth and picture are not required.

  • Indicate your career profile. A career overview helps recruiters and employers to immediately understand what they can find on your resume.

  • Detail your work experience. It is recommended that you start with your most recent job. Indicate the organisation’s name, your position and dates of your employment. Describe your key responsibilities, projects completed and achievements. 

  • Include your education and qualifications achieved. Indicate your certificates, diplomas, bachelor degrees or any other qualification obtained; if you are currently taking up an additional qualification, include this information as well. 

  • Don’t forget to include your skills. Summarise your key strengths and competencies that are relevant to the role you want to pursue, to give your recruiters and employers a good first impression.

  • Keep it simple. Unless you are applying for creative roles, it’s best to keep your resume as simple, clear and concise as possible: use a standard font style, neutral colors and bullet points for easy reading.

  • Target of a specific role. Your resume should focus on the role you are applying for: if you are interested in a position as chef, then your resume should be focused on your studies, work experience and skills relevant for the position. 

  • Double- check the English grammar. Since you are applying for a job in Australia, it is essential that your resume is written in correct English.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TIPS

  1. Print your visa. Even if your visa is electronically linked to your passport, it’s wise to print a copy and bring it with you. Remember: if you change your passport, you must update its details on your visa (or it will not show up). You can update them through your immiaccount or you may ask you migration agent, if you applied for you visa with an agency.

  2. Australia has strict quarantine laws on importing fruit, vegetables, fresh and packaged food, seed, vegetative and some animal products into the country, and when travelling interstate. Some meds can be restricted as well. If you are in doubt, always declare your items.

  3. Australian electricity runs on 220-240 V and 50 Hz. Make sure your electronics accept 220 – 240 volts, otherwise you will need a transformer.

  4. Australia’s currency is the Australian dollar. Credit and debit cards are universally accepted, but it is best having some cash with you especially if you are planning to leave the bigger towns (small cities and  remote areas may not have any local banks or ATM).

  5. The international phone code is +61. 

  6. Australia has three time zones: Eastern Standard Time (QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, VIC), Central Standard Time (NT, SA) and Western Standard Time (WA). Daylight saving (Oct–March) is adopted everywhere except QLD, NT and WA; clocks are put forward one hour.

  7. Internet connection is efficient in the main cities, however in regional/remote areas internet may be not accessible (many places still use satellite internet). Choose a good provider if you intend to travel around the Country.

  8. Don’t forget to communicate your travel itinerary to family and friends: it helps to keep people informed about your plans if you will not be able to access the internet or make a call.

  9. Triple zero (000) is the Australian emergency number.