Relocation Timetable
Moving countries can be an intensive business and it pays to plan ahead as much as possible.
One year before departure
In the year before you leave, you will need to:
- Check that your passport will be valid for your arrival and renew if necessary.
- Check your driving licence. Australia accepts UK driving licences, but if your licence is issued elsewhere, you may need to apply for an International Drivers Licence.
- Have a health check and arrange insurance. Australia operates a reciprocal national health scheme for UK citizens, but additional health insurance is advised.
- Arrange the lease or purchase of your first house or apartment. Most leases in Australia are on a 6 or 12 month basis. The process of buying property is similar to England and Wales, although vendors will often arrange open days rather than show potential buyers around individually. Property purchases by non-Australian citizens need to be approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board (www.treasury.gov.au), a process which can take a month to complete. Bring evidence of previous mortgage borrowing with you as you will have no credit history in Australia.
- Think about what possessions you will bring with you, bearing in mind that most houses and apartments in Australia are rented unfurnished. Investigate removal firms and costs and removal dates to ensure that your possessions arrive before you do. Further information: The British Association of Removers (www.removers.org.uk).
Three months before departure
- Get a reference from your bank so that you can open a bank account when you arrive. In the meantime, UK-issued debit and credit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard) are accepted extensively across Australia.
- Ensure you have enough insurance to cover the removal of your possessions and arrange travel insurance to cover emergencies whilst travelling.
- Check with customs and excise as to which documentation will be needed to get your belongings through.
- Inform your tax office of your departure date.
- Register with the British Consulate in your new country when you arrive.
Further information
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