Moving to Australia
Moving to Down Under?
UTS supports you!
UTS advises you on the preparations, clarifies your issues regarding VISA, immigration as well as immigration regulations and takes over the organisation of your move to Australia.
With a population under 26,6 million, Australia is much smaller than Germany, but with almost 7.7 million square kilometres, it is far bigger in territory.
In 2022, almost 2,860 Germans emigrated to Australia, but almost 1,620 also returned home. In total, more than 30,000 Germans have emigrated Down Under in the last 10 years - making Australia one of the most attractive emigration destinations for Europeans. And not without reason: the consistently mild climate, a western culture, the serenity of the Australians as well as the extremely stable economy attract numerous people from year to year. It is not for nothing that Melbourne has been named the world's most liveable city several times!
Since Australia is literally at the other world's end, emigration should be planned extremely thoroughly to ensure a trouble-free process. Your UTS experts are the right partners for this and will accompany you step by step to your new home.
Your contact person
CARGO IN THE CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER
You want to save money? Are you flexible with your schedule?
Share the transport costs with other UTS customers - safe, environmentally friendly, cost-effective.
The overseas move by consolidated container is the clever alternative for a move volume of 1 - 10 cbm (e.g. 1 - room flat).
We combine the removal goods from different customers in one consolidated container.
This service reduces both costs and CO2. Great for you and the environment.
All topics at a glance:
Our services
- Individual requirements
- Individual offers
- Pre-inspection
- Delivery & unpacking on site
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Dismantling, packing & loading
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Transport by truck
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Customs clearance
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Storage & warehousing
- Transport insurance
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - TIMING
Transfer times to Sydney & Melbourne
Export customs clearance in Bremerhaven, DE //
Hamburg, DE 1 - 2 days
49 sea days
Import clearance in Australia 6 days
Note: The information on the respective transfer times is only for rough orientation and depends on shipping capacities, changes in the regulations of the departure and destination country, the current political situation in the departure and destination country, the infrastructure of the departure and destination country as well as the availability of the correct documents for clearance.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visa is a must
We recommend that you find out about the entry and residence requirements at the Australian Embassy as early as possible. The visa system in Australia is generally very complex. Therefore, we have already prepared a summary of the most important points for you:
The general question: Do I need a visa?
German citizens need a visa or an ETA to enter Australia.
The application must be made before the start of the journey. It is not possible to apply for a visa at a later date.
The following visa types are available for short-term visits (up to 1 year):
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
This visa is suitable for business and tourism visitors from Germany and other EU member states. The visa is valid for 12 months and entitles the holder to stay in Australia for a maximum of 3 months at one time.
The application is made online and is free of charge. Applicants will be notified of the successful issuance of the eVisitor visa by email.
The eVisitor visa is stored electronically at border posts and other offices.
Electronic Travel Authority ETA
(Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority, ETA for short, can still be applied for. The entry requirements correspond to those of the eVisitor visa, which was newly introduced and has replaced the ETA visa. The ETA can be applied via the tour operator or directly at the airlines. The fee is a flat rate of AUD 20 plus any fees charged by the service provider.
For Germans who want to live and work in Australia, there are basically only two ways to get a work permit, because Australia's immigration policy is extremely strict. Either you have sufficient qualifications that are currently in demand in Australia, or you receive an official invitation from a company based in Australia.
The following professions are currently in high demand in Australia:
- Doctors, nurses
- Architects, engineers and construction managers
- IT specialists
- Craftsmen, e.g. electricians and car mechanics, roofers, installers, painters.
To live and work permanently in Australia, you need an unrestricted residence and work permit, also called permanent residence.
To be granted permanent residence, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
How do I apply for Australian citizenship?
Anyone who has spent at least four years in Australia as a "permanent resident" can apply for Australian citizenship.
For more information on visa requirements, please contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Security or the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
MOVING WITH ANIMALS
Moving to Australia with your pet
Do you plan to move to Australia with your pet? No problem for UTS. In addition to a smooth and safe transport, we also take care of all the necessary formalities. So your pet will also arrive safely at its new destination.
Moving with pets can be quite complicated in some cases, as many things need to be considered: What preparations need to be made before the move? Are there any regulations for entry? What should be kept in mind if my pet is travelling by plane? UTS gives you the answers. Here you can read about many important aspects of moving with animals.
Regulations & tips for entry to Australia
If you want to emigrate to Australia with your pet, you should schedule enough preparation time (approx. 7 months). Also note that the journey is quite expensive. With vaccinations, veterinary examinations, the purchase of a transport box and the quarantine in Australia, about 3500 Euros per pet are needed.
Requirements & important steps
- Microchip
- Vaccination against rabies
- Rabies antibody detection (RNATT) (Important: The result is required in English and the microchip number should be recognisable)
- Certification of the rabies blood test by the veterinary office
- Application for Import Permit (Must be applied for online at least 42 days prior to import)
- Booking of the quarantine station in Australia
- Treatment against internal and external parasites
- Examination by the veterinarian in the period of 5 days before departure
As the regulations for the pet entry in Australia are quite complex and there may also be tightened restrictions on entry for certain breeds, you can get more information on the homepage of the Australian government.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For your entry into Australia
To make your move to Australia as trouble-free and comfortable as possible, it is important that you find out about and comply with import regulations in advance.
Customs regulations in Australia are quite complex. The individual regulations depend on the respective cities or the duration of your stay. We therefore recommend that you speak to one of our qualified UTS staff to provide you with tailored information and the best possible advice.
The following guidelines should generally be considered:
- The current Customs form for the entry of unaccompanied personal effects (Form B534) can be downloaded from the Australian Customs website. It must be completed in full English by the owner of the removal goods.
- Scanned copies are valid in all states, but electronic signatures are not accepted.
- All signatures required to release the customs form must match the signature from the passport. Any changes must have been approved.
- The inventory list must be in English.
- Self-packed moving goods must be listed in English by the owner.
- A copy of the owner's ID page and visa is mandatory.
- NOTE: A copy of the owner's passport (completing B534) is required. Copies of other persons travelling with the owner are not required.
- A visa grant letter may also need to be enclosed.
- The owner's full name and Australian residential address must be provided. Please note that a PO Box or business address is not acceptable.
- If the owner of the removal goods last resided in Australia for more than 12 months, it may be necessary to clear the shipment through formal customs clearance.
For more information, visit the Australian Customs website.
Regulations on importing food, medicines, alcohol or tobacco are listed there.
We also recommend that you download the Australia Country Guide from the IAM website. There you will also find important information on import regulations in Australia.
If you have any further questions or individual requests, our qualified UTS team will be happy to assist you at any time.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - FORMALITIES
Health Insurance
All about the health system
Australia has a national health insurance system that all Australian citizens can use free of charge. However, the government health insurance only covers basic services. It is therefore advisable to take out private health insurance or to use long-term travel insurance.
Pension and old-age provision
Germany and Australia have concluded a social security agreement.
This means that pension entitlements from the respective other country are recognised and credited. You can get more information on this topic from the German Pension Insurance.
The pension system in Australia is based on two pillars. Every Australian resident with a permanent residence permit is entitled to the Australian state "Age Pension".
In addition, there is a private pension insurance, the "Superannuation". This is currently 11% (from July 2024 11,5%) of gross income and is paid by the employer. The beneficiary is free to decide how and for what he wants to use the money.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Social security
The Australian tax system is - unlike in many European countries - tax-funded, which means that there are no separately payable social security contributions. However, this does not mean that everyone who pays taxes is also insured. Only those who have been in the country for at least two years and are in possession of a permanent residence permit are entitled to social benefits. Otherwise, one cannot claim benefits such as unemployment assistance, housing benefit, child or single-parent benefit and all types of pensions.
As a rule, benefits are significantly lower than in Central Europe. Therefore, we recommend that you take out additional private insurance if you plan to settle permanently in Australia.
If you have any further questions on the subject of pensions, old-age provision and social security, our qualified team will be happy to help you.
DRIVING & CAR TRANSPORT TO AUSTRALIA
Can I drive in Australia with my German driver's licence?
You can drive in Australia in conjunction with an international driving licence. However, the German driving licence is only valid for 3 months. After that, you will need to apply for an Australian driver's licence. To obtain this, you will usually be subjected to an eye test. Be sure to note that the regulations may differ depending on the state.
What to look out for when taking your car with you
You must have owned your car for at least 6 months in order to import it tax and duty free.
Before being released by customs, your car must be cleared by the "Quarantine and Inspection Service" - the car must also be thoroughly cleaned before departure.
In addition to compulsory insurance (Compulsory Third Party CTP Insurance), we recommend that you take out "Third Party Property Insurance". This covers property damage that could be caused by your car.
You can find more information on the homepage of the Australian government.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Below we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions about the formalities involved in moving to Australia. For further information, please don't hesitate to contact your UTS manager at any time.
The move takes at least 57 days for sea freight.
After moving, registration should be completed within 3 days.
Yes, a visa is mandatory.
No, because there is government insurance. However, we recommend that you take out private insurance to be covered in the best possible way.
Customs regulations in Australia are quite complex. The individual regulations depend on the respective cities or the duration of the stay. Therefore, we recommend speaking to one of our qualified UTS staff to provide you with tailored information and best advice. For generally applicable regulations, please refer to the section "Entry requirements."
Unless your new employer supports you in your search, you should use an agent to find suitable accommodation. In particular, the high demand for housing in cities such as Sydney or Melbourne makes finding accommodation a challenge, so we advise you to seek assistance in this process.
Accommodation options in Australia are very diverse - from very basic accommodation to luxurious flats, everything is available. UTS is happy to help you with your selection, contact us!
On the website https://jobsearch.gov.au/ there are numerous job offers as well as tips on how to find a job.
You can find more information in the section "Labour market."
The top income tax rate is a flat rate of AUD 51,667 (approx. €31,516.87) plus 45 cents per additional AUD over 180,000.
Germany and Australia have concluded a social security agreement. This means that pension entitlements from the respective other country are recognised and credited.
Your German driving licence is only valid in conjunction with an international driving licence, i.e. an English translation. You may drive in Australia without any problems for stays as a visitor. However, if you plan to emigrate permanently to Australia, you will need to register with the local authorities and have your German driver's licence transferred for a fee.
In order to be able to plan your move to Australia optimally, we recommend that you deregister in good time at the Residents' Registration Office in Germany.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - THINGS TO KNOW
Culture and language
The Australian population can be divided as follows: Almost 92% of Australia's inhabitants are of European descent and 7% of Asian origin. The British and Irish in particular, but also many Italians and also Germans, ensure that the country is very European in character these days. This is also reflected in the western lifestyle, which is particularly present in the metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne. Asian immigrants come mainly from India, China and Vietnam. Almost 80% of all inhabitants speak Australian English.
With almost 90%, the majority of the population lives in the large cities, especially near the coast. There, the so-called Gold Coast with its Surfer's Paradise is a dream destination for every emigrant.
But many people have also settled in the greater Perth area or on Tasmania, the island that belongs to Australia.
The core of the country, the Outback, on the other hand, is almost deserted. The extreme heat and the long periods of drought make life in the outback a challenge.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - EMPLOYMENT MARKET
The economic situation and the employment market
Great opportunities
Around 75% of people in Australia now work in the service sector: finance, real estate, but also the growing demand in e-commerce and biotechnology make it possible to get a job in Australia. According to a study by the private bank HSBC, Australia even ranked 6th out of 45 countries surveyed as the best country for expatriates.
The greatest opportunities for employment for expats can be found above all in the large metropolises such as Melbourne or Sydney. But Canberra and Brisbane are also becoming increasingly attractive.
Furthermore, mining and agriculture still play a major role, as many raw materials such as coal, gold and iron ore are still among the main exports.
The good news is that the unemployment rate is at a very low level, only 3,7% in 2024. The upswing in Australia is currently providing almost full employment and plenty of job vacancies.
With training and work experience in trades, as a baker, hairdresser, nurse or engineer, you have a good chance of finding a job in Australia, because there is currently an acute shortage of skilled workers in these professions.
A prerequisite for working in Australia is a very good knowledge of English. Without it, it will be difficult to communicate in everyday life and at work. If necessary, it is worth taking a language course before moving to Australia. Of course, many courses are offered locally to improve your English skills.
If you have any questions in this regard, our qualified UTS team will be happy to assist you at any time.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - TAX SYSTEM
Income tax in 2024
Income up to (AUD) = Tax
- 0 - 18.200 = -
- 18,201 - 45,000 = 19 cents per AUD over 18,200
- 45,001 - 120,000 = 5,092 AUD + 32.5 cents per AUD over 45,000
- 120,001 - 180,000 = 29,467 AUD + 37 cents per AUD over 120,000
- More than 180,001 = 51,667 AUD + 45 cents per AUD over 180,000
* 1 AUD = 0.61€ (as of April 2024)
Anyone earning less than just under €11,028 a year is exempt from income tax.
The top tax rate is a flat rate of €31,516.87 plus 45 cents for each additional AUD.
Example:
- Annual income: 200,000 AUD
- Taxes: 51,667 AUD + (0.45x20,000 AUD) = 60,667 AUD
Our qualified UTS team will be happy to provide you with further information.
MOVING TO AUSTRALIA - COST OF LIVING
Rental prices
Living in Australia can be expensive
On average, you pay almost 40% more for accommodation than in Germany.
* (as of 2024) Please note that these are only average values and that there can always be deviations due to seasonal factors.
Average rental prices
in Sydney
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,060€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,440€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 4,100€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 2,370€
Average rental prices
in Melbourne
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,540€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,230€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,910€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,820€
Average rental prices
in Brisbane
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,540€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,330€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,430€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,640€
Average rental prices
in Adelaide
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,340€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,000€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,350€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,570€
Average rental prices
in Canberra
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,680€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,340€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,580€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,950€
Average rental prices
on the Gold Coast
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,370€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,290€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,180€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,810€
Average rental prices
in Darwin
- 1-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,420€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 930€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,860€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,620€
Average rental prices
in Perth
- 1-bedroom flat
in the city centre: approx. 1,590€
- 1-bedroom flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,170€
- 3-room flat
in the city centre: approx. 2,360€
- 3-room flat
outside the city centre: approx. 1,780€
Food prices
Average food prices
- 1l milk - approx. 1.40€
- 500g bread - approx. 2.30€
- 1kg rice - approx. 2.00€
- 12 eggs - approx. 3.70€
- 1kg cheese - approx. 9.30€
- 0,5l beer - approx. 4.70€
- 20 cigarettes - approx. 27€
Food is more expensive on average than in Germany, and rents are also significantly higher, although there are of course big differences between the big cities and the countryside. Leisure activities such as a visit to the cinema also cost a little more than in this country, at just under €14. A visit to a simple restaurant is possible from 15€. Alcohol and tobacco in particular are highly taxed, so a half-litre of beer in a bar costs at least €5.
So when moving to Australia, you should expect extra costs in terms of living expenses. On average, living in Australia is almost 10% more expensive than in Germany.
If you have any further questions, your UTS expert will be happy to assist you. We look forward to your request
