Moving to Australia from UK: 2027 guide for Brits
Thinking about moving to Australia from the UK in 2027? You will need the right visa first, then a plan for your job, your money, your home and your belongings. This guide covers the main visa routes, the skilled occupation list, a step by step plan, what affects the cost of your move and a checklist to keep you on track.
Every year, thousands of Brits swap the grey UK skies for the beaches, outdoor lifestyle and relaxed culture of Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than a million people living in Australia were born in the UK, making it one of the most popular destinations for British expats.
If you are wondering how to move to Australia from the UK for work, study or a fresh start, you are in good company. Here is everything you need to know.
Visa routes for moving to Australia from the UK in 2027
The first question most people ask is "how do I move to Australia from the UK?" The answer starts with your visa. Australia's Department of Home Affairs sets the rules, and the main routes for UK citizens are:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): a points tested permanent visa. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor, but your occupation must be on the relevant skilled list and you must be invited to apply.
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): a permanent visa for people nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by a family member to live and work in a regional area, with a pathway to permanent residence.
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): the employer sponsored temporary visa that replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024. It has a Core Skills stream linked to the Core Skills Occupation List, a Specialist Skills stream for higher earners and a Labour Agreement stream.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): a permanent visa for workers nominated by an Australian employer.
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417): for UK passport holders aged 18 to 35. Under the UK and Australia free trade agreement, UK applicants can hold up to three 12 month visas and, for applications made on or after 1 July 2024, do not need to complete specified work (such as farm work) to get a second or third visa, according to Home Affairs.
- Partner visa (subclass 820/801 or 309/100): if you are married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Student visa (subclass 500): for study at an Australian institution, which some people later use as a step towards another visa.
Visa rules and fees change regularly, so always check the official Home Affairs website and its visa fee estimator before you apply.
Moving to Australia from UK: the skilled occupation list
If you are moving to Australia from the UK on a skilled visa, your occupation matters. Australia uses different lists for different visas:
- Skilled occupation lists for points tested visas (189, 190 and 491): these set out which occupations can be nominated for permanent skilled migration.
- Core Skills Occupation List: used for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
- Skills assessment: for most skilled visas, a relevant assessing authority must confirm your qualifications and experience match your occupation.
Healthcare, engineering, IT, construction trades and teaching are areas where UK workers often find their roles listed. Check the current lists on the Home Affairs website, as occupations are added and removed.
How to move to Australia from the UK: step by step
- Choose your visa. Use the Home Affairs visa finder to see which routes fit your age, occupation, family and budget.
- Check your occupation and get a skills assessment if you are applying for a skilled visa.
- Sit an approved English test if your visa requires one. Some visas accept a UK passport as evidence of English, so check the rules for your route.
- Submit an expression of interest or find a sponsor. Skilled visas use SkillSelect; employer sponsored visas need a job offer.
- Apply for your visa and complete health and character checks. This usually includes a medical exam and police certificates.
- Plan your budget using the cost factors below.
- Book a home survey and get a removals quote. Decide what to ship, what to sell and what to keep in storage in the UK.
- Sort your UK affairs: tell HMRC, your bank, your council and your pension providers. Our guide on who to inform when moving house is a helpful starting point.
- Arrange pets, vehicles and important documents. Australia has strict biosecurity rules for pets, so start early.
- Book flights and short term accommodation for your first few weeks.
- Arrive and set up the basics: a tax file number, a bank account, Medicare enrolment (if eligible), a phone and a driving licence.
Can I move to Australia from the UK without a job offer?
Yes. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) lets you apply based on your skills and points score, with no job offer needed. You will still need an occupation on the relevant skilled list, a positive skills assessment and an invitation to apply.
Do you need to have minimum savings?
Most permanent skilled visas have no set minimum savings amount, though some visas (such as the working holiday visa) ask you to show enough money to support yourself at the start. Either way, plan for flights, a rental bond, first month's rent and living costs until your first pay day.
Can your partner move with you to Australia on a skilled visa?
Yes. You can usually include your partner and dependent children in your visa application, provided you can show official evidence of your relationship.
Cost of moving to Australia from the UK
The cost of moving from the UK to Australia depends on your circumstances, so the best way to get an accurate figure is a free, no obligation quote. These are the main factors:
- Volume of belongings: the more you ship, the more container space you need. A full container suits a family home; a shared container (groupage) can work well for smaller moves.
- Shipping method: sea freight is usually the most cost effective for furniture and large items, while air freight is faster for essentials you need straight away.
- Packing: full professional packing, a fragile only pack or packing yourself.
- Collection and delivery access: stairs, parking and distance from the property to the vehicle.
- Destination: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are well served, while regional addresses can add time.
- Customs and quarantine: Australian biosecurity inspections and any cleaning of outdoor items.
- Storage: short term storage in Australia while you find a home, or long term storage in the UK.
- Insurance: cover for your goods in transit.
Beyond removals, budget for visa application charges, health checks, flights, temporary accommodation, a rental bond and everyday living costs until you are earning. Check current visa charges on the Home Affairs fee estimator.
Request a free quote for your move to Australia and our team will give you a clear price based on your belongings and timings.
Top cities in Australia for British expats
Australia offers everything from busy city apartments to quiet coastal homes. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are the most popular choices for Brits moving to Australia, while Adelaide and the Gold Coast suit people looking for a slower pace.
Cost of living: is Australia more expensive than the UK?
The cost of living in Australia varies by city and lifestyle. Wages are often higher, but some costs are higher too. Here is a guide to key costs:
| Category | Australia (GBP £) | UK (GBP £) |
|---|
| Housing | Rent in Sydney or Melbourne: £1,500 to £3,000 per month (one bed). Smaller cities: £800 to £1,500. | London: £1,500 to £2,500 per month. Other cities: £700 to £1,200. |
| Everyday expenses | Groceries for one person: £250 to £350 per month. Eating out: £10 to £20 per meal. | Groceries: £200 to £300 per month. Eating out: £8 to £15 per meal. |
| Utilities and bills | Electricity and water: £80 to £150 per month. Internet: £40 to £60 per month. | Electricity and water: £50 to £100 per month. Internet: £25 to £50 per month. |
| Healthcare | Medicare for eligible residents, with optional private cover. | NHS for residents, with optional private cover. |
| Tax and pension | Income tax rates up to 45%. Employers pay superannuation of 12% of salary (from 1 July 2025, per the Australian Taxation Office). | Income tax up to 45%. Workplace pension minimum contributions of 8% in total under auto enrolment. |
Jobs in Australia for UK expats
If you are moving to Australia from the UK for work, demand is strong in many sectors, including:
- Healthcare and nursing
- IT and technology
- Construction and trades
- Engineering
- Education
- Accounting and finance
How to secure a job in Australia from the UK
Looking for a job in Australia is similar to job hunting in the UK. It depends on your skills and what industries need. Australia has shortages in many skilled roles, and if your occupation is in demand you are more likely to find a well paid job and a sponsor.
Skilled professionals, especially in IT and healthcare, often use Seek, LinkedIn and Indeed. If you are on a working holiday visa, Gumtree, Jora and local community groups are popular for short term roles.
Tip: Tailor your CV to Australian standards, which usually include more detail on skills and experience than a UK CV.
Lifestyle and culture: how is Australia different from the UK?
Life in Australia is more relaxed, with a strong focus on outdoor activities thanks to the warm climate. Social life tends to revolve around barbecues, beaches and coffee culture.
Outside the biggest cities, most people drive because of the long distances. Sports fans will find a strong love of AFL, rugby league and cricket.
If you are deciding between Australia and New Zealand, our guide to moving to Auckland from the UK compares lifestyle, cost of living and jobs.
Healthcare and banking in Australia
- Healthcare: Australia has a high standard of healthcare. Under the reciprocal health care agreement, UK residents visiting Australia can get medically necessary treatment through Medicare, according to Services Australia. Once you become a permanent resident, you can enrol in Medicare fully. Many people also take out private health insurance, and some temporary visas require it.
- Banking: Opening an Australian bank account before you arrive makes your first weeks easier. Several major Australian banks let new migrants open an account online before arrival.
Shipping your belongings from the UK to Australia
When moving from the UK to Australia, you will need to decide what to take. Many Brits ship furniture, vehicles or sentimental items, but this needs planning because of Australia's customs and biosecurity rules. Outdoor furniture, garden tools, bikes and camping gear must be clean and free of soil.
Pickfords has helped families move to Australia for decades, with tailored shipping options, expert advice and international removals from packing to delivery. If you only need to send a few extra bags, our excess baggage shipping service sends unaccompanied luggage safely. If you have pets, our pet shipping service can help with Australia's import requirements.
Keeping some belongings in the UK? Self storage starts from £18, and drive-up self storage suits long term needs. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.
Moving to Australia checklist
Use this checklist to keep your move on track. For a wider plan, see our moving abroad checklist.
Six months or more before you move
- Check visa options on the Home Affairs website
- Get a skills assessment and sit an English test if needed
- Check your passport is valid well beyond your travel date
- Start researching cities, schools and areas to live
Three to six months before
- Lodge your visa application and complete health and character checks
- Book a home survey and get removals quotes
- Start planning pet travel if you have pets
- Decide what to ship, sell, donate or store
One to three months before
- Confirm your shipping date and packing plan
- Give notice on your tenancy or arrange to sell or let your home
- Tell HMRC, your bank, pension providers, GP and council
- Gather key documents: passports, visas, birth and marriage certificates, qualifications, references and medical records
In the last few weeks
- Book flights and short term accommodation
- Cancel or transfer utilities, broadband and subscriptions
- Pack a suitcase of essentials for your first weeks
- Redirect your post through Royal Mail
After you arrive
- Apply for a tax file number
- Activate your bank account
- Enrol in Medicare if eligible
- Exchange or apply for a local driving licence under your state's rules
Is moving to Australia worth it?
For many Brits, moving to Australia is life changing. A warm climate, a strong economy and an outdoor lifestyle draw thousands of people every year. With the right visa and good planning, the move can be smooth and rewarding.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I move to Australia from the UK?
Start by choosing the right visa, such as a skilled visa (subclass 189, 190 or 491), the employer sponsored Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) or a working holiday visa (subclass 417) if you are 18 to 35. Check your occupation against the current skilled lists on the Home Affairs website, then get a skills assessment if needed. Once your visa is in progress, plan your budget, book a removals survey and sort your UK affairs.
- Can I move to Australia from the UK without a job?
Yes. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) does not need a job offer or sponsor, though you must be invited to apply and meet the points test. A working holiday visa also lets you move without a job lined up, if you are 18 to 35.
- How much does it cost to move to Australia from the UK?
It depends on your visa, how much you ship, the shipping method and where you are moving to. Removals costs are driven by volume, sea or air freight, packing and destination access. The most accurate way to budget is to book a free survey and quote.
- What is the skilled occupation list for Australia?
Australia uses skilled occupation lists for its points tested visas and the Core Skills Occupation List for the Skills in Demand visa. These lists set out which occupations can be nominated for each route. Check the current lists on the Home Affairs website, as they are updated regularly.
- Do UK citizens still need to do farm work for a second working holiday visa?
No, not if you apply on or after 1 July 2024. Under the UK and Australia free trade agreement, UK passport holders can get up to three working holiday visas without completing specified work, according to Home Affairs.
- Can I use Medicare when I move to Australia from the UK?
Under the reciprocal health care agreement, UK residents in Australia can get medically necessary treatment through Medicare. Full Medicare access usually comes once you hold permanent residence, so many temporary visa holders take out private health insurance.
- Is moving to Australia from the UK worth it?
For many Brits it is. The climate, career opportunities and outdoor lifestyle are big draws, and there is a large British community. The cost of living is higher in the biggest cities and you will be far from family in the UK, so weigh this up before you go.
Planning your move to Australia? Request a free quote for your international move or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.