Moving Abroad

Living in Australia as a Newcomer: Visas, Work, Medicare and Driving

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Working in Australia
  3. Healthcare and pensions
  4. Driving
  5. Tax
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Can I vote?
    2. Do children have to attend school?
    3. Where are visa costs?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

What do you need to live in Australia? A visa. GOV.UK says visas are available to work, study, live permanently or join a partner or family member, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs visa finder identifies the right one. Permanent residency may be possible if your visa allows it. This is GOV.UK guidance for UK nationals, so other nationalities should check Home Affairs.

Quick answer

  • You need a visa to work in Australia.
  • Australia recognises dual citizenship, so you do not have to give up British citizenship.
  • Medicare covers some healthcare for Australian residents, and a reciprocal agreement with the UK covers some costs for visitors, students and valid visa holders.
  • You will need a tax file number.
  • Employers must pay part of your wages into a superannuation fund.

Working in Australia

You may need a DBS (criminal records) check to apply for jobs, and a skills assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications. Read how to get a tax file number as one of your first tasks.

Healthcare and pensions

Topic What GOV.UK says
Medicare Covers some healthcare for Australian residents. Tax rebates encourage private health insurance
UK reciprocal agreement Covers some, but not all, costs for visitors, students, UK residents and valid visa holders
Superannuation Employers pay part of your wages pre-tax. Generally withdrawable only in specific circumstances
Age Pension Check eligibility with Services Australia

Driving

Road rules and the process for exchanging a UK licence vary by state and territory: ACT, NSW, NT, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, Victoria and WA. Check the licensing authority for where you will live.

Tax

A double taxation agreement means you should not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Contact the Australian Taxation Office or HMRC with questions. See UK tax if you live abroad.

Common mistakes

  • Starting work without the right visa.
  • Assuming Medicare covers everything. Some costs remain.
  • Using one state’s licence rules in another.
  • Forgetting the tax file number.

FAQ

Can I vote?

Only if you are an Australian citizen or were enrolled as a British subject before 1984, according to GOV.UK.

Do children have to attend school?

Yes, children aged 6 to 16 must attend school, and home schooling is also possible.

Where are visa costs?

On the Home Affairs website. This guide gives no fees.

Key takeaways

  • Find your visa on the Home Affairs visa finder.
  • Get a tax file number and understand superannuation.
  • Licence exchange depends on your state.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The GOV.UK page was last updated on 11 December 2025, so confirm current rules with Home Affairs.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Living in Australia

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