Australia is one of the most popular countries for people looking to start a new life. It offers a high quality of life, good job opportunities, and beautiful natural landscapes. But moving to a new country is a big decision. One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much money do I need to migrate to Australia?”
This question does not have one simple answer. The amount you need depends on many factors like the visa type, family size, lifestyle, and where you plan to live. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the costs involved in migrating to Australia.
What Kind of Visa Are You Applying For?
There are many types of visas for Australia. Each comes with its own cost. Here are some common types:
Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
These visas are for workers who have skills that are needed in Australia. These are very popular for permanent migration. If you apply for one of these visas, you may be invited based on a points system. You do not need a job offer to apply for some of them.
Cost:
Visa fees for skilled migration range from around AUD 4,640 for the main applicant. If you add a partner or children, the fee goes up. A spouse or partner may cost about AUD 2,320. Children under 18 usually cost around AUD 1,160 each.
Student Visas (Subclass 500)
This visa is for people who want to study in Australia. It allows you to stay for the duration of your course.
Cost:
The visa fee is around AUD 710. But you also need to show you have enough money to pay for your tuition, living costs, and travel.
The Australian government requires international students to have about AUD 24,505 for living costs per year. You also need to pay for your course, which can range from AUD 15,000 to AUD 45,000 per year.
Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100)
These visas are for people who are in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Cost:
Partner visas are among the most expensive. The total cost is about AUD 8,850 for most applicants. Additional costs apply for dependents.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
This is for workers who are sponsored by an Australian employer.
Cost:
Visa fees for this type range from AUD 1,455 to AUD 2,770, depending on your occupation and length of stay. The employer may pay some fees.
Business or Investor Visas
These visas are for people who want to start or invest in a business in Australia.
Cost:
These visas are more expensive. Some business visa fees start at AUD 9,450 and can go up depending on the stream.
What Are the Other Costs Before Moving?
Getting a visa is just the beginning. You will need to spend money on other things before you even arrive in Australia.
Skills Assessment
If you are applying for a skilled visa, you may need a skills assessment from an official body. This is to check that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards.
Cost:
This depends on your job and the assessing body. Fees range from AUD 300 to AUD 1,200 or more.
English Language Tests
You may need to take an English test like IELTS or PTE.
Cost:
Most English tests cost between AUD 250 and AUD 400.
Medical Examinations
Most visa applicants must take a medical exam and sometimes a chest X-ray.
Cost:
A medical exam can cost between AUD 300 and AUD 500 per person.
Police Checks
You must provide police clearance certificates from any country where you have lived for a long time.
Cost:
This depends on your country, but usually ranges from AUD 50 to AUD 150.
Translation of Documents
If your documents are not in English, they must be translated.
Cost:
This depends on the length and number of documents. You might pay around AUD 20 to AUD 50 per page.
What Do You Need After You Arrive in Australia?
Flight Tickets
Airfare depends on your country of origin and time of booking. One-way tickets can cost between AUD 800 and AUD 2,000 per person.
Initial Living Costs
You need enough money to support yourself while you settle down. This includes:
Rent
Food
Transport
Internet and mobile phone
Buying furniture and household items
Most people should have at least AUD 10,000 to AUD 15,000 saved for the first few months. If you are moving with a family, you should aim for more—around AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000.
Rental Bonds and Housing
In Australia, when you rent a house or apartment, you need to pay a rental bond (security deposit). This is usually four weeks’ rent. You may also need to pay two weeks’ rent in advance.
For example, if rent is AUD 500 per week, you may need AUD 3,000 to move in.
Setting Up a Home
You may need to buy:
Bed and mattress
Kitchen utensils
Furniture
Bedding and towels
Cleaning supplies
Many people spend about AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000 for basic household items.
Buying a Car or Using Public Transport
In big cities, public transport is good. You can use trains, buses, and trams. A monthly transport pass can cost AUD 100 to AUD 200.
If you want to buy a car, even a used one can cost AUD 5,000 or more. Don’t forget to add car insurance, registration, and petrol.
Do You Need Health Insurance?
Australia has a public health system called Medicare. But not everyone can access it immediately. You may need to buy private health insurance until you are eligible.
Cost:
For basic health coverage, expect to pay around AUD 100 to AUD 150 per month for a single person.
Students are required to buy Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This can cost about AUD 500 to AUD 600 per year.
Are There Any Hidden or Unexpected Costs?
Yes, and you should plan for them.
Emergency Expenses
Always keep a buffer for emergencies. A good rule is to keep an extra AUD 3,000 to AUD 5,000 in case of job loss, health issues, or delays in finding housing.
Legal and Migration Agent Fees
If you use a migration agent to help with your application, they charge fees. These can range from AUD 1,000 to over AUD 5,000 depending on your visa type and complexity.
School Fees for Children
If you are on a temporary visa, your children may need to pay school fees.
Fees vary depending on the state, but they can be around AUD 5,000 to AUD 15,000 per year per child.
What Is the Total Cost of Migrating to Australia?
Now, let’s give you a rough idea based on different situations. Please note these are average estimates.
Single Skilled Worker (Permanent Visa)
Visa fee: AUD 4,640
Skills test, IELTS, health, police: AUD 1,000–2,000
Flight: AUD 1,000
First months’ expenses: AUD 10,000
Total: Around AUD 16,000–18,000
Couple with One Child
Visa fees: AUD 4,640 + 2,320 + 1,160 = AUD 8,120
Other costs: AUD 3,000–4,000
Flight tickets: AUD 3,000
Initial funds: AUD 20,000–30,000
Total: Around AUD 35,000–45,000
Student Moving Alone
Visa: AUD 710
Tuition fees: AUD 20,000–40,000
OSHC: AUD 500–600
Living costs: AUD 24,505
Flights and setup: AUD 2,000–3,000
Total: Around AUD 45,000–70,000 (for one year)
Can You Save Money?
Yes, with careful planning:
Book flights early
Share accommodation
Buy second-hand furniture
Apply for public transport discounts
Use free community services for job search and settlement help
Conclusion
Migrating to Australia can be expensive, but with good planning and saving, it’s possible to make it happen. The key is to understand what kind of visa you want and what lifestyle you will have once you move.
Start saving early, create a budget, and do your research. While the costs may seem high at first, the rewards of building a new life in Australia can be well worth it.
If you are serious about migrating, take the time to speak with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to get tailored advice. It can save you time and money in the long run.
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