The cost of migration

Find out what to budget for

 

How much money do I need to immigrate to Australia

The amount of money required to immigrate to Australia as a General Skilled Migrant will depend on several factors, such as your occupation, age, qualifications, and work experience.

Visa costs

In general, you will need to meet the following financial requirements to apply for a skilled migrant visa:

  1. Skilled Migration Visa Application Fee: The current application fee for a skilled migration visa starts from AUD 4,045 for the main applicant (visa category dependent). There may be additional fees for other family members included in the application.
  2. English Language Proficiency: If English is not your native language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test. The cost of the test varies depending on the provider and location, but it can range from AUD 330 to AUD 425.
  3. Skills Assessment: To apply for a skilled migration visa, you will need to have your skills assessed by an approved assessing authority. The cost of the skills assessment varies depending on the assessing authority and your occupation, but it can range from AUD 300 to AUD 3,000.
  4. Health and Character Requirements: You will also need to meet the health and character requirements for the visa. This may involve undergoing medical examinations, police checks, and other assessments. The cost of these assessments varies depending on your location and the specific requirements.

In addition to these costs, you will also need to have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Australia. The amount required will depend on your family size and the cost of living in the area where you plan to live. It's important to do your research, seek professional advice, and plan your finances carefully before making any immigration decisions.

Housing

You should budget for a rental property that suits your circumstances, and be aware of your rights and obligations as a tenant, and how much deposit you are expected to pay.

Housing in Australia

Should I buy second hand on arrival or bring a container over?

The cost of shipping a car and furniture to Australia can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and weight of the items, the mode of transport, the distance, and any customs duties or taxes that may apply.

As an estimate, the cost of shipping a car from South Africa, USA, or Europe to Australia can range from $3,000 to $8,000 AUD, depending on the size and type of the car, the mode of transport, and any additional services you may require, such as insurance or customs clearance.

The cost of shipping furniture can also vary depending on the volume and weight of the items, as well as the mode of transport and any customs duties or taxes that may apply. As a rough estimate, the cost of shipping a 20-foot container from South Africa to Australia can range from $4,000 to $8,000 AUD, depending on the size and weight of the items and the distance between the two countries.

It's important to note that these estimates are just rough guides, and the actual cost of shipping a car and furniture from South Africa to Australia will depend on several factors specific to your situation. It's a good idea to research your options, compare quotes from different shipping companies, and consider any additional costs, such as customs duties and taxes, before making a decision.

Here are some general estimates of the average prices of common furniture and appliances in Australia:

Furniture:

  • Sofa: $800 - $2,500 AUD
  • Dining table: $500 - $2,500 AUD
  • Bed (queen size): $500 - $3,500 AUD
  • Wardrobe: $500 - $3,000 AUD
  • Desk: $200 - $1,500 AUD

Appliances:

  • Refrigerator (standard size): $500 - $2,500 AUD
  • Washing machine: $400 - $2,000 AUD
  • Dryer: $500 - $1,500 AUD
  • Oven/stove: $600 - $3,000 AUD
  • Television: $300 - $3,000 AUD

Here are some general estimates of the average prices of new and used cars in Australia:

New cars:

  • Small cars: $20,000 - $30,000 AUD
  • Mid-size cars: $30,000 - $50,000 AUD
  • Large cars: $50,000 - $100,000 AUD
  • Luxury cars: $100,000 - $300,000 AUD

Used cars:

  • Small cars: $5,000 - $20,000 AUD
  • Mid-size cars: $10,000 - $30,000 AUD
  • Large cars: $20,000 - $50,000 AUD
  • Luxury cars: $50,000 - $150,000 AUD

Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with buying a car, such as registration fees and stamp duty, that vary by state and territory in Australia.

Housing

Housing

How to rent, where to buy, where to live

Housing

Healthcare

Public system, private insurance, eligibility...

Money

Bank account, money transfers, tax...

Schooling

How to rent, where to buy, where to live

Transportation

Buy a car, transfer your licence...

Housing

Settlement services

How to settle successfully in Australia

Housing

Bringing a container

Importing your belongings, customs, and biosecurity

Climate, flora, fauna

All you need to know about Australia's wonderful nature

Pets

Pet relocation matters

Cultural differences

Australian slang and culture shock

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