Moving to Australia from New Zealand?
Get all information you need to make a successful and stress-free move across the ditch.
Below are a list of frequently asked questions we get regularly. If there is something you want to know please use the comment form at the bottom of the page.
YES… Under the SCV (Special Category Visa), New Zealanders are allowed to work and live in Australia permanently. They can live, work, study, purchase property and enjoy beautiful Australia.
And with the direct pathway to citizenship, New Zealanders (lovingly known as Kiwis, our national bird) can now apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for four years! Read more in my direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders in Australia post.
Yes! New Zealand citizens are allowed to work in Australia without restrictions. When entering Australia, NZ citizens are granted an SCV (Special Category Visa); this allows us to live, work, or study as long as we remain NZ citizens, subject to health or character considerations.
As an SCV is not a permanent visa, visa holders do not have the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens or permanent residents, so you should apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for four consecutive years. Read more about SCV Visa Exclusions or becoming an Australian citizen.
New Zealand citizens can study in Australia at an Australian tertiary institution and are eligible to pay domestic fees instead of international fees.
However, most New Zealand citizens are not eligible for a student loan, known in Australia as a Help loan, to pay university fees or a student allowance for living costs. You will need to get Australian citizenship to get a student loan.
For more information, read my student loans post or the section applying to study at Australian universities in my schools in Australia post.
The good news is that there is no age limit for New Zealand citizens moving to Australia, even 60+! You can move to Australia at any age as a NZ citizen, which is very fortunate, as the rest of the world is not.
If you are not an NZ citizen, you typically need to qualify for a Parent or Partner visa or have at least AUD $5 million to invest in approved investments (excluding real estate). For more detailed information, consult the official Australian immigration resources or seek advice from a migration specialist.
Unfortunately, New Zealand permanent residency does not entitle you to an SCV (Special Category Visa), which NZ citizens automatically get granted when they enter Australia. If you are a New Zealand permanent resident, you must apply for a visa to live and work in Australia.
Yes, New Zealanders with permanent residency need a visa to work, study and live in Australia. Most New Zealand citizens can visit, live and work in Australia without applying for a tourist or work visa.
Permanent residents in NZ need to apply for a visa. For more detailed information, consult the official Australian immigration resources or seek advice from a migration specialist.
Flip yeah! Australian citizens are able to live, work or study in New Zealand.
Australian citizens do not need a work visa to work in New Zealand. This is also the case if you hold a current Australian permanent residence visa, including a current Australian resident return visa.
To be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, you must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for four years and not been absent from Australia for more than one year or have been living in Australia for 12 months as a permanent resident.
Read my direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders in Australia post for more information.
The below posts might interest you:
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 15 years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 15 years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, making sure the information here is comprehensive and up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
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Tim
November 20, 2024 at 6:56 pmHi JJ,
Really loving your site Moving to Australia. Could you please refer me to one of your partners who can help me with these queries.
We’re a couple aged 59 and 62, both NZ citizens, who are considering moving to Australia to live next year.
Buying a house in Queensland: what is the minimum residency period in order to be exempt from the additional Foreign Transfer Duty. Your website says 200 days for NSW, is it same in Queensland?
Pensions – noting the Australian age pension kicks in at 67, can we access the NZ pension from 65 to 67 whilst living in Australia? And once hitting 67, do you then move onto the Australian pension. Is it one or the other?
Thank you
Tim
JJ Smith
November 21, 2024 at 12:19 pmHi Tim,
Thank you for your email.
There is no minimum residency period to purchase a home in Queensland. If you have moved to Australia and plan to live in the home you purchase, you will not have to pay foreign transfer duty. Read my Buying a house in Australia post for more information: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/buying-a-house-in-australia/.
If you do want further help with purchasing a home in Australia, I highly recommend UNO Home Loans: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-mortgage/.
UNO can assist you in securing an Australian mortgage, even if you’re a newly arrived resident. They provide expert guidance on taxes for NZ citizens, eligibility for government grants, stamp duty, and foreign transfer duty. Plus, their cutting-edge technology continuously monitors your mortgage against current bank offerings, ensuring you always get the best rate.
Regarding the pension, I have heard of people being paid some NZ pension while living in Australia, but generally you only receive the NZ pension for 26 weeks after you move to Australia and in that time you need to apply for the Australian age pension.
If you move to Australia next year, then I’m don’t think you will be eligible to receive the NZ super and will have to wait until you are 67 to receive the Australian age pension.
Please note, I am not a financial adviser and can only make recommendation from information I have been able to find online. I recommend you talk to WINZ about the possibility of receiving the NZ super when you turn 65 while living in Australia.
Here is the link to my Australian Age Pension post, in case you haven’t read it: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-age-pension/.
Unfortunately I do not have a financial adviser to recommend sorry. You can find professional help in Australia on My Aged Care, online help for financial support and advice: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/financial-support-and-advice.
I hope the above helps.
Elbe
November 18, 2024 at 9:04 amHi JJ,
Thank you so much for your amazing newsletter and helpful information.
I know you must have many inquiries.
Are you able to point me in the right direction, with this one?
It may be a question for a financial advisor, if you can recommend someone.
‘I am needing some advice on my pension.
Moving to Varsity Lakes from Auckland to New Zealand. Married aged 60yrs and wife 61yrs.
What would you recommend is the best way for me to secure my pension at 67yrs?.
Do I apply for Australian Citizenship when able or do I stay a New Zealander.
If I obtain my Australian Citizenship, the 10 years working arrangement will not line up with 67, or will it?
What is best for us? Your guidance will be much appreciated.
I understand the age, asset and income requirements’
Thank you for your great work 🙂
JJ Smith
November 19, 2024 at 1:38 pmHi Elbe,
Thank you for your email and compliment. It’s always lovely receiving positive feedback on the work I do.
As an NZ citizen, you are eligible for the Australian pension when you turn 67 and are living in Australia. It doesn’t make a difference if you are an NZ or Australian citizen.
If you haven’t already, have a read of my Australian Age Pension post: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-age-pension/.
The 10 years can be a little misleading. It’s 10 years in your whole life, not immediately before applying.
When you do want to be an Australian citizen is if there are any government payments you will ever want, including the payments that have a newly arrived visitors waiting period on them. The only one I can see that you might be interested in is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (2 or 4 years).
If you want to read more about the benefits of becoming an Australian citizen you can in my Australian Visa post: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-visa/.
If you’ve done the income and asset tests, then you should know where you stand which is great!
I hope the above has answered your query?
Good luck with your move to Australia.
Feng Cai
November 12, 2024 at 12:48 pmHi JJ,
I am a permanent resident of New Zealand holding Chinese passport. One of my friends (holding Chinese passport lives in Australia) just visited New Zealand on ETA. This triggered me to think what is the latest requirement for me to visit Australia from New Zealand for holiday or event or work, etc. (I visited Australia few times pre-covid on visa, wonder whether his has changed).
Many thanks for your guidance.
Amy
JJ Smith
November 19, 2024 at 2:21 pmHi Amy,
Thank you for your comment.
Chinese travelers need a visa to visit Australia. For tourism or business visits, the Australia Visitor Visa is the only option currently available for Chinese citizens, with most application steps completed online. Other visas, like the ETA and eVisitor Visa, are not available for Chinese passport holders now.
Sorry this is not my area of expertise and you will need to contact an immigration specialist for more help: https://ivisatravel.com/australia/c/australia-visitor-visa-for-chinese-citizens.
Hope the above answers your question.
Vibha Thakur
November 9, 2024 at 7:16 pmHi JJ,
Thank you very much for all the information you’ve provided; it’s been extremely helpful. I have a question I hope you can assist me with.
I am a 62-year-old single, full-time working woman (NZ citizen) from New Zealand who recently moved to Melbourne, Australia, where I have been living for about four months while searching for a job. During my time here, I managed to obtain my TFN (Tax File Number), a Medicare card, and opened a bank account. However, I haven’t earned any income in Australia, as I was unable to find a satisfactory job. Now, I am planning to return to New Zealand to resume work there.
Could you please advise on what steps I need to take with my TFN now that I am leaving Australia? Additionally, what requirements should I be aware of upon my return to New Zealand, especially concerning the IRD (Inland Revenue Department)?
Thank you so much for your time and assistance.
Best regards,
VT
JJ Smith
November 18, 2024 at 5:53 pmHi Vibha,
Thank you for your comment.
Sorry to hear that you haven’t been able to find work in Australia.
Since you haven’t earned any money in Australia, you have no tax obligations there, or anything you need to share with the IRD and therefore can return to New Zealand without needing to do anything.
You will keep your TFN, in case one day you move back.
I do recommend withdrawing any balance you have with Commonwealth Bank and then close your account, so you don’t have to worry about this again.
Hope the above helps.
Vibha Thakur
November 18, 2024 at 6:50 pmDear JJ,
Thank you very much for your response. I have one more query that I would appreciate your clarification on.
I’ve been reading about the NZ pension entitlements in Australia, and as both NZ and Australia are part of the SSA, I understand that I should be eligible for the full NZ pension when I reach 65, even while residing and working in Australia. However, I’ve encountered some conflicting information regarding the duration of eligibility. Some sources suggest that entitlement is only valid for the first 26 weeks, after which I would need to return to NZ to continue receiving the pension.
Could you please confirm whether this is correct? I have been reviewing the information available on the WINZ and IRD websites, but I would appreciate your insight to clarify this point.
Thank you again for your time and assistance.
JJ Smith
November 19, 2024 at 1:48 pmHi Vibha,
NZ citizens receive the NZ pension for 26 weeks after they move to Australia, then they need to apply for the Australian pension (or have already applied).
Please note that the eligibility criteria has recently changed in Australia, so you will need to wait until you are 67 to receive the Australian Age Pension.
I do know that in some cases people are able to receive some of their NZ pension while living in Australia, but this is strictly case by case through WINZ.
Have a read of my Australian Age Pension post, if you haven’t already: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-age-pension/.
Luis
October 30, 2024 at 4:24 pmHi there JJ,
I’ve been collecting pieces of information from your website. It’s very handy!
Recently my wife and I have received job offers in Brisbane and are meant to start in Jan 2025.
We have 3 children, we’ll need to enrol them in a school (High school, intermediate and kindy).
We also would love to rent in Everton Park, (I wonder if renting is the most challenging part).
I was wondering if there is anything you can do to help us, advice or services you provide?
We are planning to go for a weekend late November to sort out our paperwork (bank accounts, tax numbers, etc).
Thank you!
JJ Smith
November 6, 2024 at 2:14 pmHi Luis,
Thank you for your email. Sorry for the delay in replying.
I would agree with you that finding, applying and winning a rental property is a very challenging part of moving to Australia because of how competitive the rental industry is in Australia.
The only way to get around this, is to pay a relocation manager to find a rental for you, which costs approximately $2,500+GST for the international property search service. I have been recommended Australian Relocation Managers by another visitor and can forward you some information from them if you are interested.
Otherwise you are going to have to find short term accommodation until you can secure a rental.
Have a read of my renting and accommodation in Australia post, if you haven’t already, as this includes all my advice on the subject.
It’s really important to stand out from the crowd in your rental application and providing personal references is a great way to do it, on top of your previous landlord’s letters.
I love that you are going over in November to start the process! It may be beneficial to call and then visit some real estate companies who list properties on realestate.com.au while you are there. Give them your rental application (you should be able to find a copy on their websites) and hopefully they like you enough to put you forward for rentals before you arrive. Most of the listings on the above link are posted by rental companies and include contact name info.
I hope the above helps.
Russ
September 6, 2024 at 10:05 pmMedicare card was fine and works well. I believe there is a seniors card that services Australia issue. Is that obtainable by kiwis living in Australia? I gather it enables access to seniors discounts
JJ Smith
September 18, 2024 at 5:22 pmHi Russ,
Thank you for your comment. Sorry for the delay in replying.
Yes there is a Commonweath Seniors Health Card, which is a concession card to get cheaper health care and some discounts if you’ve reached Age Pension age. This card has a newly arrived resident’s waiting period of 4 years for a New Zealand citizen on a SCV: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/commonwealth-seniors-health-card.
You can read more about newly arrived resident’s waiting period here – https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/australian-visa/#Newly-arrived-residents-waiting-period.
Hope the above helps.
Russ
September 18, 2024 at 6:26 pmIt’s sure does thank you.
I had come to much the same conclusion – we have sorted seemingly everything else we know exists. The win of course is the Medicare card – the runner up is the very much cheaper health insurance policy we now have with no waiting period and no carve out for pre existing conditions.
Russ
Jessie
July 4, 2024 at 2:17 pmI am NZ PR looking at buying an existing property in Australia. Is this allowed or I must be NZ citizen?
JJ Smith
September 17, 2024 at 1:55 pmHi Jessie,
Please accept my sincere apologies for not replying sooner. Your comment email got lost somehow.
As you are not a NZ citizen livin in Australia you are a non-resident.
Non-residents must get approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before buying a property. The house must be your primary residence and for you as a home. This does not apply to NZ citizens living in Australia.
If you don’t intend to live there full time or buy several properties in Australia as an investment, they must be new-build properties. These laws are designed to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of new housing stock across the country.
You would be required to get approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing the property and be prepared for the additional 7-8% tax.
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) offers online services for foreign investors to manage their obligations regarding Australian investments: https://www.ato.gov.au/online-services/foreign-investors/online-services-for-foreign-investors?=redirected_firb_notification.
In addition to the application form, which can be found using the above link, you’ll be required to pay an application fee that is dependent on the cost of the new property or vacant land you want to buy.
Once submitted, it generally takes less than 30 days for your application to be approved or declined.
You can read more about buying property in Australia in this post: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/buying-a-house-in-australia/.
Hope the above helps.
claire stronge
June 23, 2024 at 1:43 pmHi JJ thank you for creating and sharing so much helpful content. I wonder if you have any insight into our barrier? My husband is Kiwi from birth, we have lived in Australia since 2018 on (scv 444). Then in 2022 he was encouraged to become a PR and secured a Resident Return visa (very simple process online) this was all before the new pathway was announced in 2023. Now he urgently needs to become a citizen so that our son can access NDIS funding. The online “application by conferral “ says he cannot proceed with the application as he has not met the residency requirements. We have been here for almost 7 years non stop so absolutely meet the time in Oz requirement. What are we doing wrong?
Our son is also a nz citizen on a scv 444, immigration told us on the phone he cannot become a PR anymore and must become a citizen as part of my husbands application.
With very best wishes StrongeUK
JJ Smith
June 24, 2024 at 12:23 pmHi Claire,
Thanks for your comment and compliment.
Unfortunately, I am not an immigration specialist and cannot recommend the best citizenship path for your husband or son.
I’ve done some research but cannot find anything helpful. Therefore I recommend you ask the same question to IMMagine: https://immigration.co.nz/ask-us-question/. I have done this process myself and found the advice fantastic.
For a small fee (AUD$15.00), you can post your question online, and one of the IMMagine team will contact you with your answer within 24 hours (usually same-day response). This service is designed for people who need quick access to accurate information but don’t want to trawl the internet to find the answers or commit to anything just yet. Most importantly, your questions are answered by licensed advisers living in New Zealand or Australia.
I hope the above helps.
Ruth Foley
June 22, 2024 at 4:39 pmHello
I am an Australian citizen (born in NZ) and want to move my mum over from NZ to live with me in Australia . She is 79 and has alzheimers. I know there is no age restriction, but will her alzheimers be an issue? I see some medical reasons however she won’t be working so won’t need any special visa?
JJ Smith
June 25, 2024 at 12:21 pmHi Ruth,
Thanks for your comment and compliment.
Unfortunately, I am not an immigration specialist and can only give recommendations from what I can find online.
As an NZ citizen, your Mum will not need a special visa to move to Australia to live with you. She will be electronically given a Special Category Visa (SCV) when she processes through border control. Her Alzheimers will not change this.
The two eligibility restrictions for an SCV are whether you have any criminal convictions or untreated tuberculosis. These may restrict you from being allowed to enter Australia.
I’ve done some research on living in Australia with Alzheimer’s and living in your care.
Her medication is subsidized by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). I had to search for an example medication, but you can check for the actual one on the following link: https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/1956Y-2492E-2513G-9306T.
Therefore, you will need to apply for Medicare as soon as she arrives: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/medicare-australia/. There is a delay in Medicare applications at the moment, so I suggest you get three months’ supply of any medication from NZ and make sure you have all the info for the application from her doctor, etc.
My costs of medication and operations in Australia post covers the requirements for travelling with medication: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/costs-of-medication-and-operations-in-australia/.
Here are a few resources that might help you regarding caring for a person living with Alzheimers:
– Caring for someone living with dementia – https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone-living-dementia
– Dementia Australia – https://www.dementia.org.au/
– Overview of dementia support services and initiatives – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/aged-care-and-support-services-used-by-people-with/overview-of-dementia-support-services-and-initiati
I hope the above answers your question and that the resources will help you care for your mum. What a wonderful thing to do.
Rhooky
June 17, 2024 at 4:27 pmHi JJ, I am an Aussie living in NZ. My wife is English but now has her NZ passport. Was wondering if you knew if there was an age limit on moving to Aussie? Our UK friends down the road are looking as well. They have just applied for NZ citizenship.
Thank you for your time.
JJ Smith
June 20, 2024 at 12:11 pmHi Rhooky,
Thank you for your email.
The good news is that there is no age limit for New Zealand citizens moving to Australia!
I just researched UK citizens moving to Australia and the main cut off is 45. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t realize how lucky we are.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.