v256.0 · relocation checklist · AU → GB · verified 2026-04
Australia to United Kingdom — relocation checklist
16-step ordered checklist covering visa, banking, healthcare, housing, taxes, schooling, shipping, and pets. Written for the Australian on Youth Mobility, Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, or Ancestry visa.
From
Total cost
GBP 6,000-22,000 — visa, IHS, deposits, shipping
Timeline
10-16 weeks pre-arrival, 4-6 weeks post-arrival
Typical profile for this pair
Australian on Youth Mobility, Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, or Ancestry visa
Step-by-step checklist (16 steps)
Pre-departure (12-16 weeks out)
- Choose visa — Youth Mobility (18-30, 2-year), Skilled Worker (>£38,700), High Potential Individual (top-50 university grads, 2-year), Ancestry (UK-born grandparent), Global Talent
Pre-departure (10-12 weeks out)
- UKVI online application + biometrics at VFS Global Sydney/Melbourne/Perth — 3-week processing
Pre-departure (8-10 weeks out)
- IHS £1,035/year (raised Oct 2023) for full visa duration; English language proof (Australians exempt for most visas as native speakers)
Pre-departure (6-8 weeks out)
- Australian Federal Police clearance (~AUD 42); TB test only for Australians who lived 6+ months in TB-risk country
Pre-departure (4-6 weeks out)
- Tax planning — file Australian non-residency declaration (CGT event K1 implications); plan FIG window if HNW
Pre-departure (2-4 weeks out)
- Housing — UK guarantor or 6 months rent upfront for new arrivals; London £1,500-4,000/month
- Ship sea freight Sydney/Melbourne to Felixstowe 30-40 days, AUD 4,500-9,000 for 20ft
Pre-departure (1-2 weeks out)
- Pet — UK PETS Travel Scheme: microchip + rabies + tapeworm + AHC
Arrival (Week 1)
- Collect BRP within 10 days at designated Post Office
- Apply for NINo online via gov.uk — 2-6 week processing
Arrival (Week 1-2)
- Open UK bank — Monzo, Starling, Revolut accept BRP + Australian passport instantly
Arrival (Week 2-3)
- Register with GP (NHS) — IHS gives full NHS access; Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) covers emergency
Arrival (Week 2-4)
- Long-term housing — UK guarantor or 6 months upfront typical
Arrival (Week 3-4)
- Set up utilities + council tax + TV licence (£169.50/year)
Arrival (Month 2-3)
- File Australian tax return (Oct 31); UK self-assessment if applicable (Jan 31)
Ongoing
- ILR after 5 years on Skilled Worker, 3 years on Global Talent; Life in UK test + English
Cost breakdown
| Skilled Worker visa | GBP 719 (out-of-country) |
| Youth Mobility visa | GBP 298 |
| IHS | GBP 1,035/year × visa duration |
| Australian Federal Police clearance | AUD 42 |
| First month rent + 5-week deposit (London 2BR) | GBP 3,500-12,000 |
| Shipping (sea freight 20ft) | AUD 4,500-9,000 |
| Pet PETS scheme | AUD 1,200-3,000 |
⚠ Gotchas + watch-outs
- IHS £1,035/year × visa duration = £3-5K upfront
- Australian super (superannuation) Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) can be claimed after permanent departure (but taxed)
- CGT event K1 implications for non-residency declaration
- UK-Australia DTAA (2003) prevents double taxation
- Ancestry visa eligibility — must prove UK-born grandparent (birth cert)
- TV licence £169.50/year mandatory for BBC iPlayer/live TV
Official sources
- UK Visas + Immigration — https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
- Australian Tax Office non-residency — https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/coming-to-australia-or-leaving-australia
See also: Australia profile · United Kingdom profile · all relocation checklists · United Kingdom tax residency · United Kingdom banking · United Kingdom healthcare
Last verified 2026-04. Immigration, tax, and banking rules change frequently — verify with official sources before acting.