Moving to Australia

Confirm your visa subclass — skilled migration (189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored (482, 186), or family stream. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) on arrival and register with Medicare for healthcare. Research which state to settle in — each has different job markets, rental costs, and lifestyle.

• Sea freight is the only practical option for household goods. Transit: UK 25–35 days; US 28–42 days; UAE 18–25 days.
• All goods must be declared to the Australian Border Force (ABF) and may be X-rayed or inspected.
• Used household goods owned for 12+ months are generally duty-free under Tariff Concession.
• Australia has very strict quarantine rules — timber furniture, bamboo, cane, and sports equipment with soil must be cleaned and declared.
• Air freight for essentials is recommended — sea transit is long and unpredictable.

• Passport and Australian visa grant letter.
• B534 — Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement.
• Detailed itemised inventory (quantity, description, estimated value in AUD).
• Proof of residency abroad showing 12+ months (utility bills, bank statements).
• Fumigation certificate for timber and cane items — required by DAFF (Department of Agriculture).

The Australian Border Force (ABF) and Department of Agriculture work together on biosecurity inspections. All goods are risk-assessed. Prohibited items include: certain firearms, illicit drugs, and protected wildlife products. Wooden items, soil-contaminated equipment, and fresh food will be inspected and likely treated or seized. Treatment costs are at the importer's expense.

• Not cleaning outdoor furniture, bikes, or gardening tools — even traces of soil trigger quarantine treatment.
• Packing fresh food, seeds, or plant material — these are prohibited and create significant delays.
• Shipping without fumigation certificates for wooden furniture — results in mandatory (expensive) on-arrival treatment.
• Not budgeting for customs inspection fees — these can add AUD 200–600+ to your move.