Moving from Singapore to Australia can be an exciting and life-changing experience. Whether you are looking at a temporary relocation, or intending to migrate to Australia, it is important to have a relocation strategy and meticulous planning in place for the big move.
Australia is famous for its beautiful tropical beaches, wine regions, unique wildlife species and abundance of nature landscapes and ancient rainforests. It is also home to major tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For adventure seekers, there are plenty of thrilling outdoor activities and road trips to embark on. For instance, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the rugged landscapes of the Australian Alps or the vast Outback is the perfect way to get enamoured with the natural beauty of the country.
Aside from its natural wonders and iconic landmarks, Australia is well known for its work-life balance. Australian union laws state that one is eligible for long service leave amounting between 2 to 3 months if he or she has worked for 10 years under the same employer. This allows employees to take extended long breaks to either travel, spend time with family or simply relax and recharge, making it one of the biggest appeal for Singaporeans looking to move to Australia for a lifestyle change.
Singapore, on the other hand, is well known for its modern infrastructure, cleanliness, and multicultural society. It was voted the cleanest and greenest city in the world according to a 2021 Time Out Index Survey. Its rich multiculturalism opened doors to delicious food cuisines, which cements the city as a food paradise for both locals and tourists alike. In addition, Singapore has one of the lowest tax rates compared to other developed countries. For context, the highest personal tax rate for Singapore is at 24%, while Australia’s highest tax rate is at a whopping 45%. This makes Singapore a preferred tax haven for many expats looking to work, or open a business with low corporate tax rates.
There are plenty of job opportunities available to Singaporeans in Australia. Some of the key sectors that actively hire Singaporeans are in IT and technology, healthcare and medical, engineering and construction, finance and accounting, education and research, hospitality and tourism, sales and marketing, and management consulting. In Sydney and Melbourne, the growing tech and finance industries have led to the expansion of robust tech hubs and major financial centers, which in turn creates more job opportunities for international workers. As Singaporeans tend to major in similar fields of expertise, applying for these jobs in the Australian job market either directly or via international recruitment agencies may maximize their chances at securing a work permit.
If you have decided to migrate to Australia, you would first need to check your eligibility to determine the relevant visa to apply for. Here are some tips to take note of before you proceed to apply for your visa:
Planning for an international relocation requires you to research your destination thoroughly. After all, it will be your new home for the next few years. The fastest way to gain insights into the culture, climate and lifestyle of Australians would be to immerse yourself into their local way of life during your travel to Australia. But first, you need to get an Australian tourist visa in order to enter the country.
As Singaporeans, our passport grants us visa-free access to over 192 destinations. However, we still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in advance via the official Australian ETA app in order to enter Australia. After you have applied for an ETA, you will receive an email confirmation of the ETA approval. Upon arrival, you will need to present your ETA together with your passport at the Australian customs.
For 18-30 year old Singaporeans, you are in luck! With the working holiday visa in Australia, you have the flexibility to travel interstate within Australia for up to 12 months, while doing short-term work to pay for your holidays. You can even study for up to 4 months while on this visa. It cost AUD635 for a first-timer application, and processing times range from as short as 14 days to around 70 days. This is the perfect opportunity to determine if Australia is a country that you can envision yourself relocating to after your working holiday visa expires.
The cost of living in Australia is on average 19% more affordable than in Singapore, especially in areas such as housing, transportation and healthcare. However, restaurants and supermarket produce tend to be more expensive in Australia than Singapore.
It is definitely possible to relocate from Singapore to Australia! It is extremely crucial to be clear on your objectives for wanting to relocate to Australia as this will determine the type of visa that you should be applying for.
If you require packing and moving services, or even relocation services within Singapore, WiseMove is here to support your logistical and administrative needs to ensure a seamless transition for your adventure of a lifetime
The cost of relocating from Singapore to Australia can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your household, visa application fees, flights, shipping or moving expenses, accommodation and living expenses. If you are on a working and skilled worker visa, typically your new company will cover the cost of flights and accommodation as part of your expatriate relocation package.
Many Singaporeans in Australia are located in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane as they offer a diverse range of opportunities, vibrant multicultural communities, and amenities that closely resemble Singapore. You may reach out to them via Facebook interest groups or Australian forums for Singaporean expatriates.
You could apply for visitor visas such as the eVisitor (subclass 651) or Tourist Stream (subclass 600), which is valid for up to a year.
It is possible to move to Australia and search for a job while you are there, however it is extremely risky as you will be solely relying on your personal funds for your living expenses. It is recommended to do your research on the local job market and narrow down potential job opportunities prior to making a move.
Australia has minimum salary requirements for certain visa categories. That aside, it is advisable to have sufficient funds to cover your initial living expenses, accommodation, healthcare, insurance as well as any unforeseen circumstances.
As of 1 July 2023, Australia offers a $23.23 per hour national minimum wage. This is higher than Singapore, however it is important to factor in cost of living and taxation when comparing salaries between the two countries.
Australia offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education systems as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ultimately it is a personal choice that is highly dependent on your goals and objectives.
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