How to move to Melbourne

Moving To Melbourne, Australia

There appears to be an ever-rising number of people who want to relocate to Melbourne but do not know how they can go about it. The process may not be complicated compared to moving to other locations in the world. But many have become frustrated as they could not get access into Melbourne granted.

Regardless of the number of years or the number of attempts you have made but failed to relocate to Melbourne, you need to understand the pros and cons of moving to Melbourne; otherwise, you may end up disappointed. Consider the remote nature of this city before you move there. Melbourne is Victoria State's capital, situated at the southern end of the Australian island.

The drive from Sydney to Melbourne will take you roughly nine hours and about seven hours if you choose to drive to the Australian capital of Canberra. With the distance between the city of Melbourne and the major cities and other countries, getting goods shipped there may be quite a process. Although many fear moving to another country, it's not just an obstacle but also a great opportunity.

With many beautiful beaches and with its vast range of cultural activities such as ballet and opera, expats can't seem to pass over the chance to live in Melbourne. The time invested is never a waste, but if you bring a pet with you, the process may take up to 2 months. If you've lived in Melbourne for a while, you'll know this city is ideal for brunch with friends. If you're into sports, there are several stadiums where your favourite team might be playing.

Who Is Relocating To Melbourne?

Immigration to Melbourne is becoming increasingly popular, with many people from Ireland, China, and England. Germany and Italy are moving there too. Melbourne has seen a considerable increase in population since the last census, where 58% of people living in the city were born overseas.

This trend is only going to continue now that close to 90,000 immigrants came to Melbourne in 2018. This city is a popular destination and is continually featured as one of the most sought-after places in a survey by the InterNations Expat Insider. It is projected that immigration will help the city to develop quickly over the next few years.

If you're considering moving to Melbourne, you'll need to research suitable accommodation to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Start by looking for information – whether that be a guidebook or something online – to help you make the right decision.

Information To Know Before Moving To Melbourne

There are benefits and demerits to making any international or interstate relocation. This is especially so when you are relocating to islands where you would need to ship or get your belongings flown across the distance. Having a closer look at the following positives and negatives will help you stay ahead of your move to Melbourne, Australia.

Benefits of moving to Melbourne

Excellent education system

There are several renowned schools in Melbourne's public education system where expats' children can enrol. Irrespective of your visa status, your kids will have the opportunity to go to any public school in the city.

Standard healthcare services

The quality of hospitals in Melbourne is very high, and there are plenty to choose from. Moreover, the international community will be glad to know that high-end medical facilities are available too, with many medical experts available.

Top-notch hospitality

If you visit Melbourne, you'll have a great time and will be well received. The locals are friendly, open, and always willing to show tourists around. There is a vibrant expat community that's tolerant of diversity. It is no wonder that Melbourne is known as the most multicultural city in Australia.

Issues you may experience moving to Melbourne

Long moving times

Moving your belongings may require more time than you envisaged. Melbourne is located on the southern verge of Australia, making it relatively isolated from the other big cities. Make plans to adjust accordingly when you move your belongings. Otherwise, you may have to wait long before they arrive.

Stringent pet relocation rules

All pets entering Australia must go straight into quarantine for ten days. Along with the necessary vaccinations and paperwork, the whole process should take close to two months before completion.

Cost of living

You have the opportunity to earn a higher wage in the city, so it's easier to cover your expenses. If you don't already have a high-paying job, saving your earnings could be challenging. You may end up trading a night out for a night in on several occasions, likely more than you would appreciate.

Tips To Guide You Before Moving To Melbourne

Moving to Australia is a tough decision, even if you only settle in an international city like Melbourne. Ensure you find out where you can get some of the things that will make the move easier for you.

Would you need a car to move around the city?

Melbourne has a vast public transport system, so you may not need a car to get around the city. Of course, if you have a young family, you might need to buy your own vehicle to make it easier to travel around the city. This solution will be beneficial for you, since you'll avoid crowded public transport and won't have to constantly react to the quick changes in weather.

Will finding a good school for your child be an easy task?

All children living in Australia are eligible to attend any of the schools in the public system. This is an excellent opportunity for expats. Apart from Asia, it is in Australia that you can get the best education system in the world. Usually, tuition is no more than a few hundred Australian dollars each year.

You will be required to show proof of your residence, the child's age, and their ability to demonstrate their present level of education to gain admission into any public school. Many international and private schools are found in Melbourne, which has some of the highest-ranked schools in the world.

The entrance examination required can be demanding, so it's essential to plan ahead and take as many prep classes as possible. However, schools here don't come cheap; fees can sometimes reach up to 10,000 AUD per year.

What To Do If You Must Take Your Pets Along

The first step will be to find out if your pet is on the list of banned breeds. This is a slow process that can take months before it can be concluded. The process might include getting the proper vaccines for your pets and putting them into quarantine. When you arrive in Melbourne, get your pets microchipped and registered with the local council.

You can be fined up to 330 AUD if you don't do this, and it's important because not doing so can lead to severe fines. If you have a dog, you must put it on a leash while you walk it around in public, including playgrounds and BBQ areas. You should also be aware that you will have to clean up after your dog.

There are eight parks across the city where there are off-leash areas for dogs. Get a hold of a map of these parks so you can know where exactly they are within the city.

Useful Information About Visas And Work Permits

There are different types of visas and work permits from which you can choose when you want to move to Melbourne. The one you get will depend on your situation and qualifications.

If your plan is to move long-term to Melbourne, you will likely need an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or a visa nomination for a skilled worker visa.

Before you can qualify to have either of these two visas, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Have a job in one of the specific professions that have been listed on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
• You must not be over 45 years of age.
• You must pass a health scrutiny.
• Get the required Australian points system check.
• You must be able to speak and also understand the English language.

There is a complete list of visas that are available and additional information on a points system, health check, and details that will guide you on how to get a visa.

Paperwork Needed When Moving To Melbourne

If you have an Australian Visa, we recommend visiting Melbourne as it is straightforward to obtain a visa. The Vic Government may also give you a Victorian visa nomination which will help in the process. With this nomination, your chances of succeeding with your visa application are significantly increased.

You'll need to meet all the criteria of the skill set required by the Australian visa that you're interested in at any of the diplomatic posts to qualify for this visa nomination. For instance, your application might be for a skilled worker or business visa. Melbourne and Victoria are fantastic places to live in.

If you plan on settling down there, make sure to try living life as a local and focusing on the best things each city has to offer.

Making The Best Of Living In Melbourne

Those who are yet to travel to Melbourne wonder what it is like to live in the city, and it is not uncommon to see many expats seeking answers to this question. There is a lot to learn about a wide variety of topics ranging from safety for different people that live there to cost of living, women who have chosen to live alone, and the LGBT+ community.

You can also find out about essential tasks that you should include in your to-do list to help you settle down quickly. This includes details on Tax File Numbers (TFNs) and Medicare. You'll need to apply for a TFN to work or open a bank account abroad. While these things may seem small, they're super easy to forget and can snowball into big problems when you first relocate somewhere new.

Find out where you can get a good home in the city that best suits your needs and budget. You can research what to buy and rent in neighbourhoods, from low-cost areas like Sunshine to chic areas like Malvern. Figure out what you want in your home (fitness, spaciousness, etc.), then research the locations where these features might be more common.

Getting The Kind Of Job You Want In Melbourne

Melbourne can be quite an expensive location to live in compared to other locations in Australia. But what most expats find out is that it is a good place for them to work. If you weren't successful in getting a job before moving to Melbourne and are interested in opportunities there, or if you don't mind working on your entrepreneurship skills, some valuable tips can support the process.

Find specific resources to help you network and find out about relevant job openings. This will ensure that you can take advantage of the best open positions for your desired career path. To get an idea of the most popular jobs in Melbourne, take a look at the job industry rankings and salary information.

Construction, healthcare, and professional services are some of the industries booming in this city - learn more about them! If you have any training in one of these roles, you shouldn't have trouble finding a job in the city.

Top Reasons To Relocate To Melbourne

A lot of people are considering migrating to Melbourne or Victoria. The following are some of the top reasons why they choose Melbourne.

• Melbourne has excellent healthcare, great schools, and growing infrastructure. It's also home to the country's major arts and cultural institutions. The stability this creates for 4.9 million people makes it perfect for sports, arts, and culture with an enabling environment.
• Great Britain has a long history with Australia, not just through the famous Aussie soap opera Neighbours. Melbourne's diverse population reflects its immigrant background, one of the reasons it offers so many attractions in terms of cuisine, landmarks, and nightlife. The outstanding provisions of public services and the warm climate make the city a spectacular place for relocation.
• Melbourne is the original Australian gold rush town and one of the oldest cities in Australia. After news of gold discoveries in 1851, the city experienced both a financial boom and a population surge.; thus, the city became one of the richest in the world because of these developments. There was also an increase in population, which turned it into the largest city in Australia.
• Melbourne's climate, people, and culture make it an excellent place for international and local individuals to live. Several advantages are mentioned in this article. For example, the city has a moderate climate, its natives tend to be friendly, and Melbourne is considered a safe place to live and work.
• When most people decide to relocate to another country, one of the things they find important to them is the opportunity for another job upon arrival in their new place. With the current economic situation worldwide, only a few places can boast of a steady pool of jobs for immigrants. Australia is one of the first countries worldwide to begin the 40-hour work week, and the country also pays the highest minimum wage in the world. The economy in Melbourne is strong and viable and comes close to Sydney's title for Australia's business centre.
• Nowhere around the world beats Melbourne when it comes to hospitality. Rest assured that you will find the friendliest people there. The warm smile and welcome you get at every shop you enter will make you feel at home. Generally, you will not have any problem fitting into any new group of friends that you may find, and don't be surprised if you keep getting invites to dinner parties and local getaways. The moment you get into Victoria, you will find small communities that are not only more welcoming but will make you new mates.
• Australia is where you will find some of the best beaches in the world. If you are bothered about what will happen on those long, lazy days of summer, worry no more because you can take advantage of some of the best coastal destinations in Melbourne and Victoria.

Get the best coffee in Australia

Melbourne boasts some of the most skilled baristas and coffee roasters who are both creative and technical in their approach to coffee production in the country. One thing you can be assured of is that there is no typical Melbourne café. You will find the best of them in their communities, and their characters are usually from the food, their design, and the locals who kick off each morning religiously with a cup of coffee in their hands.

The State of Victoria has transformed coffee brewing into a fine art, and you will hardly find a bad cup of coffee anywhere in the city. This makes it easy for Melbourne to lay claim to the title of the coffee capital of Australia. It will be up to you to decide whether you would like to go for a flat white, a matcha latte, or an extra hot, strong, ½ skim, ¾ decaf, ½ soy ristretto.

Excellent housing plan in Melbourne

If you're worried about being able to acquire a new property when you move from the UK or any other part of the world, don't worry. There are plenty of great homes in Melbourne and Victoria for every family. The suburbs in Melbourne offer some of the most beautiful (and spacious) houses you'll find anywhere.

They're different than the more common-looking houses you'll probably find in many other countries. There are many different styles of buildings in Melbourne. Some are old, and others are new. Rent here is lower than prices in London, probably around 67%. You can find affluence living in Macedon, Bendigo, Ranges, or Geelong. These towns offer a touch of luxury and excellent communities with properties that are filled with character.

Melbourne's Weather Is Great Most Of The Year

Australia is well-known for its unpredictable weather. The State of Victoria is not exempted from this fact. Still, Melbourne and Victoria enjoy a milder climate than expats find suitable, especially for Brits who may not be comfortable with slightly greater heat in the city's further north.

Most of these expats love it at St. Kilda and probably will not miss their home for anything at this location. Some days can be very hot, with the average highest temperature during summer being 26 degrees Celsius. This is quite comfortable for many expats. This can drop considerably to 14 degrees Celsius in the winter.

On average, Melbourne has about 2200 hours of Sunshine each year and Victoria about 1480 hours. This is much better than London, which offers about 1400 hours. There are many great things about Melbourne, and it's also quite beautiful. If you're thinking about starting a life there, make sure to visit first.

You will need to do many things before you start your new life in Melbourne, like getting your finances in order. Moreover, don't forget that you will likely need the services of a reputable moving company to transport your household belongings with safety and security. So, get started by making a list of the most important tasks to complete so that you settle in smoothly.