Oceania · English · updated 2026-10
Moving to Australia: visas, cost of living & citizenship
A single person needs about $3,200 a month to live in Sydney, and a family of four about $6,850, including rent. Australia grants permanent residence from day one on its main route, with citizenship after 4 yrs, and dual citizenship is allowed. You can move here without a job offer through the Skilled Independent (189) and the National Innovation visa (858).
- Main city
- Sydney
- Language
- English
- Permanent residence
- Day 1
- Citizenship
- 4 yrs
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Digital nomad visa
- No
Cost of living in Australia, per month in US$
Safety
Political stability & governance
Worldwide Governance Indicators, World Bank. Very stable overall (86/100).
Family-friendliness
Family members are included on permanent visas. Public schools are free for permanent residents.
Visa & residence routes
Some passports also get: Working Holiday (417/462); MATES; Pacific Engagement Visa.
Who gets easier access to Australia
Australians and New Zealanders can live and work in each other's country indefinitely.
New ZealandWorking Holiday (417/462) (47 nationalities)
Working Holiday (417/462): 1–3 years of open work for young people.
Argentina
Austria
Bangladesh
Belgium
Canada
Chile
China
Cyprus
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Denmark
Estonia
Finland
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Germany
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Turkey
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United Kingdom
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Vietnam
Pacific Engagement Visa (10 nationalities)
Pacific Engagement Visa: a ballot for permanent residence (3,000 places a year).
Fiji
Kiribati
NauruPapua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Visiting: 1 passports can visit visa-free, 45 with an electronic travel authorisation, 0 get a visa on arrival, 151 can apply for an eVisa and 0 need a visa in advance (Passport Index dataset).
Road to permanent residence & citizenship
Last checked 2026-10. Official source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Australia?
About $3,200 a month for one person and $6,850 for a family of four in Sydney, including rent. A city-centre 1-bedroom flat costs around $1,800 a month and a 3-bedroom around $3,350. Prices are 94% of US levels. Australia is the 68th cheapest of the 76 countries in the index.
Is Australia safe to live in?
Australia scores 75/100 for safety (safe), ranking 25th of 76. The homicide rate is 0.85 per 100,000 people (US 5.8, UK 1.0, Japan 0.2).
Is Australia politically stable?
Australia scores 86/100 for stability (very stable), ranking 11th of 76, based on the World Bank's indicators for political stability, rule of law, control of corruption and government effectiveness.
Is Australia good for families?
Australia scores 83/100 for family-friendliness (excellent), ranking 12th of 76. Life expectancy is 83.1 years and under-5 mortality is 3.6 per 1,000 births. Family members are included on permanent visas. Public schools are free for permanent residents.
How long does it take to get permanent residence in Australia?
The main route grants permanent residence on arrival. The Skilled Independent visa is permanent from day one.
How long until I can become a citizen of Australia?
Usually 4 yrs of residence. Dual citizenship: allowed.
Can I move to Australia without a job offer?
Yes. Skilled Independent (189): Points-tested permanent visa with no sponsor. Invitations favour high scores. National Innovation visa (858): Permanent visa for exceptional talent.
Who can live and work in Australia without a visa?
Australians and New Zealanders can live and work in each other's country indefinitely. (Trans-Tasman arrangement: New Zealand.)
Similar countries in Oceania
See also: cheapest countries to live · safest countries · most stable countries · best countries for families · where citizens of Australia can move