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Introduction

This guide sets out essential information for British nationals living in Australia, including advice on health, benefits, residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed below. See our information on what consulates can and cannot do for British nationals.

If you can鈥檛 find what you need below, and you need urgent help, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

Before you go

See our travel advice for Australia for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

See moving or retiring abroad.

For information on planning a visit see .

Visas and residency

British citizens need a visa to enter Australia 鈥� see entry requirements for Australia in our travel advice and .

If you also have Australian citizenship, you should enter and leave the country on your Australian passport.

You can hold both Australian and British citizenship. and see information on eligibility and how to apply.

Healthcare

See our travel advice for Australia.

Australia and the UK have , however the agreement will not cover all healthcare needs. You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country.

Under the reciprocal healthcare agreement, British citizens resident in the UK and travelling on a British passport are entitled to limited, subsidised health services, for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia.

If you鈥檙e resident in Australia, covers some healthcare. The government uses tax rebates to encourage everyone to buy . The has information for people moving abroad.

Australian residents should also make sure you have travel insurance when travelling to the UK or you could be charged by the NHS for any care you receive in the UK.

See 鈥� you should also check your prescriptions are legal in Australia.

Read more about medical facilities/practitioners in Australia, or find doctors in Australia.

Working in Australia

You need a visa to work in Australia 鈥� see .

Some jobs may require a UK criminal records check (known as a DBS check).

For information on your rights and obligations in the Australian workforce, or to make a complaint about workplace practices, see the

Tax

See tax if you leave the UK to live abroad and tax on your UK income if you live abroad.

We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Australia.

See for information on working and paying taxes in Australia. You need to get a Tax File Number from the

See tax if you return to the UK.

Pensions

See State Pension if you retire abroad and new State Pension.

If you get a 鈥榣ife certificate鈥� from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible 鈥� your payments may be suspended if you don鈥檛.

You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.

If you have worked in Australia, see for how to claim your pension.

All employers in Australia are required to pay a portion of your wages into a fund for your retirement. This payment is made pre-tax and can only be withdrawn in specific circumstances.

Benefits

See claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad.

Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you鈥檙e abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit can鈥檛 be paid if you鈥檙e abroad for more than 4 weeks.

If you鈥檙e a permanent resident of Australia, you may be eligible for some Australian state benefits 鈥� see .

Legal advice

See our List of Lawyers

Driving in Australia

See driving abroad and road travel in Australia. Road rules, and the process of exchanging a UK license for an Australian one vary from state to state.

• ACT:
• New South Wales:
• Queensland:
• South Australia:
• Tasmania:
• Victoria:
• Western Australia:

See taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Voting

See voting when you鈥檙e abroad.

British citizens living abroad can vote in 鈥� you鈥檒l need to register as an overseas voter.

Births

See register a birth abroad.

Deaths

See what to do after someone dies.

See also:

• funeral directors in Australia
• bereavement information for Australia

Getting married

See getting married abroad.

Renewing passports

See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).

Pets

Australia has strict customs rules. See or if you are travelling with pets back to the UK.

See travelling with pets.

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad.

Rules on vary from state to state.

Emergencies

Australia uses the emergency number 000.

If you need urgent help, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

To speak to the police in non-life threatening situations, call 131 444.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Australian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.