Depending on your visa, there may be restrictions on the type of work you can do in Australia. To find the right visa for your circumstances, check out Australia’s Department of Immigration website.
If you’re planning to set up your own business in Australia there are some special regulations you’ll need to know about. Take a look at the Australian Government’s business website first.
As most jobs these days are advertised online, you can look for work―and even apply―while you’re still in your home country. Job seeker websites can help you get started with your job hunt before you arrive in Australia.
It’s a good idea to organise any extra documents you’ll need to support your job applications, such as professional and personal references and academic transcripts. If these aren’t in English, make sure you get them translated first. You may also want to print some copies and save the electronic versions, in case the originals are lost or damaged in transit.
If your job back home requires a special licence, permit or certificate―or even if it doesn’t―it’s worth checking out if there are any requirements for the type of work you plan to do in Australia. Even if you’re accredited in your home country, you might need to do some training, take a trade test or sit an English exam before you’re hired.
If your job involves driving, you’ll need to get an Australian driver’s licence or a valid international permit. There are different licence requirements for cars, trucks and other vehicles — and these can vary from state to state — so visit the Australian Government website to find the information you need.
Tax
Once you’re earning an income in Australia, you’ll most likely have to pay tax. Your employer will give you a form to fill out, which will include a section on whether you're an Australian resident or foreign resident. This is because there are different tax rates for each. If you’re a foreign resident, you may not be eligible for the tax-free threshold and you could be charged tax on every dollar you earn. You can find out about our tax rates on the Australian Taxation Office website.
You’ll also need to give your employer your Tax File Number (TFN), which helps make sure you pay the correct amount of tax. It’s quick and easy to apply for a TFN online.
Superannuation
In Australia, employers generally have to pay money into a superannuation account for you, to help you save for a comfortable retirement. Currently equal to 9.5% of your gross annual salary, these superannuation payments are locked away until you retire or leave the country―so if you’re only in Australia for short time, you may be able to claim your super when you leave.
Once you start work, your employer will pay this into a super fund of their choice, or you can choose your own. To find out more about super, check out our quick and easy super guide or visit the Australian Government website.
Make sure you do your research and find an account that’s right for you and your circumstances. Depending on which account you choose, there may be fees and charges that you need to be aware of.
With CommBank, you can open a bank account online up to three months before you arrive in Australia.
The advice on this website has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Financial Services Guide (PDF 68KB). Full terms and conditions for the transaction and savings accounts (PDF 660KB) mentioned and Electronic Banking are available here or from any branch of the Commonwealth Bank.
