Moving to Australia is exciting but the first 90 days can also be overwhelming. Whether you are relocating on a temporary visa or planning a longer stay, those first months are crucial for building a stable start.
A visa is only the beginning. Once you arrive in Australia, a wide range of practical matters come into play. From healthcare and taxation to banking, driving and pension planning. Being prepared makes a significant difference. Below, we highlight some of the most important things to arrange during your first three months in Australia.
Your First Essential Step: the Tax File Number (TFN)
One of the first things you should arrange after arrival is your Tax File Number (TFN). This personal identification number is required if you want to work, receive income and manage your tax obligations in Australia.
Without a TFN, employers may apply a higher tax rate to your salary, and it can complicate various financial and administrative processes. It is also linked to your superannuation (retirement savings) and often requested by banks. Applying for your TFN shortly after arrival helps you avoid unnecessary delays and ensures you can start working without issues.
Healthcare: Understanding Medicare and Private Insurance
Australia’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The public system, Medicare, provides access to essential healthcare such as GP visits and hospital treatment.
However, not everyone is eligible for Medicare immediately, or at all, depending on your visa type and residency status. Many newcomers experience a gap between leaving their home country and gaining access to Medicare. During this period, private health insurance is essential. Even if you do qualify for Medicare, it does not cover everything, such as dental care, physiotherapy or some specialist treatments.
Understanding your coverage early helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures you are protected from day one.
Opening a Bank Account & Getting Financially Set Up
An Australian bank account is essential for daily life. Most employers only pay salaries into local accounts, and foreign debit cards often have limited acceptance.
Newcomers typically start with:
- a transaction account for daily expenses
- a savings account
- and, in some cases, a credit card to start building financial history
Australia also relies more heavily on credit systems than many European countries. Your financial behaviour can influence future applications, such as rental agreements and loans. Setting up your banking early makes your transition significantly smoother.
Driving in Australia: When to Convert Your Licence
After arrival, you can usually drive with your Dutch or Belgian licence for a limited period. Depending on the state, this is often between three and six months.
After that, you are required to convert your licence to an Australian one. The process and requirements vary between states, and in some cases additional documentation or checks are needed. Planning this in advance is important, especially if you rely on driving for work or daily life.
Taxes: A Different System and Timing
If you earn income in Australia, you will be required to file a tax return. The Australian tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June, with most individuals required to lodge their return before 31 October. Even during your first year, tax matters can become relevant quickly, especially if you have income from multiple countries.
Australia has tax treaties with countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium to prevent double taxation, but how these apply depends on your personal situation and residency status. Understanding your obligations early helps avoid mistakes and unexpected charges later on.
Superannuation: Your Pension in Australia
In Australia, employers are required to contribute a percentage of your salary to a superannuation fund. This is your retirement savings in Australia.
Even temporary migrants usually accumulate superannuation while working. It is important to keep track of these contributions and understand what happens to your pension if you leave Australia. Superannuation is often overlooked in the early stages, but plays a key role in your long-term financial planning.
Moving Your Belongings and Managing Logistics
If you are relocating with personal belongings, planning your move well in advance is essential. Shipping to Australia can take several weeks, and strict biosecurity rules apply.
Used goods must be clean and properly documented, and certain items may require inspection upon arrival. Even small mistakes in paperwork or preparation can lead to delays and additional costs, making early planning crucial.
More Than a Visa: Being Fully Prepared
The first 90 days in Australia involve far more than immigration paperwork. Practical preparation is what turns arrival into a smooth transition and uncertainty into confidence.
That’s why guidance before and after arrival makes such a difference. Knowing what to arrange, when to act, and how everything fits together gives you a strong start.
Australia offers incredible opportunities. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of them from day one.
Preparing for Australia Goes Beyond Getting a Visa
At Visa4you, we support our clients not only with immigration procedures, but also with practical guidance before and after arrival, from healthcare and banking to taxes, driving licences and settlement planning.
Want to know how we can help you prepare for your first 90 days in Australia?
Get in touch with our specialists for personalised guidance.
