Moving to Western Australia
Accommodation
Your employer may offer assistance with finding temporary accommodation for you upon arrival. Alternatively, temporary accommodation can be easily arranged over the Internet or by telephone. When you first arrive in Western Australia you may wish to stay in a hotel or motel.
If you want to rent or purchase a house or apartment these external links may help:
- The Real Estate Institute of WA can show you properties to rent or buy
- Local councils can provide information about the area's services
- If you do not have permanent residency you need to apply to the Foreign Investment Review Board to purchase land or property
Citizenship
You can apply for Australian citizenship if you have lived in Australia for 2 years as a permanent resident during the last 5 years. This must include spending a total of 12 months during the last 2 years in Australia. All applicants must also be of good character.
Drivers licence
Visitors including temporary visa holders may drive on their overseas licences. If you have a permanent residency visa you will need to apply for a WA drivers licence within 3 months of getting the visa.
- More information about conditions for driving in Western Australia (external site)
Employment for partners
Typically, WA has one of the lowest national unemployment rates. A range of job vacancies can be found in many occupations. Online job websites (external links) include:
- Jobs WA advertises jobs within the public sector, including health
- Seek is a dedicated, searchable jobs website
- The West Australian advertises many jobs online
Health insurance
Medicare is the national health insurance scheme for Australian residents. You may be eligible to join Medicare if you have permanent residency.
Private health insurance can cover items not covered by Medicare. Those with temporary residency should apply for private health insurance, as there are limitations on access to some medical treatment.
- More information about Medicare (external site)
- More information about private health funds (external site)
All employees on sponsored visas must have private health cover.
What can you bring?
Household goods and personal effects can be moved to WA as unaccompanied sea or airfreight. In order to protect our unique environment, there are strict conditions on what you can bring into the country, including your pets.
- Visit Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (external site) for more information.
More information:
» For your children – schools and child care
» Financial matters