Everything Irish and Australian people ask about relocating between the two countries.
Yes. Irish passport holders aged 18–35 can apply for the Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa online via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The current fee is AUD $635 and processing typically takes 1–4 weeks. You can work for any employer (maximum 6 months with the same employer) and extend to a second and third year by completing specified regional work.
Australia and Ireland have a Working Holiday Agreement. Australians aged 18–35 can apply for an Irish Working Holiday Authorisation, which allows 12 months of work and travel. For longer stays, Australians need an Employment Permit — either a Critical Skills Permit (high-demand occupations) or a General Employment Permit (€30,000+ salary, employer-sponsored).
The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas use a points test. You need a minimum of 65 points. Points are awarded for age (25–32 is maximum), English ability, skilled work experience, qualifications, and partner skills. Most successful applicants score 80–90+ points. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and wait for an invitation.
Processing times vary significantly. The Subclass 189 and 190 skilled visas currently take 6–18 months depending on your occupation and points score. The Subclass 482 (employer-sponsored) can be processed in 1–4 months. The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa is typically 1–4 weeks.
Not always. The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa and the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa do not require a job offer. The Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) and 190 (Skilled Nominated) require employer or state government sponsorship respectively.
It depends on the city. Sydney and Melbourne are generally comparable to Dublin in overall living costs. Rent in Sydney (AUD $2,400–$3,200/month for a 1-bed) is slightly higher than Dublin (€1,800–€2,400). However, Australian wages tend to be higher and income tax rates are lower than Ireland's combined PAYE/USC/PRSI. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalised comparison.
The national minimum wage in Australia is AUD $23.23 per hour (as of 2026). This is approximately €14.00/hour at current exchange rates, similar to Ireland's minimum wage of €13.50/hour.
As a Working Holiday Maker (417 visa), you pay 15% tax on the first AUD $45,000 earned and 32.5% above that. As a permanent resident or skilled visa holder, you pay standard Australian income tax (19–45%) plus a 2% Medicare Levy. This is generally lower than Ireland's combined PAYE + USC + PRSI, which can reach 52% for higher earners.
Superannuation (super) is Australia's compulsory pension system. Your employer must contribute 11.5% of your salary into a super fund on your behalf. As a temporary visa holder (e.g., 417 WHV), you can claim your super back as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) when you leave — though a 65% withholding tax applies. As a permanent resident, the super remains invested until retirement.
Very competitive. Dublin has one of the tightest rental markets in Europe. Good listings on Daft.ie typically receive dozens of applications within hours. Budget €1,800–€2,400/month for a 1-bed apartment. It's strongly recommended to start searching 6–8 weeks before your arrival date and be ready to commit via video call.
Also competitive, particularly in Sydney. Vacancy rates are historically low. Budget AUD $2,400–$3,200/month for a 1-bed in Sydney. Use Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au for listings, and Flatmates.com.au for share houses. Having a local address and references helps — many new arrivals book short-term accommodation first.
In Ireland, landlords typically require 1–2 months' rent as a deposit, plus first month's rent in advance. In Australia, landlords take 4 weeks' rent as a bond, which is held in a government-run scheme (not by the landlord). You get it back at the end of the tenancy if the property is in good condition.
Approximately 22–26 hours including a stopover (all flights require at least one stop). Dublin to Sydney via Dubai (Emirates) takes around 24–25 hours. Dublin to Melbourne via Singapore (Singapore Airlines) takes around 24–26 hours. Dublin to Perth via Dubai is the shortest at approximately 18–21 hours.
Yes, but it's complex and expensive. Australia has strict biosecurity rules. Dogs and cats from Ireland (Category 3 country) require microchipping, rabies vaccination and titer test, import permit, and mandatory quarantine of at least 10 days at the Melbourne Mickleham facility. Total cost is typically €5,000–€8,500. Start the process at least 6 months before travel.
If you owned and used your household goods for 12+ months before arriving, they're generally duty-free in both Australia and Ireland. New items, vehicles, alcohol over limits, and commercial goods are taxable. In Ireland, apply for Transfer of Residence Relief via Revenue.ie before shipping. In Australia, complete the B534 form. Always apply before your goods leave — you cannot get relief after the fact.
You can open a CommBank, NAB, or ANZ account from Ireland before departure — you just need your passport. Your account card is ready to collect on arrival. This is strongly recommended so you have an account for payroll on day one. Revolut and Wise also work from the moment you land for spending, without needing a local address.
A Tax File Number (TFN) is Australia's equivalent of Ireland's PPS number. Without one, your employer withholds 47% tax from your wages. Apply at ato.gov.au within your first week — it's free and delivered by post in approximately 2 weeks. Always apply as soon as you arrive.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is generally the best option — real exchange rates with low fees. Revolut also offers competitive FX rates. Avoid using traditional bank international transfers, which typically charge poor exchange rates and flat fees of €20–€30 per transfer.