Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Irish passport holders aged 18–35 can apply for the Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa online via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The fee is AUD $635 and processing takes 1–4 weeks. You can work for any employer (max 6 months same employer) and extend to a 2nd and 3rd year by completing regional work.

Yes. Australians aged 18–35 can apply for an Irish Working Holiday Authorisation — 12 months work and travel. For longer stays, you need a Critical Skills Employment Permit (high-demand roles) or a General Employment Permit (€30,000+ salary, employer-sponsored).

Subclass 189 and 190 require a minimum 65 points. Points are awarded for age (25–32 is max), 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.

The Subclass 189 and 190 currently take 6–18 months. The Subclass 482 (employer-sponsored) can take 1–4 months. The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa is typically 1–4 weeks.

Not always. The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa and Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa do not require a job offer. The Subclass 482 and 190 require employer or state government sponsorship.

It depends on the city. Sydney and Melbourne are generally comparable to Dublin. 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 lower than Ireland's combined PAYE/USC/PRSI.

The national minimum wage in Australia is AUD $24.95 per hour (from July 2025). This is approximately €14.90/hour at current exchange rates — higher than Ireland's €13.50/hour.

As a Working Holiday Maker, you pay 15% on the first AUD $45,000 and 32.5% above that. As a permanent resident, you pay standard Australian income tax (19–45%) plus 2% Medicare Levy — generally lower than Ireland's combined PAYE + USC + PRSI, which can reach 52%.

Superannuation is Australia's compulsory pension. Employers must contribute 11.5% of your salary into a super fund. As a temporary visa holder, you can claim your super back when you leave (DASP) — though a 65% withholding tax applies.

Very competitive. Good listings on Daft.ie typically receive dozens of applications within hours. Budget €1,800–€2,400/month for a 1-bed. Start searching 6–8 weeks before arrival and be ready to commit via video call.

Also competitive. Budget AUD $2,400–$3,200/month for a 1-bed in Sydney. Use Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au for listings, Flatmates.com.au for share houses. Having local references helps — many newcomers book short-term accommodation first.

In Ireland: 1–2 months' rent deposit + first month upfront. In Australia: 4 weeks' rent as a bond, held in a government scheme (not by the landlord), returned at the end if the property is in good condition.

Approximately 22–26 hours including a stopover. Dublin to Sydney via Dubai (Emirates) takes ~24–25 hours. Dublin to Melbourne via Singapore (Singapore Airlines) takes ~24–26 hours. Dublin to Perth via Dubai is the shortest at ~18–21 hours.

Yes, but it's complex and expensive. Australia requires microchipping, rabies vaccination and titer test, import permit, and mandatory quarantine of at least 10 days at Melbourne's Mickleham facility. Total cost: €5,000–€8,500. Start the process at least 6 months before travel.

If you owned and used goods for 12+ months before arriving, they're generally duty-free in both countries. In Ireland, apply for Transfer of Residence Relief via Revenue.ie before shipping. In Australia, complete the B534 form. Always apply before goods leave — relief cannot be backdated.

You can open a CommBank, NAB, or ANZ account from Ireland before departure using their app. Your card is ready to collect on arrival. Revolut and Wise also work immediately on landing for spending.

A Tax File Number (TFN) is Australia's equivalent of Ireland's PPS number. Without one, your employer withholds 47% tax. Apply at ato.gov.au within your first week — free, delivered by post in ~2 weeks.

Wise (real exchange rates, low fees) is generally the best option. Revolut also offers competitive FX. Avoid traditional bank international transfers which charge poor rates and flat fees of €20–€30 per transfer.