Moving to Australia from Ireland

Apply for Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

Irish passport holders aged 18 to 35. Apply online through ImmiAccount while outside Australia. The charge changes each 1 July — check the Home Affairs fee page. No job offer required. Children cannot be included. Funds: about AUD 5,000, plus a return or onward fare (or funds for one).

Book your flights

Dublin→Sydney from ~€750 off-peak. Book 8–12 weeks ahead. Emirates via Dubai and Singapore Airlines via Singapore are the most popular routes.

Open an Australian bank account

Open Commonwealth Bank, NAB, or ANZ before departure using their app. Bring passport + Irish address for verification.

Find initial accommodation

Book 2 weeks of hostel accommodation to arrive without stress. Then use Flatmates.com.au or Domain.com.au for share houses.

Apply for Tax File Number (TFN)

Apply at ato.gov.au within your first week. Without it, your employer must withhold tax at the top rate. It is free — never pay a third party.

Get an Australian SIM

Telstra (best coverage) or Optus. Pick up a SIM at the airport. Plans from AUD $30/month.

Sort health cover

Ireland’s reciprocal health care agreement with Australia is limited and does not replace insurance for most temporary visa holders. Arrange private cover from day one and check what the agreement covers on servicesaustralia.gov.au.