Documentation needed for moving from New Zealand to Australia

Are you deciding on whether to move to Australia? If so, an exciting new life awaits you! But before you begin tucking into that vegemite and start calling your chilly bin an esky, you need to begin planning your relocation. Aside from booking your movers and packing your belongings and furniture, you’ll also need to ensure you have the right documentation for your move. As we’re highly experienced at helping Kiwis make the move across the Tasman and settle into their new homes across Australia, we at Allied know what is required for your move. We explain what types of documentation you need for your move to Australia.

What documents do you need when moving from New Zealand to Australia?

Documentation is an essential part of any move! Moving internationally means you need to have the right documentation so you can easily enter the country. We’ve broken down the documents you need into handy categories so it’s easy to understand what you need before you make the move to Australia.

Visas & travel

If you are a New Zealand citizen, you will need a New Zealand passport to enter Australia. Upon arrival in Australia, you will be assigned a Special Category visa (subclass 444) (SCV) so you don’t need to apply for a visa prior. However, New Zealand citizens with tuberculosis or criminal convictions may not be eligible for this visa and should discuss their options with their local Australian immigration office.

The SCV enables you to visit, study, stay, and work in Australia and will cease once you leave Australia. This visa does not give the same rights as Australian citizens or permanent residents. You will need to apply for residency or citizenship separately for these rights to apply.

Aside from your passport, you may also want to print out your flight itinerary, airline tickets and any other travel documents to have with you through-out the move.

Identification

Along with your passport, you will want to bring any personal identification documents to Australia.

These documents can include:

• Driving licence
• Birth certificate
• Kiwi Access Card or 18+ card
• New Zealand citizenship certificate
• University degree certificate and any other relevant certificates/proof of qualifications
• Marriage certificate

Any other types of documents which can help to prove your identity should be brought to Australia, as they’ll be used when signing an employment contract, renting or purchasing a home, and applying for an Australian driver’s licence.

Health

Although you no longer need to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Australia (this is subject to change), it is recommended that you have a copy of all your vaccination records for your move. If you are wanting to bring any medication with you, check if it is an allowed substance that can be brought into Australia. It may require a letter from your doctor. You should also bring any relevant medical history documentation, prescriptions and other health records with you.

Banking & financial records

Before you move to Australia, you will want to decide whether you will permanently close your New Zealand bank accounts. If you choose to, set up a bank account in Australia online before you relocate and transfer your money.

You will need to have a copy of all your banking and financial documents if you’d like to rent or purchase a home in Australia. Have copies of your bank statements from the previous six months and have copies of proof of assets.

Insurance

If you have any form of insurance, whether it is health, home, contents, vehicle or relocation, have printed copies of all the documentation. In the case of moving insurance, you may wish to photograph your belongings and furniture prior to the move, as well as record all relevant serial numbers. Ensure expensive or specialised items are registered with the related insurance company.

Pet

As cats and dogs are part of the family, if you are relocating to Australia from New Zealand then you will likely want to bring them with you. To be allowed to successfully bring your pet to Australia, you will need the right documentation.

This can include:

• Vaccination records from a MPI-approved vet
• A completed owner statutory form
• Evidence of your pet being microchipped

You can find out all the information about importing your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand on the Ministry of Primary Industries website. Using a pet relocation service will also ensure that you are aware of all the required documentation needed to bring your pet with you. It’s important to note that some airlines will only work with official pet exporters or relocation services.

Vehicle

If you are deciding to relocate your vehicle from New Zealand to Australia, you will need to bring the right documentation.

You will need to have:

• Vehicle type approval
• A purchase receipt of your vehicle (if considered a luxury vehicle, worth of $71,000)
• Record of any modifications
• Registration and insurance documentation

You can find out more information about what documentation you may require through a vehicle transportation service.

Ensure your prepared for your relocation to Australia

Need more information on how to prepare for your move to Australia? You can check out our comprehensive moving to Australia checklist, we provide an easy guide to help you get ready for your move from New Zealand.

As we have a global network of movers, including across New Zealand and 40 locations within Australia, Allied will handle your move from start to finish! From packing up your belongings in New Zealand to helping you settle into your new home in Australia, Allied is there every single step of the way. If you have any other questions on your move from New Zealand to Australia, reach out to our friendly team at Allied and we’d be more than happy to guide you through all the required preparations for your next relocation!