Are you thinking about moving from Spain to Australia? Have you done some research but you are not sure if you should move “down under”? We have asked our expats in Australia the most important aspects to take into account when you are planning a relocation here. And these are the top three tips: Obtaining the right visa This is one of the most important tasks to be done before moving to Australia. There are severe criteria for migrating to Australia and the documentation required will vary significantly depending on the type of visa that you are applying for. There are a large number of visas specifically for migrants, tourists or business people. All the information regarding the visas is enumerated, along with information on who may apply for them at the website for Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP). As this variety of visa options can be a bit confusing, it may be useful to contact a Registered Migration Agent to assist you with the process. Your local Crown consultant will be able to refer you to a Registered Migration Agent in Australia. Finding the right accommodation Most expats don’t take into account that the style of housing in Australia might be different to what they are used to. Despite finding modern blocks of apartments in the city centers, most of the housing options will be in houses with a wide range of architectural styles: gabled cottages, ranch styles, Pavilion styles, Queenslander styles… The best type of house will depend on your preferences as well as in the particular region that you are relocating. And of course it will also depend on your budget. For example, Queenslander houses have an underfloor area which refreshes the house and it is convenient during the hottest months of the year and for mild climate regions of the country. Public transport or private vehicle? In the main cities, is not necessary having an own private vehicle, as the public transport system is good and reliable. Buses and trains are widely available and in some cities such as Sydney and Perth, ferries are also part of the public transport infrastructure. Although, most of the families prefer to have their own vehicle for convenience, especially with young children. Driving regulations vary from state to state but as a general rule, if you are a holder of an international driving licence, you will be able to drive for a limited period of time. After this period or if you become a permanent resident you should claim for a local permit. Don’t forget that in Australia, people drive on the left side of the road! Do you need help for your relocation “Down under”? contact our local experts today.