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Moving to Europe From Australia

Visa, Costs, and a Complete Checklist

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Moving to Europe from Australia is truly a special and amazing experience. However, it may come with challenges. We prepared this article to help you understand everything from visa requirements to living costs. Ultimately, to help smooth things out, we created a checklist tailored to your specific needs.

Cost of Moving to Europe From Australia

The average cost of moving to Europe from Australia is between $5,200 and $17,500 AUD.

See the table below for a breakdown of estimated shipping rates to Europe:

Property Size20ft Container (AUD)40ft Container (AUD)
1-Bedroom$5,200 – $6,200$9,900 – $11,000
2-Bedroom$6,500 – $7,500$11,500 – $13,000
3-Bedroom$8,200 – $9,200$13,500 – $15,000
4-Bedroom$9,300 – $10,500$15,000 – $17,500

Note: These estimated costs do not represent accurate prices. You must request moving quotes to receive your personalized costs.

What Affects Your Shipping Rates to Europe?

Distance, Routes, Season, and shipment method can all affect the cost of moving your furniture to Europe. Let’s break them down:

FeatureAir FreightSea Freight
CostHigherLower
SpeedFast (1–2 weeks)Slow (4–12 weeks)
Best ForSmall, urgent, or valuable itemsLarge or entire household shipments

To find more information, feel free to visit our container shipping page, as well as the international moving costs.

Sirelo Tip! To have an estimation of your household size, we recommend using our furniture volume calculator just below.

The Cost to Ship a Car to Europe

You can expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000 AUD for car shipping to Europe.

The costs are presented in the table below, based on different shipping methods:

Shipping MethodEstimated Cost (AUD)
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)$3,000 – $4,500
Shared Container$4,000 – $6,000
Dedicated Container$6,000 – $8,000

Note: These costs are mere estimations.

Take a look at our car shipping page for more information.

Moving to Europe With Pets

The cost of moving your pet to Europe can be between $4,000 and $6,000 AUD, including the price of the crate, documentation, vet checks, and plane ticket.

Here are the steps you should take to ensure a smooth pet relocation:

  • Microchip your pet (ISO-compliant)
  • Vaccinate against rabies (at least 21 days before travel)
  • Book a vet appointment for an EU health certificate
  • Buy an airline-approved travel crate
  • Arrange air freight via a pet transport service or airline
  • Fly your pet and ensure pickup at the designated EU airport

Read more information on Entry into the Union – European Commission.

International Removal Companies in Australia

Finding the right moving companies to Europe is key to having a successful relocation. Fortunately, we are partnering with some of the best international moving companies in Australia. Here are some options for you:

Ready Movers

Adlam Transport Removals & Storage

A2B Removals

Feel free to check our page about international removal companies in Australia.

Request Moving Company Quotes in Australia

Click the button below and request free international moving quotes from Sirelo. You can receive up to 5 free international moving company quotes in less than 24 hours.

Request Moving Quotes in Australia
Request up to five free moving quotes!

Europe Visa For Australian Citizens

There are many types of European visas for Australians, depending on the country and your own circumstances. The table below explains the “general” visas needed for different countries:

CountryVisa Type & PurposeOfficial Source
GermanyNational Visa (D-Visa) for work, family reunification, or long-term stayFederal Foreign Office
FranceLong Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) for work, study, or family reunificationFrance-Visas
NetherlandsResidence Permit for Long Stay (MVV + Permit) for work, study, familyIND Netherlands
SpainNational Visa (Visado Nacional) for residency, work, or family reunificationSpain Immigration Portal
ItalyNational Long-Stay Visa (Tipo D) for work, family, or elective residenceItalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Europe Visa Requirements For Australian Citizens

The requirements for a European visa depend on the country of your destination. There may be extra requirements, which is why you should always check their official governmental pages.

Meanwhile, here are some general requirements:

  • Valid Passport: Must be valid beyond your intended stay.
  • Clear Purpose: Work, study, family, or retirement—supported by documents.
  • Proof of Funds: Show you can support yourself (bank statements or contract).
  • Health Insurance: Must cover your entire stay in the country.
  • Clean Criminal Record: Police clearance may be required.
  • Visa Application: Submit the form, pay the fee, and attend a biometric appointment.

Living in Europe as an Australian

Europe is full of different and beautiful cultures. It’s a perfect location for people looking for variety and a change of scenery.

Cost of Living in Europe

The average monthly cost of living in Europe for a single individual is around $2,700 (€1,600).

The table below shows a comparison of living costs by country:

ProfileEurope (avg.)Australia (avg.)
Single Person$2,700$4,700
Family of Four$5,000$8,200

Furthermore, have a look at a breakdown of product/service-specific costs in the table shown below. The table includes information about rent, public transport, groceries and more:

CategoryEurope (AUD)Australia (AUD)
Rent (1BR, City)$1,200–$2,600$2,000–$3,000
Groceries$400–$650$800–$1,000
Utilities$170–$280$200–$300
Public Transport$80–$170$150–$200
Internet (Monthly)$50–$70$80–$100

Source: The cost of living in the EU – European Union, Numbeo

Tax Rates in Europe

The tax rates in Europe differ significantly depending on the country. However, we managed to gather some general tax rates differences based on different countries in Europe:

CountryTop Personal Income Tax Rate
Australia45%
Denmark55.9%
Germany47.5%
Netherlands49.5%
Italy47.2%
Spain47%

Note: The information provided above is only informative. Double-check on the official sources for more information.

Education in Europe

If you’re interested in finding the best universities in Europe, keep reading and find a list of the top-ranked European universities.

According to European University Rankings 2025 | Top Universities, these are the top 5 ranked European universities:

  1. ETH Zurich (Switzerland): It is a top-ranked technical university in continental Europe, specializing in engineering, science, and technology.
  2. Imperial College London (UK): The institution focuses on science, engineering, medicine, and business
  3. University of Oxford (UK): It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, known for its reputable academics and influential alumni.
  4. University of Cambridge (UK): It is known for excellence in research and teaching across the sciences and humanities.
  5. University College London (UCL, UK): It is a multidisciplinary university with strong programs in law, medicine, arts, and social sciences.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Europe

Pros

 Travel opportunities
 Lower education costs
 Rich cultural diversity
 Efficient public transport
 Historical architecture

Cons

 Higher taxes
 Language barriers
 Visa complexity
 Colder winters
 Smaller living spaces

Best Places to Live in Europe

Looking for the best countries to live in Europe? We prepared a list of the nicest locations that you may be interested in checking:

  • London, United Kingdom: Offers a natural fit for Australians thanks to the shared language, familiar culture, and a strong job market.
  • Berlin, Germany: The city is loved for its affordability, vibrant creative scene, and progressive lifestyle.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is known for its high quality of life, excellent English proficiency, and international work opportunities.
  • Barcelona, Spain: It is famous for its sunny climate, laid-back lifestyle, and coastal living.
  • Lisbon, Portugal: Increasingly popular among Australians, especially remote workers and retirees. It offers lower living costs, mild weather, and a growing international community.

How to Move to Europe From Australia: Checklist

To help you even further, we created a moving to Europe checklist that you can use when you start your moving process. Here are the steps you need to take:

  1. Research, Research, and more research. You must get informed about Moving Abroad and your new location’s culture, customs, regulations and requirements.
  2. Start decluttering your belongings. Get rid of anything not worth bringing with you.
  3. Prepare all your documents and store them safely for the departure date.
  4. Request Moving Quotes from Sirelo and use the time you’d spend on looking for movers to start packing your belongings.
  5. Make sure to be there when your items are delivered to the new destination.

Ready to Move to Europe?

We hope we gave you all the information you needed to start your relocation. For more information, you can check our FAQ section just below.

Frequently asked questions

Do Australians Need a Visa to Move to Europe?

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Europe from Australia?

Which Are the Best Countries in Europe for Australians to Live In?

How Do I Apply for a Europe Visa from Australia?