Istanbul at night: Galata Tower and the lights along the water
Guide Turkey → Australia · moving · checked 1 Nov 2026

Moving from Turkey to Australia

A plain checklist: the visa routes, what to sort before you go, and your first weeks in Australia.

Photo: Pexels
First: can you move?

You need a visa to live in Australia

To live and work in Australia you need a visa. Turkish citizens need a visa even for a short visit.

Job
An employerAn Australian employer may be able to sponsor you for a work visa.
190
Skilled visasFor example the state-nominated visa (subclass 190): a permanent visa for points-tested skilled workers.
500
StudyThe student visa (subclass 500) follows your course, for up to 6 years; while the course is on, you can work up to 48 hours a fortnight.
WHV
Work and Holiday, aged 18 to 30100 places a year for university graduates and students, with a letter from Turkey's foreign ministry: up to 12 months, at most 3 months with one employer.

Which route fits you: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, the Australian government's official visa site. We don't give visa advice.

Before you go

Your checklist in Turkey

  1. Your visa and a valid passport.
  2. Documents in one folder: birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, work references, with translations where needed.
  3. Health insurance: Turkey has no health care agreement with Australia, so on a temporary visa you need private cover (Overseas Visitors Health Cover; students need Overseas Student Health Cover).
  4. A bank account: some Australian banks let you open one up to 14 days before you arrive, with your passport.
  5. Money for the start: the rental bond (at most 4 weeks' rent in New South Wales, usually at most one month's rent in Victoria), the first rent and a few weeks of living costs.
  6. Set up Turkish TV before you go, so it works from day one (how to watch Turkish TV in Australia).
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Day one in Australia

Turkish TV, ready from day one

The first weeks abroad are the hardest. The news from home, your series and Turkish cartoons for the kids make the new home feel like home faster.

How to watch Turkish TV in Australia →
Advertisement: Turkish channels live with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Your first weeks

Your checklist in Australia

  1. Tax file number (TFN): apply online, it is free. Your employer needs it, or you pay more tax.
  2. Bank: finish opening your account with your passport.
  3. Health: Medicare is for citizens, permanent residents and some others; on a temporary visa, keep your private cover.
  4. Super: your employer must pay into a super fund for you. On a temporary visa you can claim it back when you leave Australia.
  5. Driving in New South Wales: on a temporary visa you can drive on your Turkish licence for up to 6 months, as a permanent resident for 3 months from arrival, with an English translation or an International Driving Permit. Turkey is not on the list of countries whose licence holders skip the tests, so for a NSW licence you take them. Other states have their own rules.
  6. Your address abroad: Turkish citizens must declare their address abroad to the consulate within 20 working days.
  7. TV fee: Australia has none.
Quick answers

Questions people ask

Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes. Holders of an ordinary Turkish passport need a visa for Australia, even for a short visit.

Can I get a Work and Holiday visa for Australia?

If you are 18 to 30 and a university graduate or student, yes: 100 places a year. Graduates apply to Turkey's foreign ministry by post and students through their university; the ministry's acceptance letter then goes with your Australian application. The 2025-26 round took applications from 1 to 15 October 2025. The visa allows up to 12 months, with at most 3 months at one employer.

Will I get Medicare?

Only if you are a citizen, a permanent resident or in another eligible group. Turkey has no health care agreement with Australia, so on a temporary visa you need private health insurance.

What is a TFN?

Your tax file number. It is free and you apply online; without it your employer takes more tax.

Can I drive in Australia on my Turkish licence?

In New South Wales, yes for a while: up to 6 months on a temporary visa, or 3 months from arrival as a permanent resident, with an English translation or an International Driving Permit. After that you need a NSW licence, and the knowledge and driving tests apply. Other states have their own rules.

Can I do dövizle askerlik from Australia?

Yes, after at least three years of actual work abroad, not counting time in Turkey, with a residence or work permit as a worker, employer or professional (for dual citizens: 1,095 days abroad, with no work condition). You complete the online training first, then apply at the consulate for where you live (dovizle.msb.gov.tr).

Can I watch Turkish TV in Australia?

Yes. Our Turkish TV in Australia guide shows every option.

More for Turkish people in Australia

Guides for you

Turkish TV in AustraliaThe Turkish channels live, and how the official options compare.The Turkish community in AustraliaHow many, where people live, mosques, Turkish schools and where people meet online.Moving to AustraliaVisa routes, and a plain checklist for before you go and your first weeks.
Sources