What to do After Getting Permanent Residency in Australia?

Dreams come true, and who can explain it better than you, whom the Australian Government has selected to live as a permanent resident in Australia? Congratulations!  You’ve got PR in one of the world’s biggest economies. Now, you must be thinking about what to do after getting permanent residency in Australia? and how to enjoy the benefits that come with PR.

Put these thoughts out of your mind as the following blog post has covered all aspects of your post-arrival PR queries in Australia. So, without wasting your time, let’s discover the benefits of getting PR in Australia.

What to do After Getting Permanent Residency in Australia?

You’ve arrived in Australia! Now, you must know some important things to do after getting permanent residency in Australia. Here is the list of things to do in 2024 after approval of your PR:

• Buy a Smart Phone and Sim Card
• Enroll in Medicare to Enjoy Healthcare Benefits
• Sponsor your Family Members
• Get a Tax File Number (TFN)
• Open a Bank Account
• Get a House
• Apply for Australian Citizenship
• Purchase Existing Residential Property
• Start Your Business in Australia

1. Buy a Smart Phone and Sim Card

Having a cell phone is necessary in Australia as it allows you to maintain communication with your loved ones. You can buy a mobile phone and prepaid SIM card from any of the many mobile phone service providers in Australia. Prepaid SIM cards allow you to pay for your phone usage up front, so you don’t have to worry about getting a bill at the end of the month. 

2. Enroll in Medicare to Enjoy Healthcare Benefits

Health is wealth, and countries like Australia offer both. Therefore the best and foremost thing to do after getting PR is to enjoy advanced healthcare facilities. In Australia, the Government provides health insurance programs known as “Medicare” to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Under this scheme, residents and citizens get free medical treatment at affordable prices in public hospitals and pharmacies.  

In order to enroll in Medicare,

• You must visit a Medicare Service Center with the necessary documents.
• You will receive a temporary Medicare card number if you meet the requirements.
• After about three weeks, your Medicare card will arrive by mail.

3. Sponsor your Family Members

Wishing to invite your loved ones to Australia to enjoy better facilities and a high-standard lifestyle? Yes, you are, right? What if I tell you that you can invite your family members and friends to visit you in Australia? This is definitely big news for you. As a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, you can sponsor your family members to live permanently there. 

The Australian Government offers various visa streams, including parent visa and skilled regional visa, to facilitate you and your family. Each visa stream has its own requirements and obligations related to the family member, but the general rule is that you would support them financially. However, make sure to fulfill the conditions of residence and support insurance before sponsoring any stream. 

4. Get a Tax File Number (TFN)

The Australian Taxation Office issues a unique identity number, the Tax file number (TFN), to provide you with government facilities. Without TFN, you will have to pay more tax to fulfill your needs. Applying for TFN is free of cost. You can apply for your TFN online or on paper, depending on your situation and place of residence.

5. Open a Bank Account

Imagine having a bank account in Australia! It will save you from a lot of trouble down the road. So, your first step after arriving in Australia must be toward opening a bank account. It’s much easier to create a bank account as soon as you arrive in Australia, as after a few weeks, you have to submit additional documents other than your passport.  

6. Get a House

Living in a backpacker hostel might be enjoyable, but it is prohibitively expensive, particularly in Australia. Furthermore, in some areas of Australia, renting might be highly costly. Therefore, you should find a permanent residence as soon as possible after arriving in Australia. 

Are you looking for a place to purchase? Choose First Home Owners Grant (FHOG). You can use the $10,000 FHOG grant, which is presently available, to buy your first house, apartment, townhouse, or other property in Australia. However, keep in mind that your required property must be less than $750,000 if you want to buy through the First Home Owners Grant.

7. Apply for Australian Citizenship

What could be better than getting Australian citizenship? Of Course, it comes with more benefits than permanent residency. As a permanent resident in Australia, you can apply for Australian citizenship after staying for at least four years. Citizenship allows you to enjoy various Government services and facilities. You can also vote in Government elections as an Australian citizen. However, you have to meet the eligibility criteria before applying for citizenship. 

8. Purchase Existing Residential Property

In the majority of localities, only citizens and permanent residents are permitted to purchase existing residential real estate. This step was taken to safeguard the market against a flood of foreign funds that would buy up entire neighborhoods and drive local residents out to surrounding suburbs.

Foreigners have to pay specific tax surcharges in addition to purchasing brand-new, off-the-plan homes, which raises the price over what a local would spend. As a permanent resident, you would not be charged extra to purchase any kind of property. Moreover, if it’s your first residence, you might even be eligible for certain tax advantages.

9. Start Your Business in Australia

Thinking about setting up your own business in Australia? It must be exciting that you went from dreaming to doing.  Australia offers a multitude of business opportunities to its residents with its robust and stable economy. 

Now, you would be thinking about the business opportunities, startup and operating costs of a business in Australia. It depends on the kind of business you want to operate and the necessary equipment and permits. Check out these instructions to get a better idea of setting up your business;

• Get information about different types of businesses in Australia, their scope and essential steps to take.
• Check out the legal requirements needed to run your business.
• It would be best to know about different Australian company numbers, their structures and legal compliances related to them.
• Last but not least, go to the Australian Business License and Information Service to get required licenses, permits, approvals and codes of practice.

Final Thoughts

Permanent residency in Australia offers many benefits that every permanent resident must enjoy. Many people need clarification about what to do after getting permanent residency in Australia? Australia is one of the world’s wealthiest countries and provides many advantages to its residents, and you shouldn’t be devoid of it. After all, that’s what you have been wishing for so long.

If you need any professional help related to getting PR in Australia, visa processing requirements, and post-arrival residency issues, contact The Migration. With MARA-certified and registered agents in Australia, we provide authentic and hassle-free services to our clients. Book a consultation now and have an incredible journey ahead.

FAQs

What is the difference between an Australian permanent resident and an Australian citizen?

Someone who is not a citizen but has a permanent visa is considered an Australian permanent resident. Australia allows permanent residents to live, work, and study there without restrictions. However, an Australian citizen enjoys more privileges, including travel, Government services, and benefits, than a permanent resident. But he is also responsible for making ongoing commitments to the Government and everything Australia stands for. 

Does PR in Australia expire?

Yes, even though you have PR in Australia, there is still a five-year limit for your visa. However, you can stay for two more years to renew your key documents and permits. Remember to renew your permanent residency essentials before it expires. 

What should you do after getting PR approved in Australia?

Australia allows its five-year permanent residents to live, work, and further their education there. The individual may seek citizenship after residing in Australia under PR status for four years. However, you have to fulfill the eligibility requirements for getting citizenship in Australia.