Cresting The Hill

INTRO

RETIRING TO THE LAND DOWN UNDER

That said, just like the journey of every immigrant, the path to citizenship in another country can be one of their greatest challenges for seniors eyeing retirement. Couple that with the fact that you’ll be undertaking this move past your physical prime, and it’s not uncommon to fall short of achieving your dreams. But if you’re determined to make the move happen, then setting yourself up for this transition is possible with the right strategy.

The timeline for successfully retiring in Australia can take months, if not years, to pull off. If you’re ready to jump into things one step at a time, then read on. Here are some things that you must consider before undertaking the behemoth task of moving to Australia for retirement.

Let’s jump right into it! 

1.        SECURE THE RIGHT VISA

For foreign-based citizens looking to transition into living in Australia, the first step is to secure the appropriate visa to allow them to stay there legally. This is where, unfortunately, many retirees fail to qualify. Retirees can’t easily secure an Aussie visa due to the lack of slots available for citizenship administered by the Department of Home Affairs. 

There used to be an Investment Retirement Visa and a Retirement Visa available for retirees who want to spend a couple of years in Australia, but they have since closed the form for new applications on November 17, 2018. As of 2025, there are only two pathways overseas-based seniors can consider to permanently live in Australia, and that’s the Parent Visa (subclass 103) and the Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143).

The Parent Visa allows parents of recognised Australian citizens or permanent residents to migrate permanently to the country. The processing for this visa type can be lengthy (taking up to a decade in some extreme cases), but if you have guaranteed support in Australia through a direct relative, then this option is viable.

In a similar vein, the Contributory Parent Visa grants permanent residency to parents of Australian citizens. The processing of this visa takes a fairly short time, but that’s because application fees are quite expensive. That said, if you are given financial support from your family in Australia, then this option is viable and preferable.

Outside these options, there are a few other legal pathways—like the Partner Visa, Aged Parent Visa, or Remaining Relative Visa—that can help you secure residency in Australia, although they can be complicated or lengthy. In any case, it’s important to speak with a migration agent in your home country for advice and tips on the matter.

2.                   PLAN YOUR FINANCES

Moving abroad can be quite expensive, especially if you’re moving to a generally high-cost-of-living country like Australia. As this is the case, it’s important to keep strict control over your finances to ensure that you can support your lifestyle when you’re finally settled into the country. For starters, have a clear understanding of the financial help you’ll be receiving from your family. Communicating this is crucial to ensure that you won’t experience any misunderstandings or, worse, be left stranded without support when in the country.

Secondly, clearly list all the finances and assets that you have accumulated over the years. Figure out how to transfer your finances into Australian dollars. Open a bank account - you can wire your savings from your old country to a bank account when moving to Australia. Furthermore, you should also look into things like taxes and pension transfer schemes. Depending on where you’re from, you may be eligible to apply for a QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) to transfer your pension. That said, it’s crucial to talk with a local tax and financial advisor about your plans to ensure that you move to Australia with minimal stress. This is especially crucial if you’re planning to move to the country independently or with little help from your family.

3.                   UNDERSTAND MEDICARE ACCESS

Another consideration you should make is the degree of access you can attain from local healthcare services like Medicare. Government-subsidised healthcare is one of the perks of living in Australia, and as an aged resident, it’s essential to utilise this amenity to keep yourself free from poor health. 

For Parent Visa holders, you can enrol in Medicare as soon as you get hold of your visa. However, it’s possible to get it early if you’re applying from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) country. You can then keep track of the services you can receive through the government’s My Aged Care website.

If you don’t have permanent residency yet as a senior in Australia, you’ll have to fund your healthcare yourself. This can be expensive, so as early as possible, ensure that you apply for subsidised healthcare. You can apply for it through myGov or by completing and submitting a Medicare enrolment form via mail or email. When you have Medicare privileges, you can gain treatment, acquire prescriptions, and have doctor appointments at much cheaper rates. So, as an older person, do try to secure this amenity as soon as possible.

4.                   MOVING LOGISTICS

Just like any other move, relocating to a new home can be physically and mentally cumbersome. This is especially true if you’re moving across the world and bringing along your belongings with you. It’s important to consider some moving logistics before you formally settle into Australia. The first is to figure out your household living arrangement. If you’re living with family, how much space are you given in their household? Is the place senior-friendly and hazard-free? 

Besides that, consider your own belongings. Is there anyone who’s willing to help you physically move your boxes outside your home and into the loading truck? If not, then you may consider hiring a removalist company or calling some relatives to help you be your muscle. You should also consider having a logistics company in close contact with you who can bring your belongings from end to end.

You should also unsubscribe from services that you’re no longer using, like gym memberships or monthly magazine subscriptions. Schedule utility disconnections on your moving day as well, once you have your flight day finalised. By staying on top of your moving checklist, you can transition into living in Australia more easily.

5.                   HAPPINESS AND DAY-TO-DAY QUALITY OF LIFE 

It’s very important to come to terms with how you’ll emotionally handle this displacement. Living in Australia means leaving behind a lot of the things that may have meant a lot to you—whether that’s old friends, family, or even the country you’ve been living in as a whole. Taking yourself out of that comfortable environment is a big decision that can shape your future and happiness significantly, so it’s critical to give it a lot of thought. However, if you’re set on moving to Australia, then it’s important to be proactive in making your life in this country fulfilling and worthwhile. 

While you’re still able, explore your local area and enjoy the surroundings, food, and places near your place of residence. You can even consider going on trips further out of town together with your family or loved ones for a little bonding adventure. Since your family will likely be working or at school for most of the day, find ways to keep yourself busy until they arrive. You can consider befriending similar-aged neighbours and connecting with them. Alternatively, you can volunteer, do hobbies, or join clubs that interest you—searching for them on social media websites like Facebook can be a good lead.

In any case, Australia is a place filled with wonderful places and friendly faces wherever you go. Whatever lifestyle you’re used to back home, you can most likely make it happen in the Land Down Under with some proactivity and effort.

All the best in adjusting to life in Australia!

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