Your Expat Community in Melbourne

Melbourne consistently excels in healthcare, infrastructure, and education, making it an outstanding place to live, including expats. Known for its arts scene, passionate sports culture, and high quality of life, Melbourne attracts people from around the world, enriching its cultural diversity. Expats find it easy to settle in, thanks to a welcoming atmosphere, active communities, and plenty of events and resources. Notably, Melbourne has also been voted the friendliest city in the world.

The cost of living can vary depending on your status and situation. We've provided an overview of the approximate monthly cost of living for a single person in Melbourne based on reviews and surveys from expats there.

Expats in Melbourne often choose neighborhoods based on their lifestyle needs. Here are top recommendations:

Best for Young Professionals:

• South Yarra – Just 4km from the CBD, South Yarra is ideal for work opportunities, trendy cafes, nightlife, and diverse communities, though it’s among the most expensive areas.

Best for Families:

• Doncaster East – Known for safety, green spaces, family-friendly activities, and top schools, making it great for expat families.

Best for Budgets:

• Footscray – One of the most affordable suburbs, with rent starting at $250 per week, a vibrant cultural scene, and just 7km from the CBD.

Melbourne has some of the best public transportation in Australia, offering a range of flexible options such as trains, buses, and trams. These services are widely available and easily accessible throughout the city.

For detailed information about public transportation in Melbourne, you can use the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) app. This app allows you to purchase tickets, check transport schedules, and access detailed trip itineraries directly from your device. With these resources, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in Melbourne!

There are various ways to find housing and accommodation in Melbourne. If you prefer using real estate agents, you can visit REIV - Real Estate Institute of Victoria. It's common in Melbourne to use agents who act on behalf of the owner. For those looking to rent directly from the owner or seeking a quicker rental process, a great option is to browse sites like Domain and Realestate.com.au which offer extensive listings of houses, apartments, and rooms for rent. And if you’re a student looking for shared accommodation, platforms like Flatmates.com.au and [Student.com] (https://www.student.com) can help you find affordable options near your university.

When it comes to education, you're definitely in the right place. Assessed by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Melbourne scored perfect marks (100) in the education category. The city is home to a variety of top schools, including Camberwell Grammar School, Fintona Girls' School, and Huntingtower School. These institutions cater to students from prep to twelfth grade, so you won’t have to worry about finding a new school as your children grow up.

Safety is always a concern for expats, especially for those moving with their families. Fortunately, Melbourne is ranked as one of the top 10 safest cities in the world according to the Economist Safe Cities Index 2021, with an estimated crime rate of only 20%. However, safety can vary depending on the area you live in. Suburbs generally have lower crime rates, making them safer places to live compared to city centers. Although Melbourne is considered a very safe place, it's important to note that crime rates have seen a slight increase in recent years.

Expats will love working in Melbourne! The workplaces are culturally diverse and welcoming, ensuring you won't feel out of place. There's no need to be overly formal with your co-workers and supervisors, as they tend to be friendly and treat everyone equally. It's common to share jokes during work or enjoy an after-work dinner with your team. Employers prioritize trust and honesty, and many companies offer 10 days of paid sick leave without requiring a formal sick note or doctor's approval.

The average working week in Melbourne is 38 hours, with options for flexible schedules that promote a healthy work-life balance. However, it's important to remember that quality of work and competency are highly valued. Employees are expected to tackle difficult tasks and challenges, and companies appreciate those who approach their roles with optimism and a willingness to continuously learn and improve.

There are various types of visas required to move to Melbourne, each depending on your purpose, status, or situation. Here are the most common ones for expats:

• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa): This visa is for skilled workers who are sponsored by Australian employers to work temporarily in the country.
• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): This visa is for highly skilled expat workers who want to live and work permanently in Australia as permanent residents, without needing sponsorship from an employer or family member.
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Similar to the subclass 189 visa, but applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency.
• Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa): This visa is for people who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas on a previous eligible visa.

The immigration process for obtaining your visa can vary significantly, with timelines ranging from 10 days to 10 months. Having a job offer or employment contract in Australia can simplify and expedite the visa application process. However, data shows that 30% of applicants fail to obtain an Australian visa due to various factors such as insufficient financial resources, incomplete documentation, health issues, and more.

For more detailed information regarding visa options and the immigration process, you can visit the official government website Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs.