Moving to Australia from Vietnam

Visa Pathways for Vietnamese Citizens

Australia requires Vietnamese citizens to hold a visa before arrival. There is no visa-free travel arrangement between Vietnam and Australia. The main pathways are skilled migration, employer sponsorship, family reunion, and student visas ^[1].

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).

Points-tested, no employer sponsor required. You need a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority, a minimum of 65 points on the SkillSelect test, and an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List ^[1]. Points are awarded for age (maximum at 25-32), English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent), work experience, qualifications, and other factors. This visa grants permanent residence immediately ^[1].

Employer Sponsored (Subclass 482).

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa requires an Australian employer to sponsor you for a role on the skills list ^[2]. The employer must demonstrate they could not fill the role locally. The 482 provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) after meeting tenure requirements ^[2].

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190).

Requires nomination by a state or territory government in addition to the points test. Each state publishes its own priority occupation list. Some states actively target Vietnamese-speaking professionals in healthcare, engineering, and IT.

Student pathway.

Many Vietnamese students study in Australia (Subclass 500), then transition to a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) for post-study work rights, and then to a skilled visa. Australian qualifications can strengthen a skilled visa application. The overall timeline from enrollment to a skilled visa depends on the degree length, post-study work experience, and processing times.

Family stream.

Partner visas (Subclass 820/801), parent visas, and other family-stream visas are available if you have eligible family members in Australia. Partner visa processing times are published on the Department of Home Affairs website and vary. Parent visas have very long queues for the non-contributory stream.

English language requirements.

Most skilled visas require proof of English proficiency, typically IELTS 6.0 overall (or equivalent PTE, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge score) as a minimum. Higher scores earn more points. Investing in English preparation before applying significantly improves your points score and processing outcome.

Vietnam exit requirements.

Vietnamese citizens need an exit stamp and a valid passport. If you have military service obligations or pending legal matters, you may need clearance from relevant authorities before departing. Check with the local police department's immigration office if you have any unresolved administrative matters.

Tax Obligations

Vietnam taxes residents on worldwide income. Once you cease to be a Vietnamese tax resident (by no longer meeting the 183-day presence test or the habitual abode test), you are taxed only on Vietnam-source income. Australia taxes residents on worldwide income from the date you become an Australian tax resident ^[1].

Becoming an Australian tax resident.

The ATO applies several tests. If you move to Australia intending to live there, you become a tax resident from your arrival date. Australian tax residents receive a tax-free threshold of AUD 18,200 and pay the Medicare levy of 2% on taxable income ^[1].

The Australia-Vietnam Tax Treaty.

The double taxation agreement prevents double taxation through foreign tax credits and allocation of taxing rights ^[2]. Dividends from Vietnam to Australian residents are subject to reduced withholding rates under the treaty (15%) ^[2]. Interest and royalties also have reduced rates. The treaty covers employment income, pensions, and government service income.

Vietnamese tax finalization.

Before departing Vietnam, finalize your personal income tax with the local tax office. Employees should ensure their employer has withheld and remitted correctly. Self-employed individuals and business owners must file final tax returns and settle any outstanding liabilities. Departing residents should finalize their tax obligations before leaving Vietnam.

Social insurance.

Vietnam's social insurance system allows lump-sum withdrawal of contributions if you are leaving the country permanently. You can claim your social insurance balance after at least one year of non-contribution. The lump-sum withdrawal terminates your entitlement to future Vietnamese social insurance pension benefits, so consider whether retaining contributions for a future pension is more advantageous.

Australian superannuation.

Your employer contributes to super at the Superannuation Guarantee rate (12% from 1 July 2025) ^[3]. This is in addition to your salary. You choose a super fund or are allocated a default MySuper fund. You cannot access super until you reach your preservation age, which depends on your date of birth ^[3].

Remittances.

Money sent to Vietnam from Australia is not taxed in Australia. Vietnam does not tax inward remittances from overseas Vietnamese. Transfer services like Wise, Remitly, and bank-to-bank transfers via Vietcombank or BIDV offer VND corridors with varying costs.

Healthcare Transition

Vietnamese health insurance.

Vietnam's compulsory social health insurance is tied to your social insurance participation. Once you leave Vietnam and withdraw your social insurance, you lose health insurance coverage. If you retain social insurance contributions, your health insurance continues but is only usable at Vietnamese facilities.

Medicare enrollment.

Permanent residents are eligible for Medicare from arrival. Enroll at a Services Australia office with your passport, visa grant letter, and proof of Australian address. Vietnam does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, so temporary visa holders from Vietnam must carry private health insurance.

Private health insurance.

Required for most temporary visa holders. Employer-sponsored visa holders (subclass 482) need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC). Student visa holders must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as a visa condition. Once you have permanent residence and Medicare, private insurance is optional but covers dental, optical, ambulance, and private hospital treatment.

The coverage gap.

If arriving on a permanent visa, Medicare coverage starts from arrival. If on a temporary visa, arrange OVHC or OSHC before departure. International policies from Vietnamese insurers may not meet Australian visa-specific requirements, so purchase a compliant policy.

Prescription medicines.

Australia subsidizes prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The general copayment is AUD 31.60 per script (2024-25). Bring documentation of your current medications with generic names (International Nonproprietary Names). Some medications available over the counter in Vietnam require prescriptions in Australia, and vice versa.

Mental health services.

Medicare covers up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year under a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP. Vietnamese-speaking psychologists and counselors are available in areas with large Vietnamese communities, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Banking and Finances

Opening an Australian bank account.

Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ accept new arrivals. You can open an account online before arriving using your passport. Within 100 days, visit a branch with your passport and visa to verify your identity. After 100 days, you need the full 100-point ID check. ANZ and Commonwealth Bank are common choices among Vietnamese arrivals.

Keeping Vietnamese accounts.

Vietnamese banking regulations allow citizens to maintain accounts while abroad. Vietcombank, BIDV, and VietinBank are the largest state-owned banks. If you plan to send money home, maintaining a VND account simplifies receiving transfers. Vietnamese banks increasingly offer internet banking, making remote management possible.

Remittance costs.

Vietnam is a high-volume remittance corridor from Australia. Bank-to-bank transfers cost AUD 15-30 plus exchange rate margins. Digital services (Wise, Remitly) offer lower fees (AUD 3-10) and more competitive exchange rates. Compare total delivered amount in VND rather than just the fee. The VND exchange rate fluctuates within a managed band set by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Credit history.

Vietnamese credit history does not transfer to Australia. You start with no Australian credit file. Building credit takes 12-18 months. Some banks offer products for new arrivals. Consistent use of a bank account and timely payments on any credit products build your file.

Tax File Number (TFN).

Apply online through the ATO after arrival. Without a TFN, your employer withholds at the highest marginal rate plus Medicare levy. The application is free and takes about 28 days to process.

Property investment in Vietnam.

Vietnamese citizens living abroad retain the right to own property in Vietnam. The 2014 Housing Law also allows Vietnamese citizens with foreign permanent residence to own property. If you plan to maintain or purchase property in Vietnam while living in Australia, the rental income is taxable in Australia as worldwide income, with foreign tax credits available under the DTA.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

A 20-foot container from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Sydney or Melbourne costs approximately USD 1,500-4,000 for ocean freight, plus customs clearance and local delivery in Australia (typically AUD 1,000-3,000 additional). Transit time is 2-3 weeks. Door-to-door services handle customs documentation. Get at least three quotes.

Customs in Australia.

Personal belongings owned and used for 12 months or more are generally duty-free under the unaccompanied personal effects concession. New items are subject to duty and 10% GST. Australia's biosecurity is among the strictest in the world. All food products, wooden items, straw goods, and plant-based materials must be declared. This includes traditional items like bamboo mats, dried herbs, and food gifts. Undeclared items result in fines from AUD 626.

Pet import.

Vietnam is a Group 3 country for Australian biosecurity purposes. Dogs and cats require rabies vaccination, a blood titer test (minimum 180 days before travel), microchip, parasite treatments, and quarantine at the Mickleham facility in Melbourne (minimum 30 days). The entire process takes at least 7 months from start to entry. Budget approximately AUD 5,000-8,000 for the full process. Cats are generally simpler than dogs. Some breeds may face additional restrictions.

Flights.

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Sydney is approximately 9 hours direct. Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and VietJet Air operate direct routes to Sydney and Melbourne. One-way fares range from VND 5,000,000-20,000,000 depending on season and booking window. Baggage allowances vary by carrier.

Driver's license.

Vietnamese driver's licenses are not directly recognized in most Australian states. You can drive on an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Vietnam for 3-6 months depending on the state. After that, you must obtain a state license, which typically requires both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test. Australian road rules differ significantly from Vietnamese traffic patterns: Australia drives on the left, roundabouts are common, and traffic enforcement is strict.

Time zone.

Vietnam is UTC+7, while eastern Australia (Sydney, Melbourne) is UTC+10 (UTC+11 during daylight saving). The 3-4 hour difference is manageable for staying in touch with family. Vietnam does not observe daylight saving time.

Cultural Adjustment

Vietnamese community in Australia.

Nearly 300,000 Vietnamese-born people live in Australia, with the community concentrated in Sydney (Cabramatta, Bankstown, Marrickville), Melbourne (Footscray, Springvale, Richmond), and Brisbane ^[1]. The Vietnamese-Australian community is well-established, with cultural associations, temples, churches, language schools, and community media (radio, newspapers, online). This infrastructure provides strong support for new arrivals.

Workplace culture.

Australian workplaces are informal by Vietnamese standards. First names are standard, including with managers and senior staff. Hierarchy exists but is less visible than in Vietnamese organizations. Punctuality is strict. Direct communication is valued. Vietnamese professionals sometimes find the transition from indirect to direct communication styles challenging initially, but Australian colleagues generally appreciate clarity and openness.

Language.

English is essential for work, daily life, and government services. The Vietnamese community provides a strong social safety net in Vietnamese, but career advancement requires professional-level English. IELTS or PTE preparation courses are widely available. Vietnamese-speaking staff are available at Centrelink, hospitals, and government services in areas with large Vietnamese populations through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS).

Food.

Vietnamese food is popular in Australia. Pho restaurants, banh mi shops, and Vietnamese bakeries operate in every major city. Asian supermarkets stock Vietnamese ingredients (fish sauce, rice noodles, fresh herbs, rice paper). The availability of familiar food is excellent, particularly in suburbs with established Vietnamese communities.

Education.

Australian public schools are free for permanent residents and citizens. The education system differs from Vietnam's in its emphasis on critical thinking and classroom discussion rather than rote learning. Vietnamese parents sometimes find the less structured approach unfamiliar. Selective high schools and tutoring services (often run by Vietnamese-Australian educators) are popular in the community.

Tet and community events.

Lunar New Year (Tet) is celebrated widely in Vietnamese-Australian communities, with festivals in Cabramatta (Sydney), Footscray (Melbourne), and Inala (Brisbane) drawing tens of thousands of attendees. These events maintain cultural connections and provide opportunities for new arrivals to build social networks.

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