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Moving to Brisbane

Moving from overseas

Every year, thousands of international students and immigrants arrive in Brisbane to gain an education or start a new life. Our site is packed full of practical information for new residents. Take a look at:

What’s on - find events, festivals and things to do
our Dining Guide for great places to eat
keeping active and healthy - join a class, find a bike track, pursue a favourite sport

Driving

The road rules are consistent across Australia, but if you’re an emigrant you’ll need to know the rules and possibly take a practical driving test before you can get an Australian license.

Queensland Transport has more information about driving in Queensland with interstate or foreign licenses.

Most Brisbane suburbs do not have on-street parking restrictions and most homes have off-street parking spaces. However, some suburbs in the inner city have restrictions and there are limits to parking in the city centre. Find out more in our guide to parking.

Migrant welcome kit

The Brisbane City Council publishes an information kit to help recent emigrants. The kits are available in English as well as six other languages. They are full of useful information including links to the education system, housing, jobs, community groups and services to help you settle in. We highly recommend the kit as a starting point for anyone moving to Brisbane from overseas.

The Getting to Know Brisbane map includes details of organisations that help recent migrants.

Buying a home in Australia

If you want to buy a home in Australia and you aren’t a permanent resident, you will need to get approval for the government first. Read more information from the Foreign Investment Review Board.

Find out where you could buy in Australia, what your payments might be in $AUD and steps to buying an Australian home from overseas.

Pet quarantine information

International quarantine requirements for animals depend on which country the dog or cat is coming from. Use the information supplied by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service to find out if your pet needs to be quarantined if entering Australia.

Weather and population

Want to know about Brisbane’s climate, what to do in case of an emergency or how much to tip if you’re dining out? Our Brisbane in brief guide can help.

Landing at Brisbane airport

Read our tips on getting to the city from the airports.