Best Countries to Move Overseas as an Australian in 2025

Moving overseas is an exciting opportunity to reinvent yourself and embrace a world of new possibilities. If you’re looking to advance your career, immerse yourself in a new culture, or simply enjoy a fresh pace of life, relocating to a different country can unlock endless doors for personal and professional growth.

To guide you on your journey, Overseas Packers & Shippers has compiled the best places for Australians to move to. As a trusted international removalist, we’ve curated this list of destinations that offer unique opportunities, allowing you to explore new horizons and find your perfect new home abroad.

Europe

Europe is a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions, offering a unique opportunity to experience diverse lifestyles, festivals, and cuisines. Each region has its own distinct identity, making it easy to immerse yourself in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

With well-connected rail networks, budget airlines, and short drives between countries, travelling within Europe is quick, affordable, and convenient. In just a few hours, you can hop on a train or plane and find yourself in a completely new cultural setting.

Its compact geography makes exploring the continent seamless, turning cultural discovery into a regular part of your everyday life. With beautiful, diverse countries such as Italy, Spain, France, and Germany just to name a few to choose from, moving to Europe means becoming part of a broader, multicultural community.

Visa Options

Australians can apply for permanent residency in Europe through various visa options. The EU Blue Card is for skilled professionals with a job offer, leading to residency after 33 months. Work visas in countries like Germany and Portugal allow residency after 5 years, while Golden Visas offer residency through investment in European properties or businesses after 5 years.

USA

The United States is one of the most diverse and dynamic places in the world with its well-earned reputation as the “land of opportunity.” Its strong roots in the retail, manufacturing, and education sectors, along with a thriving startup ecosystem and rapidly growing industries, ensures that professionals from all backgrounds have opportunities to grow and succeed.

California and Seattle serve as global epicenters for technology, fostering innovation across software, hardware, and digital services, while New York and Chicago offer abundant opportunities in business, marketing, finance, and creative industries.

No matter what destination you land in, moving to the USA offers an unparalleled range of opportunities to match your skills and ambitions, with its diverse industries, thriving job markets, and the potential for career growth in virtually every field imaginable. If you’re looking to break into a high-demand sector or explore emerging industries, the flexibility and resources available make it an ideal place to build a successful career.

Visa Options

Australians seeking permanent residency in the United States have various visa options tailored to their goals, whether they plan to work, study, or invest. Popular pathways include the H-1B work visa for skilled professionals, the F-1 visa for students pursuing education, and the green card for those aiming for permanent residency.

Each visa category comes with its own application process, specific documentation requirements, and associated fees, making it important to choose the option that best aligns with your long-term residency plans.

Canada

Canada’s multicultural society fosters inclusivity and a strong sense of belonging, making it an ideal destination for newcomers. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by its breathtaking landscapes, from its majestic Rocky Mountains and serene lakes to vibrant forests and picturesque coastlines.

Moving to Canada attracts many Australian expats with its world-class healthcare system, stunning natural landscapes, and an exceptional quality of life, making it a great place for people looking to make the leap overseas.

Visa Options

Canada is widely recognised for its welcoming and progressive immigration policies, with the Express Entry System standing out as a streamlined pathway for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to establish themselves in the country.

Asia

Moving to Asia offers Australians exciting opportunities due to its proximity, vibrant cultures, and diverse economies. Many Asian countries, like Japan, India, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, are just a short flight away, making travel and connections back to visit family in Australia easy.

Its culturally diverse urban landscapes and bustling cities provide a dynamic and adventurous lifestyle for people looking for a swift change of pace. The cost of living in certain places within Asia can be more affordable compared to Australia, providing a chance to enjoy a high standard of living at a lower price.

Visa Options

Living in Asia opens up lots of opportunities for Australians, with each country providing distinct advantages, lifestyle options, and visa pathways. Your permanent residency options vary widely, from work and business visas to retirement or long-term residency programs, making it possible to find a path that aligns with your career goals, personal preferences, or stage of life.

New Zealand

Located just across the Tasman Sea from Australia, New Zealand makes it simple to visit or stay connected with loved ones after moving overseas. Its close proximity and welcoming Kiwi culture are great for building new connections while maintaining close ties back home.

The country’s strong emphasis on work-life balance ensures you can stay focused on personal and professional growth without sacrificing time for relaxation and recreation. This relaxed lifestyle is perfect for those who enjoy nature, adventure, and a slower pace of life, making it a great choice to consider when moving overseas.

Visa Options

As an Australian citizen, you don’t need to attain a visa before moving to New Zealand. You can live, work, and study in the country indefinitely without any special permits or approvals. All you need is your Australian passport to enjoy the same rights in terms of residency and employment, meaning you can easily settle into New Zealand without the need for complex immigration processes.

Places Currently Not Recommended for Relocation

When considering a move overseas, it’s important to keep in mind that certain countries may present more challenges or risks due to political instability, economic conditions, or safety concerns.

As of 2025, countries like Venezuela, Somalia, and Haiti continue to struggle with an ongoing economic crisis, terrorism, and political unrest respectively. While these countries do have rich cultural histories and cultures, the current conditions make it inadvisable to move there at this time.