Relocating to London from Australia or New Zealand: a practical guide for tax, treasury and finance professionals 

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Moving to London is a major career step for professionals across tax, treasury and finance. For candidates coming from Australia and New Zealand, London offers strong job opportunities, international exposure and the pace of a big city within a global finance ecosystem. 

You’ll need to plan your visa, budget for the cost of living and set up essentials such as a UK bank account will help you settle into your new home more quickly and focus on the job market. 

This guide outlines the practical steps to help you get established in the United Kingdom. 

1. Understand your UK visa options early 

Your first step is confirming that you have the right to live and work in the UK. The most common routes for Australia and New Zealand candidates include:

Youth mobility scheme visa

Often used as a working holiday route, this allows you to live and work in the UK for a limited period. It can be a useful option if you are exploring London before committing long term.

Skilled worker visa

The skilled worker visa requires sponsorship from an employer and a qualifying job offer. Sponsorship is typically more common for mid-level to senior candidates where there are skills shortages.

Ancestry visa

If you have a UK-born grandparent, an ancestry visa can be a strong option and may provide a pathway to becoming a UK resident, depending on your circumstances.

Student visa

A student visa may be relevant if you are studying in the UK and working alongside your course, subject to restrictions. 

For the most accurate guidance on visa requirements and applications, refer to gov.uk and review the latest guidance from the UK government before making any decisions. 

2. Partner with a specialist recruiter 

The London market moves quickly, and it can be difficult to interpret role scope, compensation and hiring expectations from overseas. Working with specialist recruitment agencies can help you understand the market and position your experience effectively. 

At Brewer Morris, we support candidates relocating from Australia and New Zealand across: 

  • Corporate tax, international tax and employment tax 
  • Treasury, liquidity and risk management 
  • Senior finance roles, including financial controller and finance director positions 

We provide insight into where demand is strongest, what employers expect and how to access the right UK job opportunities, including full-time and interim roles. We also support candidates in strengthening their LinkedIn profiles, which play a key role in securing interviews.

3. Understand how your experience will be assessed

Employers in the UK typically focus on scope and impact, particularly for in-house and senior roles. Within tax and treasury, depth of technical expertise, stakeholder management and systems exposure are key differentiators. 

To position your experience clearly, outline: 

  • The size and complexity of your organisation 
  • Group structure and international exposure 
  • Stakeholder engagement and decision-making responsibility 
  • Systems, tools and process ownership 

This helps employers benchmark your experience and assess your suitability efficiently within a competitive job market. 

4. Apply for a national insurance number 

To work in the UK, you will need a national insurance number. You may be able to start work without one, but you should apply as soon as possible after arrival. 

It is also useful to understand how income tax works in the UK, particularly when comparing take-home pay with Australia or New Zealand. The structure will differ from systems such as Medicare, and this may affect your overall financial planning, especially when moving from AUD to GBP.

5. Set up a UK bank account

A UK bank account is essential for receiving your salary and managing day-to-day expenses. Most traditional banks will require proof of address, which can be challenging initially. 

Options include: 

  • High street banks such as Barclays and Lloyds 
  • Digital banks such as Revolut, which can be quicker to set up 

If you’re still securing accommodation, consider what documentation you can provide and whether your employer can support you.

6. Budget for living costs and currency changes 

London is an expensive city, so understanding living costs early is important. 

When planning your budget, consider: 

  • Rent and deposits 
  • Transport and commuting 
  • Utilities, mobile and broadband providers 
  • Council tax where applicable 
  • Food and social spending 
  • Currency conversion from AUD to GBP and the impact of the British pound 

Many candidates relocating from major cities like Sydney or Auckland find the cost of living manageable once they factor in career progression and total compensation, but this will depend on lifestyle and location.

7. Choose where to live carefully 

London offers a wide range of accommodation options across different budgets and lifestyles. Your decision should be based on where you work and your preferred commute. 

Popular areas for finance professionals include: 

  • West London, such as Hammersmith, Fulham and Chiswick, for lifestyle and strong transport links 
  • North and Northwest London, including Islington, Highbury and Hampstead, for a neighbourhood feel with access to central London 
  • Southwest London, including Clapham, Battersea and Putney, for a large expat community and reliable commuting options 

For rentals and flat shares, SpareRoom is widely used alongside other property platforms. If arranging international removals, consider short term accommodation initially so you can explore areas before committing. 

When choosing where to live, factor in commute times, public transport and proximity to your workplace.

8. Get familiar with transport

London’s transport network is extensive and easy to use once understood. 

  • Most commuters use Oyster or contactless payment 
  • Transport costs should be factored into your weekly budget 

Understanding fare caps and payment options will help you manage costs effectively. 

9. Organise healthcare

The UK public healthcare system is the NHS, also known as the National Health Service. Access is typically included through the immigration health surcharge paid as part of your visa application. 

Once you have a permanent address, register with a local GP to access services when needed. Some individuals also choose private health insurance depending on personal preference and employer benefits. 

If you’re relocating with a family member, ensure you understand dependant requirements and any recommended vaccinations before arrival.

How we can help

Relocating from Australia or New Zealand to London can be a significant career move. With the right visa, realistic budgeting and a clear understanding of the market, you can settle quickly and focus on securing the right role. 

We support candidates across tax, treasury and finance throughout the relocation process, from understanding the market to securing offers and transitioning successfully into your new role. Get in touch today for support when making the move.  

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