For New Zealand nurses heading to Australia for your first agency contract, the process is fairly straightforward — but there are some important registration, tax, and practical steps to sort out before you start.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide so you don’t miss anything.

1️⃣ Register to Work as a Nurse in Australia

🩺 Apply for AHPRA Registration

You must be registered with:

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) under the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  

Because NZ and Australia have the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), the process is usually faster if you're already registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

You’ll need:

• Proof of NZ registration
  
• ID documents (passport)
  
• Criminal history check
  
• Application fee (approx. AUD $300–$400 range)
  
• Processing time: often 2–6 weeks
  

💡 Apply before accepting a contract — you can’t legally work without your AHPRA registration.

2️⃣ Visa & Work Rights

As a New Zealand citizen:

• You receive a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) automatically on arrival.
  
• You can live and work in Australia without applying beforehand.
  
• No sponsorship required.
  

You must travel on a valid NZ passport.

3️⃣ Get an Australian Tax File Number (TFN)

Before starting work, apply for a Tax File Number via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

• Apply online (free)
  
• Takes about 1–4 weeks
  
• Without it, you’ll be taxed at the highest rate
• If the paperwork is delayed, you can call the ATO and they can give you your TFN over the phone
  

You’ll likely be considered an Australian tax resident if working on contract for a period of time. However it is best to discuss this with your accountant.

4️⃣ Open an Australian Bank Account

Most agencies require Australian bank details.

Common banks:

• Commonwealth Bank
  
• ANZ
  
• Westpac
  
• National Australia Bank
  

You can often open an account online before arrival. Please note that if you are with either of these banks in NZ, they are seperate entities. This means you can't just simply transfer/open up another account in Australia that is linked to your NZ accounts. You'll have to have seperate accounts.

5️⃣ Agency & Compliance Requirements

Your agency will usually ask for:

• AHPRA registration
  
• Police checks (Australian + sometimes NZ)
  
• Immunisation records
  
• Working With Children Check (varies by state)
  
• BLS/ALS certification
  
• References
  
• CV in Australian format
  

6️⃣ Understand Pay & Conditions

Things to clarify before signing:

• Hourly rate (weekday vs weekend vs public holiday)
  
• Overtime rates
  
• Travel allowances
  
• Accommodation provided or stipend?
  
• Cancellation policy
  
• Superannuation (employer must pay 11–12%)
  

You can usually claim and transfer your superannuation to your New Zealand Kiwisaver when permanently leaving Australia.

7️⃣ Accommodation & Cost of Living

Cost varies by location:

• Clarify whether accomodation is covered
• If it's not covered, then how does the agency help you with accomodation
• Ask whether the agency provides housing or just an allowance

8️⃣ Know the Clinical Differences

Even though NZ and Australia are similar, be aware of:

• Different medication charts
  
• Different state health systems
  
• Electronic medical record systems vary
  
• Scope of practice may differ slightly
  
• Drug names sometimes differ (brands)
  

9️⃣ Insurance & Professional Indemnity

AHPRA registration includes professional indemnity requirements, but confirm:

• Does your agency cover you?
  
• Do you need your own indemnity insurance?
  

🔟 Other Practical Tips

• Get an Australian SIM (or e-sim) card on arrival. Consider brands like Telstra as they have the greatest network coverage
  
• Download state health apps if required
  
• Understand public holiday rates (they vary by state)
  
• Keep receipts for potential tax deductions
• If you are sending money home then strongly consider using apps like Wise or Revolut to save significant amounts on international transfer fees!
  

✅ Quick Checklist Before You Fly

✔ AHPRA registration approved

✔ Agency contract signed

✔ TFN applied for

✔ Bank account arranged

✔ Accommodation confirmed

✔ Police checks completed

✔ Immunisations up to date