VDI-Freundeskreis Australien

About Australia’s employment situation

Getting short term or long term employment in Australia requires a work permit or visa, please contact the Australian Embassy or Consulate for details. The chance to get work is low when the job is not listed as a job in need. The Australian Government uses a point system by which jobs are prioritised by the market requirements. The higher the need for a particular job the better the chance for a work permit.

The best way to get a permit is to have a sponsor and/or a contract of employment. This requires you to apply an Australian company for employment.

The cost of living is around 60 to 70% of the cost of living in Germany, the income is accordingly low and also in the order of 60% of German wages. Tax is in average 35% of total wages, it can be as high as 49%. In addition it is recommendable and advisable to take out a health insurance ($100 to $200 per month). For retirement the Government requires employers to pay 9% of gross wages to a retirement fund. This money can be paid out when leaving the country, but only after paying tax at your tax rate. Retirement funds are taxed at 20%.

Helpful addresses:

German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Level 10, 39 – 41 York Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia

www.germany.org.au

E-Mail: info@germany.com.au

www.germany.org.au

Other useful contacts - for employment search of all kinds in engineering - are: