Working in Sydney


Sydney’s large trading and finance sectors account for one third of employment in Australia. The most common occupations in the city are professionals working (23.8%) across the business, finance, property, retail, health, IT and community service fields. The Australian workplace practises many family-friendly policies, making it easier for expatriates with children to enjoy flexible working hours and work-from-home schemes.
man with briefcase working in sydney
Expatriates who have professional skills and are relocating to Sydney through an overseas posting will be eligible to apply for a visa under the Employer Sponsored Workers Section. The most common type of visa is the Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visa. This visa allows foreigners to live in Australia for up to 4 years. However, only certain employers and businesses qualify to sponsor foreigners to work in their Australia based business.

Another option, increasingly popular, is the 457 Long-stay business visa.

Expatriates looking to relocate to Sydney without sponsorship can apply for a Skilled Visa, provided they meet the general requirements.

As an expatriate, you will need to get a tax file number (TFN) before starting work. This documentation can be obtained from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Employers and employees also have to contribute to a pension fund known as a superannuation scheme.

Search Expat Arrivals

USGM image

Become our local expat expert for your city!

Expat Arrivals is looking for contributors to make this the ultimate guide for international expats.
If you are an established expat who could make time to spend a few hours a month writing useful information for expats in your city and answering forum questions from new and prospective expats, please contact us.
As our local expert you can have your profile showing on each page you publish, earn advertising revenue on that content, and promote your website or blog if you have one.