ShareGet Your Australian Paperwork Right — First Time
TFN, Medicare, banking, driving licence... the list feels overwhelming. We guide you through every document, step by step, in the right order.
⏰ Critical: Many of these documents must be set up within specific time windows after arrival. Getting them wrong — or getting them late — can delay your ability to work, rent, or access healthcare. Don't leave this to chance.
The Order Matters
Most new immigrants are so overwhelmed with settling in that they set up documentation in the wrong order — causing delays, tax complications, and healthcare gaps. Share Happiness creates a personalised documentation timeline for every client, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Your Complete Australian Documentation Checklist
🟢 PRIORITY 1 — Within First Week
Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply online at ATO website. Takes 1–28 days to arrive.
Australian SIM Card
Any major carrier (Telstra, Optus, Woolworths Mobile).
Emergency Contacts
Save emergency contacts and the location of your nearest Medicare office.
🟡 PRIORITY 2 — Within First Month
Medicare Card
Eligibility depends on visa type. We'll confirm yours.
Australian Bank Account
Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB, or Westpac all accept new immigrants.
Proof of Address
Utility bill or bank statement needed for most applications.
🔵 PRIORITY 3 — Within 3 Months
Australian Driver's Licence
NSW roads require conversion of overseas licences within 3 months.
Superannuation (Super)
Set up by your employer, but choose your own fund.
ABN (if self-employed)
No fee to register on ABN Lookup.
Medicare Levy Exemption (if applicable)
Certain visa holders are exempt.
myGov Account
Links Medicare, ATO, Centrelink and more in one place.
🔴 ONGOING
Annual Tax Return
Due 31 October each year.
Updating Address
Update with all government agencies when you move.
Visa condition monitoring
Ensure you stay compliant with your visa terms.
Deep Dive: Essential Documents
📋 Tax File Number (TFN)
Your TFN is the most important number you'll receive in Australia. You need it to work, pay tax correctly, and avoid a higher withholding rate on your income. Apply online through the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) website. You'll need: your passport, a valid Australian visa, and an Australian residential address. The number arrives by mail within 1–28 days. We help you apply and track it.
🏥 Medicare Card
Medicare is Australia's public healthcare system. Most immigrants on eligible visas can access Medicare, including holder of certain temporary skilled visas, partner visas, and permanent residents. If you're from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) — including the UK, New Zealand, Italy, and several others — you may be eligible immediately. We assess your eligibility and accompany you to the Medicare office if needed.
🏦 Australian Bank Account
The easiest accounts for new arrivals are with the Big Four banks: Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac. All allow you to open an account online before arriving in Australia using your passport. We recommend doing this before you land so you have account details ready. We help you compare account types, fees, and any new-to-Australia programs these banks offer.
🚗 Driver's Licence
In NSW, you have 3 months from when you become a resident to convert your overseas licence to an NSW licence — if you exceed this window, you may need to re-sit tests. We guide you through the transport.nsw.gov.au process, including which overseas licences need a test vs. which can be direct-converted.
We sit with you through every form and application
Australia's myGov platform links all your government services
Common Questions
Can I work without a TFN?
You can work for up to 28 days without a TFN, but your employer will withhold tax at the highest rate (47%). Apply as soon as possible after arriving.
Is Medicare funded by the government?
Medicare is funded through the Medicare Levy (2% of taxable income for most residents). GP visits are often bulk-billed (at no out-of-pocket cost) for Medicare cardholders. Specialists may have gap fees. Emergency hospital treatment is covered.
My documents are in another language. Can you help with translation?
Yes. We work with accredited NAATI translators and can help arrange certified translations of your documents where required.