Australia
Your start in Sydney
Australia's largest city and the capital of New South Wales. Greater Sydney had 5,231,147 residents at the 2021 census, 56.8% of them born in Australia. Newcomers deal with national services (Home Affairs, ATO, Medicare) online and with NSW rules for renting, Opal transport and driver licences.
At a glance
Sydney is the capital of New South Wales (NSW) and Australia's largest city. At the 2021 census Greater Sydney had 5,231,147 residents; 56.8% were born in Australia, and the most common languages at home other than English were Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese and Vietnamese. The traditional custodians of the land on which the city stands include the clans of the Darug, Dharawal and Eora; the City of Sydney acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of its local area.
Local government
Greater Sydney is divided into many local government areas, each with its own council, such as the City of Sydney (the city centre and inner suburbs), the Inner West, Waverley (Bondi), Parramatta and the Northern Beaches. Councils run libraries, parks, waste collection and local planning. City of Sydney customer service: 02 9265 9333, Town Hall House, Level 2, 456 Kent Street.
Who handles what for newcomers
- Visas: Department of Home Affairs, online through ImmiAccount; check your conditions in VEVO.
- Tax file number and super: Australian Taxation Office, online.
- Medicare: Services Australia, through myGov.
- Renting: NSW Fair Trading holds bonds (Rental Bonds Online) and handles tenancy enquiries on 13 32 20; free advice from Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services.
- Driver licences: Service NSW, 13 77 88.
- Transport: metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rail on the Opal system; adult fares are capped at $50 a week (October 2026).
Renting in Sydney
The NSW Rent and Sales Report puts the median weekly rent for new bonds in Greater Sydney at $780 in April–June 2026 ($800 for a two-bedroom flat or unit). Since 19 May 2025 landlords need a specific reason to end any lease, and rent can be increased only once every 12 months.
The HomiStart Sydney guides are general information, not legal, immigration, tax or health advice. Confirm details with the official sources linked in each guide.
An overview of moving to Australia, your first month in Sydney and the emergency numbers to save on day one.
Moving Usually several months of planning before the move, and about a month of set-up after arrival Arrival Spread over your first four weeks; most steps take under an hour Emergencies 5 minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Skills in Demand and points-tested skilled visas, working holiday visas, what New Zealand citizens get on arrival, checking your conditions in VEVO, and the path to permanent residence and citizenship.
Your tax file number, a bank account, myGov and Medicare, and getting around with Opal.
Taxes About 15 minutes online; the TFN usually arrives by post within 28 days Banking About 15 minutes online, plus a short branch visit to verify your identity Healthcare About 20 minutes to enrol online; the card arrives by post Transport A few minutes to get started; you can tap on with a contactless card on day one
What renting in Sydney costs, how to search and apply safely, and your rights as a tenant in NSW, from bonds and condition reports to rent increases and ending a lease.
Housing Often several weeks of inspections and applications Housing About 30 minutes to read; keep it at hand when you sign a lease
Looking for work, getting qualifications recognised, minimum pay and your rights at work, whatever your visa.
Jobs Often several weeks to months, depending on your field and your visa Employment About 20 minutes to read; the Fair Work pay tools take a few minutes
Banking, income tax and the Medicare levy, lodging your return by 31 October, and the 12% super guarantee.
Banking About 15 minutes online, plus a short branch visit to verify your identity Taxes Usually 1 to 2 hours a year to lodge a simple return online Money About 20 minutes when you start a job; a few minutes a year to check your account
Medicare, reciprocal health care agreements, GPs and bulk billing, private cover for temporary visa holders, and emergency numbers.
Healthcare About 20 minutes to enrol online; the card arrives by post Emergencies 5 minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Opal and contactless payments, daily and weekly caps, off-peak discounts, and driving on an overseas licence.
Starting school in NSW, catchment schools, the Temporary Residents Program, fee-free public preschools and the Child Care Subsidy.
Neighbourhoods on the map
Select a pin to read about a neighbourhood.
Map of neighbourhoods in Sydney