New Zealand GPs moving to Australia

Registration and the trans-Tasman arrangement

Trans-Tasman mutual recognition has historically made it straightforward for doctors registered in New Zealand to register in Australia, and FRNZCGP is well recognised here. You will still work through Ahpra and the Medical Board of Australia, and specialist recognition in general practice is assessed by the RACGP or ACRRM. The detail of what applies to you depends on your registration type and qualifications, so confirm it directly rather than assuming.

New Zealand citizens generally have visa arrangements that are far simpler than for other countries, but immigration settings do change and are set by the Department of Home Affairs.

What tends to be different

Funding works differently. Australia runs a fee-for-service Medicare model rather than capitation through a PHO, which changes how you earn and how practices think about appointment length. Many New Zealand GPs find their earnings improve, particularly outside the largest cities, though it depends entirely on the practice. Read how GP earnings work in Australia for the mechanics.

Where to land

Queensland and Western Australia are popular with New Zealand GPs for climate and cost of living, but it depends what you want. The GP Lifestyle Match is a quick way to narrow it down, and our GP jobs guide covers practice types.