Moving from New Zealand to Australia as a Locum Doctor

[10 min read | Locum Pay & Rates | May 2026]

TL;DR: Transitioning from New Zealand to Australia as a locum doctor involves understanding registration requirements, visa options, tax implications, and how to find shifts. The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA) simplifies the registration process, and a 444 Special Category Visa is automatically granted upon arrival. AHPRA

How do New Zealand doctors register to work in Australia?

To work in Australia as a doctor, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Most New Zealand doctors qualify for the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), which streamlines the process. This agreement allows New Zealand doctors to register in Australia without the need for additional qualifications or exams.

The registration process involves applying online through the AHPRA portal. You need to provide proof of your qualifications and current registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), submit identity documents, complete a criminal history check, and pay the registration fee. Once approved, you will receive a prescriber number, allowing you to prescribe medications in Australia.

Upon arrival in Australia, a 444 Special Category Visa (SCV) is automatically granted to New Zealand citizens. This visa remains valid until you leave the country, allowing you to work without additional visa applications.

What documentation is needed for locum work in Australia?

Before starting locum work in Australia, it's essential to organise your documentation. This includes your ID and passport, a Working With Children Check (WWCC) for each state you plan to work in, a national or international police check, a medical indemnity certificate, your medical degree and AHPRA registration, a Medicare card, and vaccination records.

Medical indemnity insurance is mandatory, and most insurers cover locum doctors. Ensure your policy includes all states where you plan to work. Additionally, you will need a provider number for each hospital or clinic you work at. While you can begin working in a hospital before receiving your provider number, using generic hospital numbers for referrals, pathology, and radiology is common practice.

Organising clinical referees is also crucial. You should have two or three referees, such as consultants or senior registrars, who are familiar with your work and can vouch for your skills and professionalism.

How do locum doctors manage their finances in Australia?

Most locum doctors in Australia operate as sole traders and are paid under an Australian Business Number (ABN). This arrangement allows you to invoice hospitals or agencies directly and manage your own tax obligations. If you are paid as a PAYG employee, tax will already be deducted from your income.

Setting up an ABN is a straightforward process and can be done online. It is advisable to consult with an accountant, especially if you have income in both New Zealand and Australia, as tax can become complex. Services like Hnry are popular among doctors working across both countries, as they offer tailored tax solutions.

Finding locum shifts can be done through agencies or platforms like StatDoctor, which connects doctors directly with hospitals and clinics. This approach offers more flexibility and potentially higher take-home pay, as it eliminates agency fees.

What does this mean for locum doctors in New South Wales?

For locum doctors moving to New South Wales, the transition is relatively smooth due to the TTMRA and the automatic issuance of the 444 Special Category Visa. The state offers diverse healthcare settings, from urban hospitals in Sydney to rural clinics, providing a range of opportunities to enhance your clinical experience.

In New South Wales, obtaining a Working With Children Check (WWCC) is mandatory for healthcare professionals. The process involves an online application followed by an identity verification step at a local service centre. Once issued, the WWCC is valid for five years.

Locum doctors in New South Wales can expect competitive pay rates, with industry data indicating average daily rates of A$1,200. The state's healthcare facilities often require locum doctors to have their own medical indemnity insurance, so ensure your policy covers work in New South Wales specifically.