Moving from New Zealand to Australia as a Locum Doctor

Relocating from New Zealand to Australia as a locum doctor can be an exciting step in your medical career. It gives you the chance to work in diverse healthcare settings, gain new experience, and explore a different country while keeping your clinical skills sharp. This guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth transition.

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1. Registration and Licensing

Australian Medical Registration

To work as a doctor in Australia, 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 makes the process simple and fast.

You do not need a visa to work in Australia. On arrival, a 444 Special Category Visa (SCV) is automatically granted. It stays valid until you leave the country.

Steps to Register:

1. Apply online via the AHPRA portal.
2. Provide proof of your qualifications and current registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
3. Submit identity documents and complete a criminal history check.
4. Pay the registration fee and wait for approval.
   
   

2. Medicare Numbers

Prescriber Number
Once you are registered, Medicare will issue you a prescriber number, allowing you to prescribe medications in Australia.

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Provider Number
You will also need a provider number for each hospital or clinic you work at.
This must be applied for manually. If you work in a hospital, you can start before receiving your provider number by using generic hospital numbers for referrals, pathology, and radiology.

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3. Medical Indemnity Insurance

You must have valid medical indemnity insurance before you start locum work. Most insurers in Australia cover locum doctors, but confirm that your policy includes all states you plan to work in.

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4. Organise Your Documentation

Prepare these documents before you start applying for locum work:

• ID and passport
  
  
• Working With Children Check (WWCC) for each state
• National/Internationl police check
• Medical indemnity certificate
• Medical degree and AHPRA registration
• Medicare card
• Vaccination records
  
  

If you use StatDoctor, you can upload and store all these documents securely in your profile for easy sharing with hospitals.

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5. References

Organise two or three clinical referees such as consultants or senior registrars who know your work well. Make sure they are willing to be contacted and can comment on your skills and professionalism.

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6. Setting Up an ABN

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

Read more here: Getting an ABN as a Locum Doctor: A Step-by-Step Guide.

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7. Finding and Working Shifts

You can find locum shifts through agencies or use StatDoctor, which connects doctors directly with hospitals and clinics. This approach gives you more flexibility and higher take-home pay without agency markups.

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8. Tax Considerations

Tax can get complicated if you are earning income in both New Zealand and Australia. It is worth speaking to an accountant who understands cross-border tax law. Services like Hnry are popular with doctors who work between both countries

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