Permanent Visa for Doctors New Zealand

Straight to Residence Visa for GPs to New Zealand

Last year in 2022 saw the introduction of the Straight to Residence Visa. This is a fairly new pathway which allows migrants apply for residency in New Zealand from overseas.

You can apply for this visa if you either currently work for an accredited employer or if you are overseas and hold a job offer with an accredited employer and your role is on the Tier 1 Green List.

“The Straight to Residence pathway provides an incentive for migrants who have skills in hard-to-fill, nationally significant roles that New Zealand needs to speed up our economic growth,” Michael Wood, NZ’s Immigration Minister said.

Snapshot of NZ Residence Visa for Doctors

  • Allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely
  • You must be 55 and under to apply
  • Application cost $4290 in NZ or $4890 if applying from the UK
  • Include your Partner and any dependent children under the age of 24
  • Must have a job offer from a NZ Employer

As a GP you are on the Tier 1 Green List any job we help you find will be with an Accredited Employer. This will give you the option to apply for this fast track Straight to Residence Visa.

Visa application Processing Times

When this visa was announced last year there were no processing times, however Immigration New Zealand have now published that 90% of these visas are being processed in 76 days and 50% of visas are being processed in 35 days.

The current processing time is still longer than the Accredited work visa (temporary) however with the relatively short processing times, this makes it a viable option for doctors working overseas wishing to make NZ their permanent home.

Can I apply for NZ Permanent Residency?

As a doctor thinking about relocating to New Zealand, you may be going on a working holiday or wishing to make NZ your permanent home.

The first step is to chat to Emma about looking for a GP job in New Zealand, your timeframes for moving, your family and how this all fits in with a permanent move.

This visa will require additional supporting documents such as birth certificates, police certificates and English language requirements which of course, will take a bit more time and planning.

Find out More about Permanent Visas for Doctors

Are you interested and would like further information? Our Immigration Advisor, Nicola, is happy to discuss and give advice on the best visa pathway for yourself and your family. Please do get in touch either filling in our contact form or getting in touch with one of our team. 

Further Reading

Find out more about the Cost of Living for a GP living in New Zealand

More information on the Registration pathways for Doctors in New Zealand

How to prepare financially for moving to New Zealand

 

 

 

The Cost of Living in New Zealand as a Doctor

How Does the Cost of Living and Working as a Doctor in New Zealand Compare to the UK?

Before you begin looking for GP jobs in New Zealand, you may want to consider the costs of living and working as a GP in New Zealand. Many of our GPs decide to move to New Zealand due to its warm climate, amazing scenery and the fabulous work/life balance available to doctors. We’ll discuss some of the basic expenses and costs to consider before accepting a GP job in New Zealand.

New Zealand Doctor Salary

New Zealand offers attractive doctor salaries. As you won’t need to pay high taxes (most of your income is taxed at maximum of 30 or 33%) or National Insurance contributions, your salary will go even further. On average, General Practitioners salaries vary between NZ$180 – $200K depending on experience and location. With an average wage of around £100K, GPs will easily be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle.

Relocation & Accommodation Assistance for Doctors

Many GP jobs in New Zealand offer additional financial support to help with relocation. These are generally subject to negotiation and will need to be worked out with your employer. Many practices cover the cost of your practicing certificate and professional indemnity fees and we can negotiate relocation assistance for you.

New Zealand Housing Costs

Due to a recent housing boom, the cost of buying a home in some areas is higher than in the UK. Auckland is one of the most expensive places to buy property in New Zealand, with average prices reaching NZD$1.3 million at the end of 2021 However, the majority of our doctors relocate to other areas of New Zealand across the North and South Island further afield from Auckland where rental and house prices are much more affordable. 

Living Costs for GPs in New Zealand

Some basic living costs are much cheaper in New Zealand than here in the UK while others are a little more expensive. In this ever changing world of cost of living it’s a difficult one to quantify however we find our GPs have a great standard of living.

Working in New Zealand as a Doctor

The demand for skilled workers in New Zealand is very high and we currently have plenty of GP jobs available across New Zealand. Our GPs report more favourable working conditions than in the UK as they are often given more time to study and are required to work fewer hours. On average, doctors in New Zealand are only expected to work 32 hours across four days. As a result, working in New Zealand as a GP often provides a better work/life balance and living standard than working in the UK.

Speak to Our GP Medical Recruitment Specialists

Thinking about relocating to New Zealand? Our experienced medical recruitment specialists are here to help. We can advise on everything from visa queries to questions about the cost of living in New Zealand. Speak to us today to get started on your move down under or browse some of our excellent GP jobs New Zealand.

Other Blogs about Working in New Zealand as a GP

8 Benefits of Moving to New Zealand

Discover some of the most common reasons you should consider moving to New Zealand. From more time with patients to a better work/life balance, read about the benefits of working in New Zealand as a doctor.

What is Life like for GPs in New Zealand

Read out guide here to find out what it’s like to work as a GP in New Zealand. From the Medical Registration process to visas for New Zealand, we’ll answer some of the questions you may have.

Day in the Life of a GP

We spoke to two GPs we placed in New Zealand last year to find out more about how they find how life in different in New Zealand as a GP compared to the UK.

Useful Links

Cost of Living NZ

Cost of Living Calculator

GP Registration in New Zealand

Can I work in New Zealand as a GP?

 New Zealand GP Registration Pathways

There are three different pathways to medical registration for GPs in New Zealand. One is competent authority which can be used if you completed your medical training in either the UK or Ireland, the other is Vocational registration which is a route to Specialist registration which is quite a lengthy and expensive application.

If you completed your primary medical degree in a country other than the UK or Ireland then you may be eligible for the Comparable Health pathway. It’s this route to registration we’re going to discuss in this blog

Comparable Health Pathway

The Medical Council of New Zealand have various criteria to ensure a country is recognised as having a comparable health system to New Zealand. The MCNZ consider Public Health indicators such as life expectancy and mortality. They also consider the practice environment and registration indicators such as the similarity of the registration system.

The Council recognises 23 countries as being comparable. You can apply for registration via this pathway if you have recent experience in a comparable health system. If you are currently working as a GP in the UK but completed your medical degree elsewhere, this is the pathway we will use for registration. If you’re currently working in one of the countries listed below, we will also use this pathway for your registration.

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Iceland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Norway
  • Portugal
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America

Am I eligible for GP Registration in New Zealand

To meet these criteria, you must hold the following:

  • An acceptable primary medical qualification
  • Have practised clinically for at least 33 months out of the last 48 months for a minimum of 20 hours in a comparable health system
  • Have practised in the same area of medicine for those 33 months
  • Hold current full or general registration in your comparable health system

OR

  • Have completed a formal postgraduate GP training programme and been awarded a postgraduate qualification in general practice in a comparable health system within the preceding three years immediately prior to application; and
  • Have practised in a comparable health system, for at least 33 months (for at least 30 hours per week) of the 48 months prior to application, including at least 18 months (full-time equivalent) of practice in general practice and
  • Hold current full or general registration with the regulatory authority

If you hold a GP qualification and / or experience from one of the countries listed above and would like to find out more, get in touch with our team today to discuss further.

Further Reading

An overview of the Registration pathway and what practices are looking for in GPs moving

Find out more about what the cost of living is like as a GP in New Zealand

How are you supported into GP practice in New Zealand

8 Benefits for GPs moving to New Zealand

 

 

 

Finding a GP Job in New Zealand?

Can I work as a GP in New Zealand?

New Zealand is consistently rated as a country with one of the highest qualities of life in the world. It offers a safe environment for the whole family offering a great outdoor lifestyle.  New Zealand is an increasing multicultural society that appeals due to its diversity, laid back way of life and temperate climate.

As a GP working in New Zealand, you can expect a better work / life balance with more time with patients and a supportive work environment. Most GPs work 4 days per week with plenty of time off with your family or to explore what New Zealand has to offer.

Can I find a GP job in New Zealand?

GPs are in high demand in NZ, with an increasing shortage due to a retiring population. You can work in any location in any practice, with no limitations over where and when you can work. GPs earn an excellent salary which is 3-4 times that of the average income in New Zealand affording you a great lifestyle.

We have a huge demand from our medical centres for comparable GPs who can help them meet their patient demand. We have GP Jobs in New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch plus rural and regional towns and cities.  You’re never far from the coast or the mountains and it’s a fairly easy country to travel round with a great climate.

What qualifications do I need?

To be eligible to work as a GP in New Zealand, you must hold a GP qualification. This can be either from the UK, Ireland or Australia or from one of the comparable countries. If you have this and would like to find out more, please do get in touch with our team to discuss further.

What are NZ General Practices looking for?

Due to the shortage of GPs in New Zealand there are currently over 100 GP jobs in New Zealand. Practices look to the UK or Ireland or from one of the Medical Council of New Zealand’s comparable healthcare countries as the training and skills of GPs are deemed to be similar to those of NZ trained doctors. Aside from this, they’re looking for a great fit into the team. An experienced GP is always in demand however if you’re newly qualified that’s no issue and we don’t need a minimum amount of experience to be able to find you your dream NZ GP job.

What are the next steps?

The first step of the process is to get in touch with our team to find out more. We love to have a chat when suits you to find out more about your personal circumstances and what you are looking for out of the move. Once you’ve decided to go ahead, the first step is to find you your job then allow 3 – 6 months for the medical registration and visa paperwork.

If you have any questions or want to find out more please do get in touch with one of our team!

Further Reading

How to prepare for relocating as a GP

What is life like for GPs in New Zealand

Day in the Life of a UK GP in NZ

MCNZ Registration – Comparable Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Australian Tax System for GPs Working in Australia

If you’re considering applying for GP jobs in Australia, you’ll certainly need to think about the financial aspects of moving to Australia. You might want to think about the cost of living in Australia as well as the Australian tax system and how it affects your take-home pay. If you own property in the UK and plan to keep it, you might also want to know how Australia taxes any income earned for overseas properties.

Average GP Salary Australia

Average GP salaries in Australia are relatively good with most GPs earning between AUS $250,000 to $400,000. Our GPs have a higher wage in Australia than they did in the UK.

GPs in Australia often earn a percentage of the billings rather than a fixed salary. This takes into account the number of patients they see, the complexity of the consultations and the number of hours worked. Our GPs have found that this payment system gives them more control over their take-home pay.

Paying Tax as a British GP Working in Australia

As a general practitioner, you can move to Australia on either a temporary or permanent work visa since medical occupations currently qualify under the long-term strategic skill list. Your visa and how long you intend to stay will impact whether you are an Australian resident for tax purposes. The vast majority of our GPs relocate on a Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa (TSS 482) and would be classed as an Australian resident for tax.

Australian residents must declare any income earned from anywhere in the world. However, can also take advantage of Australia’s tax-free threshold and tax offsets. Australian residents also typically receive a lower tax rate than foreign residents.

Australia’s Tax System: How to Pay Tax

Before you begin working as a GP in Australia, you’ll need to get a tax file number, also known as TFN. The Australian income year ends on June 30th and most people will need to file an annual tax return prior to this date. You’ll primarily be taxed on income and the amount you pay will depend on whether you’re an Australian or foreign resident.

Paying Tax in Australia as an Australian resident

Australia residents are entitled to claim a tax-free threshold of AUS$18,200 per year. This means you’ll only be taxed on income over the minimum threshold. You’ll also need to pay the Medicare levy, roughly 2% of your income, which helps support the country’s healthcare. In general, Australian residents using a TFN typically pay lower tax rates than foreign residents.

If you’re an Australian resident but only have a temporary resident visa, most of your foreign income won’t be taxed while you’re living in Australia. However, Australia does collect tax on work you complete overseas, for example, hosting an overseas conference, while living in Australia. More information about foreign income exemptions for temporary residents is available here.

Australian Tax System: Paying Tax on Overseas Property

Sometimes when our GPs move to Australia, they still own property in the UK. If you rent or sell this property and are classed as an Australian resident, you’ll probably need to pay tax. Any income or capital gains from the overseas property must be declared in your Australian tax return. You may be able to claim a foreign income tax offset if you’ve already paid tax on income or capital gains in another country.

Australia’s Tax System: Overseas Pensions & Annuities

As an Australian resident, you’ll also need to pay tax on any UK pensions in payment or annuities. In some cases, you can choose to deduct and have some of your annual pension or annuity income personal contributions returned to you (also known as undeducted purchase price). If your pension or annuity has been taxed in the UK and Australia, you might be able to claim a foreign income tax offset on your Australian tax returns.

More information is available here.

Paying Tax in Australia on Offshore Bank Accounts

If you decide to keep your UK bank account, you’ll need to report any interest or other income earned in your Australian tax income. Failing to declare this information could lead to financial penalties.

Working as a GP in Australia

Once you’ve secured a work visa and arrived in Australia, you need to apply for a TFN and complete a tax file number declaration. 

You must provide the declaration to your employer within 28 days of starting your GP job or you’ll need to pay the higher tax rate. After completing this initial paperwork, your employer will deduct taxes and submit them to the government.

Returning to the UK

While most of our GPs choose to make Australia their home for life, some decide to return to the UK. When you leave Australia, you’ll still need to submit a tax return. If you’re departing before the end of the tax year and don’t plan to return, you can lodge an Australian tax return early.

Ready to Move to Australia?

View our excellent GP job vacancies located throughout Australia or speak to one of our specialist recruitment professionals. Transition Medical is here to support you throughout every stage of your move from finding outstanding opportunities, securing Australian work visas and getting settled in your new home. Read our testimonies to learn about other GPs that we’ve helped make the move.

Other Relevant Blogs

Visa for GPs Australia update

Changes in Permanent GP visas in Australia

We’ve just been made aware of a positive amendment in Australian immigration policy for doctors when applying for Permanent residency. This has been highlighted by Richard Field, our specialist Immigration Advisor and Lawyer who will help you through your visa application for you and your family.

This update relates to one specific visa type, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa. This is a visa which requires sponsorship from a Business Sponsor in Australia. The new change enables GPs to be able to apply for this visa as soon as they arrive in Australia rather than waiting until full AHPRA registration is in place.

Previously GPs would need to wait until they had completed their provisional or limited registration period before being eligible to apply for Permanent residency. This would mean you would need to wait until you’ve completed the initial 6 month supervision period, gain Fellowship (FRACGP) and apply for Specialist registration with AHPRA before being able to apply to immigration.

The Australian Immigration Department have now advised that all medical practitioners working under provisional or limited registration can now be accepted for the Permanent Residency pathway.

This will make it easier for doctors who wish to apply for Permanent residency shortly after they wish to arrive in Australia. For more detailed information on how this may be relevant to your own circumstances, please do get in touch.

How to prepare for moving to Australia or New Zealand as a GP

GP Moving to Australia or New Zealand – how to prepare!

Whether you are completing your training soon or are thinking about moving in the next year, you might be thinking about what you can do to prepare yourself for the move. The process for relocating can take anything from 3 – 12 months so it’s good to make sure you have everything you need to save any future delays in paperwork.

There are of course, lots of considerations for moving to Australia or New Zealand as a GP. You will need to think about where you want to live; in central Melbourne, the hills of Adelaide, seeking adventure on the south island of New Zealand or a remote GP job in the outback? What type of practice would you like to join and where will be best for your family?

We can help you with this and any questions you might have, and once decided we’ll find you your dream job! Very quickly after this, we’ll move on to your GP medical registration paperwork and visas for GP and family.

I’ve put together a short list of practical paperwork that you can make a start with to make your life easier once we’re helping you with the paperwork!

Have all your GP certificates ready

As a general guide you will your GP training certificate, evidence of registration including certificate of good standing, your primary medical degree and passport. If you have worked and held medical registration in another country from where you’re currently working, you may need a certificate of good standing from there.

Continuing Professional Development for RACGP (CPD)

For Australia specifically, you must prove you have completed 50 hours of CPD in the last 12 months at the time of application. If you don’t have this then get in touch so we can explain the best way to make sure your CPD is suitable.

Relationship evidence for Immigration Australia or New Zealand

Do you want to take a Partner or family with you? If you’re not married then you will need to provide evidence of living together for 12 months minimum. We can provide a full list of what is acceptable evidence or the Australian and New Zealand Immigration process.

CVs for GP Jobs in New Zealand or Australia

It doesn’t need to be complicated; potential employers will know you are a GP however it’s a nice touch to add some I information about you and your reasons for relocating and any additional skills or personality traits you can bring to the team. We can provide a template for you.

GP Training or Additional courses

We’re often asked if it’s necessary to complete any additional specialist courses. This isn’t required; medical practices are looking for good all round GPs who will complement their practice. If you have areas of interest such as women’s health, minor surgery, dermatology etc these are all great. But only do further study if this is an area of interest.

If you can think of anything else you’d like me to add or any other questions then please do get in touch!

Further Reading

What to ship to New Zealand 

Moving to Australia and New Zealand FAQs

How to move pets to New Zealand or Australia

Education system in New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Australian Doctor Visa questions answered

GP Visa Temporary and Permanent Residency Visa Options Explained

An important question and consideration when you’re planning to move abroad is which visa to apply for and if you are planning a permanent move, which PR option is right for you.

Our immigration advisers have put together some information below to help guide you. Please do get in touch to discuss your specific circumstances.

What are my GP Visa options?

As a General Practitioner (GP) you are eligible to move to Australia on either a temporary visa or on a permanent basis as your occupation is currently on the Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Common to all pathways is the requirement that applicants meet the Skill, Health and Character requirements. In the case of GPs, the Skill requirement is evidenced by successful registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). To be able to hold AHPRA registration, you first need to have signed an agreement with a practice in Australia.

Permanent Residency Applications

There are several visa pathways to achieving the objective of Permanent Residency (PR). In this short article, we’ll be explaining the pathways in a straightforward way to help you choose the most appropriate option.

In simple terms, there are 3 primary pathways to Permanent Residency which we’ll discuss today. The Skilled Independent visa (sub class 189) which is a points-tested stream and two Employer Sponsored pathways to PR are the Transitional Pathway (Sub class 482 and then 186) and the Direct Entry pathway (186).

The Transitional Pathway (482 Visa leading to 186 Visa)

All of our employers in Australia prefer to employ GPs on a temporary visa initially (482). This visa can be granted for up to 4 years before a second 482 visa is applied for, making a total stay in Australia of 8 years possible. See our blog post here for more information on this visa.

From a practical perspective GPs can enter Australia much faster by applying for the 482, rather than by applying from the UK for the permanent visa (186). At the time of writing, the average processing time for the 482 visa is 48-57 days while the 186 visa takes 13-19 months.

Under the 482-visa regime, as a GP you can either be employed on a full-time employment contract or you can be an independent sub-contractor and provide your services to the employer on an hourly / weekly pay rate or profit share arrangement. The majority of the positions we advertise fall under the latter.

The 482 visa provides temporary residency status. As the holder of a 482 visa you are free to travel to / from Australia, your family can accompany you and your spouse is free to work or study without restriction. If you are a UK passport holder you will be entitled to Medicare health services once enrolled. Until this time when you arrive in Australia, you will need to hold Private health cover. Most states prescribe that the children of 482 visa holders cannot access free public education so there is a moderate fee to pay on an annual basis.

Temporary Transition Stream

Having worked as a GP for the same employer for three out of the four previous years, you will be eligible to apply for the 186 visa and gain PR.

Generally speaking applicants for the 186 visa must be under the age of 45 at the time of application, however there are a couple of exemptions which can apply to GPs to allow for applications at the age of 45+.

  • Firstly, if you have worked in Regional Australia for at least 2 of the 3 -year qualifying period.
  • Secondly, if you earn over the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently $145,000 per annum).

To then apply for the 186, you will need the support of your employer. You will be able to apply for PR at this time even if you have worked for the same employer as an independent sub- contractor.

Direct Entry Pathway (186 Visa only)

If you are employed under a full-time employment contract and are not an independent sub-contractor, it is possible to apply for PR without waiting for the passage of three years. This can be done under the 186 Direct Entry pathway. Many of our practices offer the option of this sponsorship to allow you to apply for PR as soon as you arrive.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

This is a points-based option for skilled workers. For this application, you need to submit an expression of interest. The eligibility criteria area; you must have a relevant occupation and complete a suitable skills assessment for this. The Skill requirement will again be evidenced by successful registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

You will be required to meet the points test pass mark of 65 and be under 45 years old at the time you are invited to apply.

Further Reading:

PR 189 Skilled Independent Visa

PR 186 Employer Sponsored Visa

For further information or to discuss your circumstances directly please get in touch with one of the team here at Transition Medical. Richard, our Specialist Immigration Advisor and Lawyer is on hand to help.

Further Reading on our blog

Australian Education system

Find out more about working as a GP in Australia

Benefits of working as a GP in Australia

 

Want to work as a GP in Australia? Our services are free!

After we have found you an amazing GP job in Australia or New Zealand on a permanent or short term basis, we offer free regulatory and migration advice and assistance.

Transition Medical’s specialist team will case manage your medical registration and visa applications. From filling in the forms, formatting your CV, following up with the relevant boards and ensuring a successful outcome – we’re here for you!

The process can take some time – anywhere from 3 months to 12 months so you need to ensure you have a competent team behind you who can navigate the complex paperwork.

‘Since being here, I know other doctors new to New Zealand had to do this themselves.  It has given me peace of mind to know that there is a team who know the complete process, so I could concentrate on other things instead. (Dr Caroline)’

 Services we provide are:

  • Management of your Medical Council of NZ application (MCNZ) – Vocational, Locum Tenens, Provisional general and Competent Authority applications
  • Managmenet of your RACGP application for Australia
  • AHPRA medical board registration for Australia
  • Advice and guidance on where you can work – DPA GP Jobs
  • Processing of medicare provider number applications including 19ab exemptions where possible.

‘They were so thorough at every step and handled ALL the paperwork for me taking that burden off my shoulders. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without them, there were so many hoops to jump through but Transition made it seamless. (Dr Jamie)’

Visas for GPs in Australia and New Zealand

Our Licenced and Regulated Immigration Advisors will provide specialist advice and support from advising on the most appropriate visa initially and for longer term permanent (PR) visas

  • Advice and submission of 482 Employer Sponsored visas
  • Advice and submission of Permanent residency applications such as 189,186 visas
  • Advice and submission of Fast Track NZ Residency applications

Our Immigration Advisors have many years of experience and can help you turn your dream into reality. For a chat to find out more please do get in touch!

Further Reading

Why you should move to Adelaide

Your Australia GP Visa questions answered

GP Salary Australia – Find out what your GP income will be

We are often asked ‘How much do GPs earn in Australia?’

You may be thinking about relocating to Australia and want to know more about your GP salary in Australia. We discuss General Practitioner salaries and give you some guidance on what you can expect.

GPs in Australia generally earn a good income and can afford a comfortable lifestyle. In the majority of cases, GPs relocating from the UK earn at least the same for doing less hours per week. One of our doctors has described working in Australia

‘I have found the working conditions, flexibility, capacity for earning and, above all, lifestyle for my family and I to be far superior to my experience in the UK’

Australia GP Income

Rather than being paid a fixed salary, as a GP you will earn a percentage of billings.  The income you receive will very much depend on the number of patients you see but also upon the complexity of the consultations.

Factors which will affect your annual salary

  • The percentage of billings you receive
  • The number of hours you work
  • The number of patients you see
  • How many weeks annual leave you take
  • The type of patient you are treating ie which Medicare Billing item number you use

General practices in Australia operate as private businesses,either owned by a single GP, GP Partners or larger companies.

Bulk Billing

A bulk billing clinic is one where the practice bills Medicare for the full payment of the patient consultation. The patient presents a Medicare card and is not required to pay towards the consultation.

Medicare is a public health insurance scheme funded by the Australian Government, which provides all Australians, and those with eligible Medicare cards, with access to free or subsidised healthcare.

Almost nine out of 10 visits to the GP in the nine months to March 2021 were provided with no out-of-pocket cost to the patient,’ according to Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt.

Mixed Billing

This is where the practice accepts bulk billing consultations as above but will also charge patients for consultations. Usually, patients who are under 16, over 65 and hold health cards are bulk billed and everyone else is private billed. The standard consultation fee for the practice will remain the same. Even in a mixed billing practice, most patients will be bulk billed.

Operating as a private business, GPs are free to determine reasonable fees that are reflective of the services they provide.

GP Percentage of Billings

As a GP you will be offered somewhere in the region of 60 – 70% of the total billings you generate for the practice. The private consultation fee for the practice will remain the same however the bulk billing fee will vary dependent on the type of consultation.  A standard bulk billing consultation is currently $39.10AUD however any additional treatment you provide above this is charged as an add on. Minor surgery, dermatology and skin, and health assessments will substantially increase the billings you achieve.

If you are working full time and seeing 4-6 patients per hour you can expect to earn a GP salary of $250K AUD per year. The potential income is really high with some of our GPs easily earning between $300 – $400K AUD and upwards.

It can take 3-6 months to build up your patient base and become fully booked. It may be much quicker but practices offer you a minimum guarantee for the first 2-3 months whilst you build your patient base. This guarantee is usually $100 – $150 per hour.

GPs we’ve placed in Australia find that their income is far higher than what they earn in the UK and have much more control over what they earn.

GP Tax Rate Australia

Working in Australia, you are classed as a resident for tax purposes.

The following rates for 2022 – 2023

Taxable income                      Tax on this income
0 – $18,200                                   Nil
$18,201 – $45,000                      19%
$45,001 – $120,000                    32.5%
$120,001 – $180,000                  37%
$180,001 and over                        45%

Further Reading

GP Tax System in Australia

Is there an Age Limit for GPs?

Useful websites
Medicare
Medicare Benefits Schedule
Australian Tax Office