Antipodeans in the UK tax market: Why 2026 is the year to make the move

For Australian and New Zealand tax professionals, the UK market continues to offer exciting opportunities in 2025 and heading into 2026.

Whether you’re seeking interim flexibility or long-term career growth, the transition has never been smoother – and the demand has never been higher.

At Pure, we’ve worked with candidates across corporate tax, indirect tax, private client, human capital, international tax, and transfer pricing. Our clients span FTSE 100 and 250 companies, global banks, and top-tier professional services firms. We’ve seen firsthand how Antipodean talent integrates seamlessly into the UK tax landscape.

Why should you consider the UK?

The extension of the Youth Mobility Visa to three years has opened doors for more permanent roles, especially in-house. These positions offer exposure to complex UK and international tax environments, along with financial and personal stability. For those unsure about committing long-term, interim contracts – ranging from 3 to 12 months – are a great way to gain UK experience while maintaining flexibility. Many Antipodeans opt for this route to balance work and travel.

Practice roles also remain a strong entry point. UK firms have a solid track record of upskilling international professionals, and many offer visa sponsorship and immigration support. Time spent in a Top 10 UK practice is often viewed favourably by FTSE clients.

Why should you move to the UK in 2026?

Since moving to the UK in 2023, I’ve seen a large majority of the Australian and New Zealand tax professionals who arrived at a similar time convert to permanent contracts in search of sponsorship, or make the decision to return home after a fruitful 3 years. 

Every year, we are inundated with International Tax Manager and UK and Ireland Tax Manager roles that are perfectly suited to the CA-qualified Antipodean talent pool. The flow of Antipodeans moving to the UK has slowed in 2025, and we are patiently waiting for the next wave to move across. If you’re thinking about a move, ask yourself – what are you waiting for?

Salary expectations

Before planning your move, it’s helpful to understand the current market rates for interim and permanent roles. This ensures your expectations are realistic and helps you budget effectively:

Real experiences from Antipodeans in the UK

One candidate from Melbourne shared their journey:

“Faith and patience were key. I’ve now held two interim roles at excellent companies, and my Australian experience translated well. While there are differences in tax systems, the overlap is significant – and the skills I brought with me were just as valuable as technical knowledge.”

They’ve since worked across boutique firms, Big Four, and listed companies, gaining exposure to corporate tax, transfer pricing, employment tax, and more. Their advice? “Back yourself. There’s never a perfect time – just take the leap.”

Having moved to London from Brisbane myself, I’ve pulled together some of the tips I found most useful while planning the trip and giving myself a soft landing. When I arrived, I was lucky enough to have a friend’s spare room for a few months while I found my feet. Others I know have done something similar or secured a short-term sublet while securing a job, which can be a smart way to avoid paying six months’ rent up front before you’ve got a job in place. 

Tips for a smooth transition

1. Check your visa options. If you are eligible for a British Passport, this is often much more cost-effective and will mean you won’t have to stress about Right to Work or a looming expiry date. Youth Mobility and Ancestry Visas are the next best thing – the 3-year visa alone gives you enough time to settle and potentially find sponsorship. 
2. Apply for a National Insurance number. An NI number is essential to work legally in the UK, as it links you to the tax and social security system. Employers need it to process your pay and contributions, and it ensures you build eligibility for certain benefits, like the state pension, over time.
3. Open a bank account with Monzo or Wise. Personally, I have used Monzo, which has been a great account to use across the UK and Europe, with plenty of brilliant in-app features. 
4. Research accommodation via SpareRoom or MatesPlace. Both my colleague, Eimeir and I have lived in North, South, East and West London, so we know where the best places are to live and also places to avoid! Clapham and Islington are especially popular with young professionals from Australia and New Zealand, creating a ready-made community of Antipodeans that brings a sense of familiarity and a taste of home.
5. From a recruiter’s perspective, one of the best things you can do is start engaging with agencies before you arrive in London. Make sure your CV is updated in a UK format, your LinkedIn profile is polished, and your Right to Work status is clear. I can move quickly once you’re on the ground, but having these things in place gives you a real head start.

If you’re based in Australia or New Zealand and ask me, “What should I do to get into these companies?”, my advice is simple: plan ahead and be visible. That means sorting out the basics but also being proactive in your job search. 

Connect with recruiters who specialise in your space (like me), apply for roles even before you land, and show flexibility by considering short-term assignments to get started. Once you’re in the market, opportunities open up quickly – and I can guide you through the process to make sure your skills are positioned in the best way for UK employers.

My colleague, Eimeir, and I left our hometowns of Dublin and Brisbane to move to London, so we feel very privileged to help you live out your dreams too! If you’re considering a move or want to explore your options, reach out directly to either me or Eimier – we’re here to support your journey, whether it’s a short-term adventure or a long-term career move.

Even if you’re curious about travel destinations, areas to live in, or general life in London, please feel free to ask us. The most enjoyable part of our jobs is sharing our experiences with you and finding you your first UK role!