What you need to know about the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement 2026
Eight years in the making, the free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union was finally concluded in March 2026. The deal opens up significant new rights around mobility and professional recognition, making it more realistic than ever to live and work across the EU's 27 member states.
If you have been dreaming about a move to Europe, here is a clear breakdown of everything you need to know about the new trade deal.
What’s actually changed?
The agreement introduces several meaningful changes to how Australians can live and work across the EU:
- Up to four years to live and work across the EU. Australians will be able to live and work in EU countries, including France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, for up to four years without needing a job offer before arriving.
- Freedom to move between roles and countries. The agreement removes one of the biggest frustrations of previous schemes by allowing visa holders to switch jobs and relocate between EU member states without starting the process again.
- Streamlined professional recognition. Qualifications in law, engineering, healthcare, accounting and architecture will be recognised more consistently across member states, reducing the red tape that previously made professional registration slow and expensive.
- Intra-company transfers. Businesses can transfer senior staff and specialists to European offices for up to three years. Graduate trainees can access placements of up to one year.
- Innovation Mobility Pathway. A new route for researchers, engineers and technical professionals allows stays of up to nine months to seek employment or set up a new venture. Families can come along too.
Top cities to consider
Based on where our Australian guests most often chose to base themselves, three cities come up again and again:
Technically outside the EU but still the most popular first stop for Australians heading to Europe. BCG's Decoding Global Talent report, which surveyed over 150,000 professionals across 188 countries — ranks London as the world's top city for professional relocation, and it's easy to see why. The job market is vast, the time zone overlap with Australia is manageable, and the established Australian community makes the transition easier. It works well as a base while you explore your European options.
One of Europe's most dynamic cities for tech, creative industries and startups, and a consistent fixture in expat city rankings. The cost of living is lower than London or Paris, English is widely spoken in professional settings, and the city has a relaxed, international character that suits people arriving without a rigid plan.
The financial, fashion and cultural heart of Europe, and one of the continent's most competitive job markets. Roles in consulting, luxury, engineering and the arts are plentiful. While French language skills are an advantage, most multinationals operate in English day to day. The cost of living is higher than Berlin, but Paris has a way of making that feel like a reasonable trade-off once you are actually living there. Blame Emily in Paris if you must, but the appeal is very real.
I’m sold, when does this come into effect?
The agreement has been concluded but has not yet been ratified. Both Australia and the EU must complete their domestic legal processes before it becomes operational. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade estimates this could take up to two years, with formal signing possible in late 2026 or early 2027.
So do I still need a visa?
Visas will still be required, but the new framework is far more flexible than the old working holiday model. It is worth tracking developments through DFAT or official EU channels if you are planning ahead.
The reality of relocating
Most people spend months researching the visa process, the job market and the cost of living. Fewer think carefully about where they will actually stay when they first arrive.
Committing to a long-term lease before you know a city well is a risk. Hotels are manageable for a night or two, but they're expensive and exhausting to live in across weeks or months. You're paying over the odds for a room that was never designed to be a home.
Serviced apartments sit in the gap between those two options. At The Square, our fully furnished apartments are available across 900+ cities worldwide. Bills and amenities are included at most locations. Plus, you're not committed to anything before you know whether the city is the right fit for you.
Ready to start planning for the future? Browse apartments on www.squa.re or speak to our team by contacting stay@thesqua.re
We've also put together practical relocation guides to help you make sure you have all bases covered - explore the resources.
