New Zealand Physiotherapist Moving to Australia 2026 - Complete Registration Guide

The Trans-Tasman Advantage

If you're a registered physiotherapist in New Zealand looking to work in Australia, you're in luck. Thanks to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA), you can register in Australia without sitting any exams.

Under TTMRA, if you hold current registration in New Zealand, you're entitled to equivalent registration in Australia. For physiotherapists, this means:

• No APC exams required - Skip the Written Assessment and Capability Assessment
• No skills assessment - Your NZ registration is accepted
• Direct application to AHPRA - Simple registration process
• Fast processing - Typically 4-8 weeks

This is dramatically different from the pathway for physiotherapists from other countries, who must complete the full APEP assessment process (costing $7,585+ and taking 6-18 months).

Eligibility Requirements

To use the TTMRA pathway, you must have:

Current NZ Registration

• Active registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand (PBNZ)
• Valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC)

Unconditional Registration

• No conditions, limitations, or restrictions on your scope of practice
• If your NZ registration has limitations, your Australian registration may have equivalent limitations

Good Standing

• No current disciplinary proceedings
• No findings of professional misconduct
• No health or conduct conditions

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Confirm Your NZ Registration Status

Log into the PBNZ portal and verify your registration is:

• Current (not expired)
• Unconditional (no restrictions)
• In good standing

Step 2: Gather Documents

You'll need:

• Current NZ Annual Practising Certificate
• Valid passport or proof of identity
• Evidence of NZ registration (letter from PBNZ if requested)

Step 3: Apply to AHPRA Online

1. Go to www.ahpra.gov.au
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select "Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition" as your application type
4. Complete the online application form
5. Upload required documents

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The AHPRA application fee for TTMRA applicants is approximately $480-$550 AUD (2026 rate). This is much less than the $7,585+ for the full APEP pathway.

Step 5: Wait for Verification

AHPRA will verify your NZ registration directly with PBNZ. This typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Step 6: Receive Your Registration

Once approved, you'll receive:

• AHPRA registration number
• Ability to legally practice in Australia
• Listing on the public register

Timeline

Stage	Typical Duration
Document preparation	1 week
AHPRA application submission	1 day
AHPRA processing	2-4 weeks
PBNZ verification	1-2 weeks
Total	4-8 weeks

Working in Australia

Salary Expectations

Australian physiotherapy salaries are generally higher than New Zealand:

Setting	Salary Range (AUD)
Public hospital (new grad)	$70,000 - $85,000
Public hospital (senior)	$90,000 - $120,000
Private practice	$65,000 - $100,000+
Rural/remote	$85,000 - $130,000+

Many Kiwi physios see a 20-40% salary increase when moving to Australia.

High-Demand Locations

Areas actively recruiting physiotherapists:

• Queensland - Strong demand in regional areas
• Western Australia - Mining towns and Perth suburbs
• Northern Territory - Significant workforce shortages
• Regional Victoria & NSW - Rural incentive programs available

Visa Situation

As a New Zealand citizen, you receive a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) automatically on arrival. This allows you to:

• Live and work in Australia indefinitely
• No visa application required
• No work restrictions
• Access to Medicare (after meeting requirements)

Key Differences from NZ Practice

Medicare Provider Numbers

To bill Medicare for private patients, you need to apply for a Medicare provider number after registration. This is separate from AHPRA registration.

Workers' Compensation

Each Australian state has its own workers' compensation system (WorkCover). Requirements vary by state - different from NZ's ACC system.

Private Health Insurance

Australia's private health insurance system is different from NZ. You'll need to understand how extras cover works for physiotherapy.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Australia requires at least 20 hours of CPD per year, including components on:

• Cultural safety (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health)
• Risk management
• Professional development in your practice area

This differs from PBNZ requirements.

Cultural Safety

While not required for TTMRA registration, Australian employers often require cultural safety training specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is different from NZ's Te Tiriti-based cultural competency.

Consider completing Australian cultural safety training before or soon after starting work.

Maintaining Dual Registration

Many physios maintain registration in both countries. To do this:

• Meet AHPRA renewal requirements (annual registration, CPD)
• Meet PBNZ renewal requirements (APC, competence programme)
• Budget for both registration fees

This provides flexibility to work in either country.

Checklist for NZ Physios

• Confirm NZ registration is current and unconditional
• Download/obtain current APC from PBNZ
• Gather identity documents
• Create AHPRA account
• Complete TTMRA application
• Pay application fee
• Wait for processing (4-8 weeks)
• Receive AHPRA registration
• Apply for Medicare provider number (if needed)
• Obtain professional indemnity insurance
• Complete cultural safety training