KiwiSaver for Expats, Find and Withdraw Your NZ Pension

If you worked in New Zealand, you almost certainly have a KiwiSaver account, and if you have permanently emigrated, you may be able to withdraw your savings. KiwiSaver is New Zealand's workplace retirement savings scheme and most employees are automatically enrolled.

## KiwiSaver Withdrawal for Overseas Expats

KiwiSaver accounts can be withdrawn early in specific circumstances, including permanent emigration. If you have permanently moved overseas and have been away from New Zealand for at least one year, you can apply to withdraw your KiwiSaver balance (excluding the government contribution, the NZ$1,000 kick-start and member tax credits must remain).

To qualify for a permanent emigration withdrawal you must declare that you are permanently emigrating and have no intention of returning to live in New Zealand. Australian residents are excluded from this withdrawal option due to the trans-Tasman portability arrangement.

## How to Find a Lost KiwiSaver Account

If you have lost track of your KiwiSaver provider, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) maintains records of all KiwiSaver accounts. You can contact IRD with your IRD number to find out which provider holds your account and your current balance.

If you do not have your IRD number, IRD can help you locate it using your name, date of birth and previous New Zealand address.

## Why KiwiSaver Gets Forgotten

Many people who work in New Zealand on working holiday visas or temporary work visas are automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver. Contributions are deducted from their salary, often without them fully understanding what KiwiSaver is. When they leave New Zealand, the account is left behind and forgotten. The FMA estimates significant amounts of KiwiSaver savings belong to people who have left New Zealand.

## How PensionHunter Helps

PensionHunter searches for KiwiSaver accounts and other New Zealand pension entitlements as part of our New Zealand pension search. We trace your IRD records, identify your KiwiSaver provider, and help you navigate the withdrawal process. Pricing starts from $99 (Country Pension Identification Report), $499 (Enhanced Pension Identification Report) or $799 (Global Pension Identification Report). Full refund if we find nothing material.

Start your search from $99, or register free for beneficiary matching. Full refund if we find nothing material.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.*

At PensionHunter, building the World's Trusted Pension Identification Platform, we help people across 41 countries find pension records they had forgotten about.