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Pension question, New Zealand

Can I transfer my KiwiSaver to Australia?

Australia is excluded from cash altogether: since 1 July 2013 the only route there is a transfer into a complying Australian scheme, and money moved there cannot go on to a third country. For a person who moves permanently to Australia, IRD states they can transfer their KiwiSaver savings to an Australian superannuation scheme, though they do not have to.

What to do next

  1. Find the name of your KiwiSaver provider and the name of your Australian super fund.
  2. Note the date you moved to Australia.
  3. Run our free check to see which other countries may hold a pension in your name.

Check your own working life for free

Tell us where you worked. The free check shows which countries may hold a pension for you, and which can be ruled out and why. No sign in, no charge.

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Questions people also ask

What applies in other countries?

KiwiSaver savings cannot be withdrawn immediately on leaving New Zealand: the member must have been living overseas (anywhere other than Australia) for a full year first, and the government contributions can never be withdrawn at all.

Do you give advice on what to do?

No. We identify where a pension is likely held and the official route to it, and we name each source with the date we read it. We do not give financial, tax or legal advice.