Moving to Australia
You may be able to take your KiwiSaver savings with you.
Transferring to an Australian Superannuation Scheme
If you’re planning to move to Australia permanently, or you’ve already done so, you may be able to transfer your KiwiSaver savings to an Australian complying superannuation scheme.
What do you need to do?
Please be aware that not all Australian providers accept KiwiSaver transfers. Before completing any documentation, we recommend that you contact the provider of your chosen Australian complying superannuation scheme directly to check if they are accepting transfers of KiwiSaver savings and what their specific requirements are.
If your chosen Australian complying superannuation scheme accepts transfers, they will likely have their own forms they require you to complete. If they don’t, you will need to complete and send us:
- a Trans-Tasman Transfer Application Form – completed by you
- a Trans-Tasman Portability Approval Form – completed by your Australian provider
- Certified identification and proof of your address in Australia
- Evidence that you have permanently left New Zealand, and are now living in Australia.
Please note: Tax and other rules which apply to Australian complying superannuation schemes and KiwiSaver schemes are different, including the ways your savings are taxed and the applicable rates. We recommend seeking appropriate financial and tax advice to understand these differences before transferring.
What can you transfer?
If you’re transferring to an Australian complying superannuation scheme, you’ll need to transfer your total balance. This includes any Government contributions you received while you lived in New Zealand. Please note: any Government contributions you may have received while residing overseas will be returned to the government.
What happens if you move back to New Zealand or to another country?
If you permanently emigrated to Australia and transferred your KiwiSaver savings to an Australian Super Scheme, if you later decide to return to New Zealand and transfer your savings back to a New Zealand KiwiSaver scheme, the total of your transferred retirement savings will be treated as Australian sourced funds. This means if you were to apply for a first home withdrawal you wouldn’t be able to withdraw any of the amount that you transferred back to New Zealand.
If you’re only moving to Australia temporarily
A TTP transfer would not be appropriate, as to qualify your emigration must be expected to be permanent. Your money will remain invested while you’re away and you can keep your KiwiSaver account open.
If you move to a different country
Once you’ve transferred your KiwiSaver savings to an Australian Super Scheme (or vice versa), those funds can’t be transferred to a third country.
From overseas: +64 9 356 4000
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Important information
ANZ New Zealand Investments Limited ('ANZ Investments') is the issuer and manager of the OneAnswer KiwiSaver Scheme. Important information is available under terms and conditions. Download the guide and product disclosure statement.