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The Daily Insight

Can we use KiwiSaver in Australia?

Author

Rachel Newton

Updated on March 25, 2026

If you move permanently to Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver funds to an Australian superannuation scheme. You do not have to transfer your KiwiSaver account to Australia though. Contact your KiwiSaver provider if you decide to transfer your KiwiSaver funds. They can take you through the process.

Beside this, can I use my KiwiSaver to buy a home in Australia?

Yes, you can use your KiwiSaver to purchase a section / land without a house. There are no restrictions on when a house must be built. You can also use your KiwiSaver towards a house and land package.

Similarly, how can I bring my KiwiSaver to Australia? If you want to transfer your KiwiSaver retirement savings to an Australian super fund, you must:

  1. Have emigrated to Australia (you will need to sign a statutory declaration confirming this and provide evidence that you have departed New Zealand and are living at an Australian address)
  2. Have an Australian tax file number.

Just so, who accepts KiwiSaver in Australia?

First Super is one of the few Australian super funds that can accept a KiwiSaver transfer to Australia. We do not charge a fee for accepting your KiwiSaver into your First Super account. If you're not a First Super member and want to join online click on the button below.

Can I withdraw my KiwiSaver when I move to Australia?

Unless you're emigrating to Australia, you're able to withdraw all your KiwiSaver savings, excluding any Member Tax Credits you've received and any amount you have transferred from an Australian complying superannuation fund.

Related Question Answers

What happens to my KiwiSaver if I move to Australia?

If you move permanently to Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver funds to an Australian superannuation scheme. You do not have to transfer your KiwiSaver account to Australia though. Contact your KiwiSaver provider if you decide to transfer your KiwiSaver funds. They can take you through the process.

Can I use KiwiSaver to buy a house in Australia 2021?

Can I use my NZ KiwiSaver to buy a house in Australia? You are able to use your KiwiSaver as a deposit for a home in Australia. You must have been in KiwiSaver for at least 3 years before you withdraw funds for your first home.

Can I buy a house in New Zealand if I live in Australia?

While in Australia, temporary residents including students and those on a working visa can purchase property, they can't in New Zealand. As discussed, permanent residents of Australia are exempt from the Overseas Investment Act when buying a home in New Zealand.

Can a foreigner buy a house in Australia?

Non-residents must seek FIRB approval before they take an interest in any Australian residential property. Under the FIRB rules, an interest can include, but is not limited to: signing an unconditional contract agreeing to purchase a dwelling or share in a dwelling.

How much deposit do you need to buy a house in Australia?

In most cases, home loan lenders will lend up to 80% of the property value, meaning you'll need to come up with the other 20% (your deposit). For a property of $400,000, for example, you'll need a cash deposit of $80,000.

Can I buy a home in Australia?

Well, good news! Foreigners living in Australia or living abroad can buy property in Australia. Also, many residents who hold temporary visas (TR) or permanent visas (PR) may be missing out on the benefits of the Australian real estate market because they do not know they may qualify for a home loan.

Can the government take your KiwiSaver?

The government – through Inland Revenue – has set up KiwiSaver and makes sure that the money you put in (and any KiwiSaver employer contributions) goes into your account. But that money is yours and cannot be taken back by the government.

Can NZ citizens get pension in Australia?

Under Australia's international social security agreement with New Zealand, New Zealand citizens living in Australia can apply for the Australian Age Pension (if over the age of 65), Disability Support Pension (if they are severely disabled) and Carer Payment (if they are caring for a partner on DSP) irrespective of

Can I receive my NZ pension in Australia?

You may be able to get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension in Australia if: If you meet the age criteria for Australian Age Pension, you can use time spent as an Australian resident between the ages of 20 and 65 to count towards this. you have lived in New Zealand or Australia continuously for at least one year since age 20.

Do you pay tax on KiwiSaver withdrawal?

Your KiwiSaver scheme invests your contributions so they earn money for you. You pay tax on the money your investment earns. Withdrawals from your KiwiSaver scheme are tax-free.

Can I use my super to buy a house?

You can't technically use your superannuation to buy a house. But, first home buyers are eligible to make voluntary contributions towards their super and use it as a deposit. This strategy is called the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme.

How do I get my super from Australia?

Contact your super fund to request access to your super due to a terminal medical condition. Your fund must pay your super as a lump sum. The payment is tax-free if you withdraw it within 24 months of certification.

Can I transfer my KiwiSaver to another person?

You can change your KiwiSaver scheme provider at any time, but you can only belong to one at a time. To change your scheme provider, you must apply directly to the provider of the scheme you want to join. Your new provider arranges the transfer of your savings from your old scheme to the new one.

What age can I withdraw my KiwiSaver?

65

Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy a car?

Q. Can you apply to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings for a holiday or to purchase a boat or a car? A. No, unfortunately a withdrawal can't be made for these reasons.

Can I withdraw my KiwiSaver early?

You may be eligible to withdraw KiwiSaver funds early if you are experiencing financial hardship. To withdraw funds you will need to provide evidence you are suffering significant financial hardship. If your application is accepted you can only withdraw your and your employer's contributions.

What happens to my KiwiSaver if I move to another country?

If you have permanently moved overseas and have resided in your new country for at least 12 months, complete a permanent emmigration withdrawal form. If you have moved overseas permanently to a country other than Australia, you can apply to withdraw your KiwiSaver 12 months after you have emigrated.

Can I withdraw KiwiSaver if I leave the country?

If you're permanently leaving New Zealand for anywhere other than Australia, you can apply to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings one year after leaving New Zealand. The amount you get will include any Government kick-start, your contributions, your employer contributions and any investment returns.

How much does it cost to move from NZ to Australia?

Charges vary but typically you can expect to pay AUD$300.00 to AUD$400.00 for this. Apart from Customs requirements you also need to ensure your vehicle complies with current Australian safety standards and obtain an approval to import from the Department of Transportation in Canberra.

How much of my KiwiSaver can I use for a house deposit?

5%

Can I close my KiwiSaver account?

If you've been automatically enrolled but do not want to be a KiwiSaver member you can opt out. You can opt out between the end of week 2 and week 8 of starting work. If you do not opt out, you will stay in KiwiSaver and your employer will continue to deduct contributions from your pay.