How to Transfer Your Australian Super to KiwiSaver (Without the Headache)
If you've worked across the ditch and built up an Australian Super balance, good news: you can bring that money back and fold it into your KiwiSaver. No more juggling accounts or wondering what’s happening with your retirement savings overseas.
At Savvy Saver, we’re all about making KiwiSaver stuff easy - and transferring your Super doesn’t need to be hard. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Transfer Your Aussie Super to KiwiSaver?
Let’s start with the why.
- Everything in one place - Easier to track, manage, and optimise
- Save on fees - You won’t be paying two sets of account fees
- Simplified retirement planning - One account, one strategy
- Better control - Choose a KiwiSaver fund that fits your goals and value
- Tax benefits - In NZ, KiwiSaver is taxed using PIR (Prescribed Investor Rate), which can be lower than Australian tax rates
Savvy Tip: Transferring your Super doesn’t affect your First Home Withdrawal eligibility - but it doesn’t count toward your Government Contribution either.
Who Can Transfer?
To be eligible to transfer your Australian Super to your KiwiSaver, you need to:
- Be living in New Zealand
- Be a member of a KiwiSaver scheme
- Have Super in an Australian complying super fund
-If that’s you, let’s get into the steps.
How to Transfer Your Super to KiwiSaver (in 4 Simple Steps)
Step 1: Join a KiwiSaver Scheme (if you haven’t already)
If you’re not in a KiwiSaver fund yet, sign up!
You’ll need a fund that accepts Australian Super transfers - not all do. Providers like Generate, Milford, NZFunds and Pathfinder do.
Already in a KiwiSaver scheme? Check with your provider to confirm they accept transfers from Australia.
Step 2: Contact Your KiwiSaver Provider
Your KiwiSaver provider will walk you through the exact process and send you the required forms. This usually includes:
- A Transfer Request Form
- A Letter of Compliance (to prove your KiwiSaver fund is eligible)
- ID verification
-Most providers will help you fill this out and send it to your Australian Super fund on your behalf.
Step 3: Contact Your Aussie Super Fund
They might have a form or process of their own. Be ready to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of your KiwiSaver membership
- The Letter of Compliance from your provider
Every Aussie Super fund is a bit different, but the paperwork is usually straightforward.
Step 4: Wait for the Transfer
Once the forms are submitted, your Australian Super fund will process the transfer and send the funds to your KiwiSaver provider.
This can take 2–8 weeks, depending on the provider.
Note: Once the money lands in your KiwiSaver, it’s locked in until retirement - just like the rest of your KiwiSaver balance.
A Few Things You Can’t Do With Transferred Super
· You can’t withdraw Australian Super money early for a first home
· It doesn’t count toward the Government Contribution
· You can’t transfer NZ KiwiSaver funds back to Australia
The Bottom Line
If you’ve got an Australian Super sitting across the ditch, don’t leave it behind.
Transferring it to your KiwiSaver could save you money on fees, simplify your retirement planning, and give you more control.
It’s easier than it sounds - and your KiwiSaver provider will do most of the heavy lifting.
Need help finding the right KiwiSaver provider for you?
Take our 2-minute quiz to get matched with the fund that fits your goals and values - whether you're transferring Australian Super or just getting started.
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