Can you transfer your Australian super to your KiwiSaver?
Yes. If you have moved to New Zealand permanently, transferring your Australian super to KiwiSaver is relatively straightforward.
The trans-Tasman retirement savings portability scheme is an arrangement between the Australian and New Zealand governments. It lets you move Australian retirement savings into a New Zealand KiwiSaver account. It applies to New Zealanders returning home permanently after living and working in Australia, and to Australians moving to New Zealand permanently.
Your Australian fund must be an APRA regulated super fund. Self managed super funds can’t use the scheme.
What you need before you start
Have these ready:
- Your Australian tax file number
- Your last Australian residential address
- A recent Australian super statement
The rules
Moving your super into KiwiSaver puts your retirement savings in one place, with one set of fees instead of two.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Whole balance | Each Australian account must transfer in full. Part transfers aren’t allowed |
| KiwiSaver only | The money must go into a KiwiSaver scheme that accepts Australian transfers |
| No transfer back | Once transferred, the money can’t be moved back to Australia or on to another country |
| First home | Australian sourced money can’t be used for a first home withdrawal |
| Access | Generally from age 60, once you meet the Australian definition of retirement. New Zealand savings follow the usual rules from 65 |
| Provider fees | Your Australian fund may charge a fee to transfer |
Rules checked against the ATO trans-Tasman retirement savings transfers guidance, October 2026.
How tax works
There is no tax on the transfer itself. Once the money is invested in KiwiSaver, it is taxed like the rest of your KiwiSaver.
Australia generally taxes super fund earnings at a flat 15%. In New Zealand, KiwiSaver earnings are taxed at your Prescribed Investor Rate of 10.5%, 17.5% or 28%, so you may pay more tax on the earnings after transferring.
Unsure where your Australian super is?
Billions of dollars of New Zealanders’ money sits in lost Australian super accounts. Funds transfer inactive accounts to the ATO when the balance is under $6,000 and there have been no contributions for at least 12 months.
If you are unsure where your super is, you can search through myGov or contact the ATO. Our guide to finding lost Australian super walks you through it.
How the transfer works
The transfer runs in two stages. First we review your KiwiSaver, because the whole Australian balance will be invested in your fund and the provider must accept Australian transfers. Then we request the acceptance letter from your KiwiSaver provider, prefill your Australian fund’s forms, guide you through signing and certification, submit everything and follow up until the money lands.
Allow up to three months once the forms are with your Australian fund.
How Finsol can help
We make sure you are with the right KiwiSaver provider and fund before the money moves, then manage the transfer from start to finish. Our transfer fee is $250 + GST or $500 + GST depending on complexity, invoiced only once the funds reach your KiwiSaver.
Call us on 0800 346 765 or book a free consultation.
Finsol is a financial advisory business founded in Hawke’s Bay in 2010, looking after more than 6,000 clients across New Zealand. This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Information checked against ATO and Inland Revenue sources in October 2026.
