NZ KiwiSaver Guide

KiwiSaver —
claim it
before you leave

If you're leaving NZ without permanent residency, you can withdraw your KiwiSaver balance. The sooner you prepare, the sooner you receive it.

Calculate NZ Tax Refund myIR Application Guide

Amount refundable

Full balance

Your contributions + employer + govt credit

Default contribution

You 3% + employer minimum 3%

Processing time

~10 days

After KiwiSaver provider approval

Eligibility

Who can apply?

✅

Eligible

Not a NZ citizen or permanent resident. Worked in NZ on a temporary visa (working holiday, student, temporary work). Permanently leaving NZ.

Eligible

❌

Not eligible

NZ citizens or permanent residents. Planning to continue living in NZ. Not enrolled in KiwiSaver.

Not eligible

🇦🇺

Moving to Australia

If permanently migrating to Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver balance to an Australian Superannuation fund instead of withdrawing cash.

AU Super transfer available

⏰

When to apply

You can apply 1 year (365 days) after your departure date. Prepare documents before leaving to speed up the process.

1 year after departure

How to apply

Step-by-step guide

Check KiwiSaver enrolment & balance

→ You may be auto-enrolled without knowing it

Prepare before leaving NZ

Gather: passport copy, visa expiry/end proof, departure flight details. Contact your KiwiSaver provider to register an overseas bank account.

Wait 1 year after departure

Exactly 365 days after leaving NZ, you become eligible to apply. Note your departure date carefully.

→ Record your exact departure date

Apply to your KiwiSaver provider

Apply via your provider's website or email (ANZ, ASB etc.). Complete the 'Overseas-based withdrawal' form and submit documents.

Receive your funds

After approval, funds are deposited to your registered overseas account within ~10 business days. Use Wise for easy KRW conversion.

→ Full balance paid after PIR tax settlement

myIR KiwiSaver

🥝

KiwiSaver Balance Screen

Government Member Tax Credit

If you contributed at least NZD 1,042.86 in a year, the government adds up to NZD 521.43. This is included in your refund.

PIR tax

Investment returns in your KiwiSaver are taxed (PIR). You'll typically receive 90–95% of your total balance.

KiwiSaver —claim itbefore you leave

Don't forget your IRD tax refund too

KiwiSaver —
claim it
before you leave