KiwiSaver to Australian Super: How to Transfer and What It Costs

14 July 2026

Calculator and superannuation statement with pie chart on a wooden desk beside a coffee mug and notebook in natural sunlight

Australia and New Zealand have one of the more genuinely functional trans-Tasman retirement savings transfer systems in the world, but "functional" still means rules, limits and a fund-by-fund lottery on whether transfers are even accepted. This is general information, not financial advice.

The basics of the transfer scheme

If you move permanently to Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver savings into a participating Australian superannuation fund under the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Transfer scheme. Only complying super funds regulated by APRA, and KiwiSaver scheme providers on the New Zealand side, can take part. Not every Australian fund accepts these transfers, so check with your chosen fund first.

Whole balance only, and contribution caps

Transfers must be the entire KiwiSaver balance. Partial transfers aren't permitted. Once transferred, the funds are treated as non-concessional (personal) contributions and count against your non-concessional contributions cap, which has an annual limit alongside a larger "bring forward" limit available under certain conditions. Exceeding the cap can trigger excess contributions tax, so it's worth checking current cap figures before transferring a large balance.

Tax treatment

The transfer itself from KiwiSaver to an eligible Australian fund isn't taxed, but investment earnings on the transferred amount are generally taxed at the standard Australian super earnings rate going forward. This is one of the more favourable retirement-savings transfer arrangements available to any migrant group moving to Australia, largely because of the close-knit trans-Tasman regulatory relationship.

The First Home Super Saver angle

A portion of transferred KiwiSaver funds can potentially count toward the Australian Government's First Home Super Saver scheme, which lets first home buyers use eligible voluntary super contributions toward a deposit, up to a capped amount. If a first home purchase is on your radar, it's worth understanding how a KiwiSaver transfer interacts with this scheme before deciding on transfer timing.

Key Takeaways

Only APRA-regulated funds that opt in can accept KiwiSaver transfers, so check with your chosen fund first.
Transfers must be the full KiwiSaver balance; partial transfers aren't allowed.
Transferred funds count as non-concessional contributions against your annual cap.
Some transferred KiwiSaver funds can count toward the First Home Super Saver scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to transfer KiwiSaver to Australian super?

The transfer itself typically isn't taxed, but check your specific KiwiSaver provider and Australian fund for any administrative fees.

Do I have to transfer my KiwiSaver when I move to Australia?

No. It's entirely optional. Many people leave KiwiSaver in place and simply build Australian super separately.

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