KiwiSaver and Your UK Pension: What Happens When You Move

26 August 2026

Retirement savings are one of the most consequential, and most commonly delayed, decisions Kiwi migrants make. This isn't financial advice, but here's a plain-English overview of what happens to KiwiSaver when you move overseas, and how the UK's own pension system works for a newcomer.

KiwiSaver doesn't transfer into a UK pension

HMRC removed all KiwiSaver schemes from its list of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) in May 2015, over conflicts with the UK's early-access rules, and that hasn't changed as at 26 Aug 2026. In practical terms, there's no direct transfer route from KiwiSaver into a UK pension scheme. Your KiwiSaver stays exactly where it is, a New Zealand-based account, regardless of where you live.

Withdrawing KiwiSaver after you emigrate

IRD allows an early withdrawal for permanent emigration. After you've lived overseas for at least 1 year (the UK qualifies, this rule is different for Australia), you can withdraw your own contributions, your employer's contributions, the kickstart payment if you received one, fee subsidies, and any interest earned. Government Member Tax Credit contributions are excluded from this withdrawal and are returned to IRD instead.

UK workplace pension auto-enrolment

Once you're employed in the UK, workplace pension auto-enrolment applies to you the same as it does to a UK national, based on where you work, not your nationality. If you're aged 22 to State Pension age and earn at least £10,000 a year, your employer must automatically enrol you into a workplace pension scheme, though you can opt out.

What most people do

Many migrants simply leave KiwiSaver in place and start building a separate UK pension through auto-enrolment, rather than withdrawing. This avoids the emigration-withdrawal decision entirely, at the cost of managing two separate retirement accounts across two countries long-term. Neither approach is automatically right, it depends on your age, how much is in KiwiSaver already, and your broader plans.

Key Takeaways

KiwiSaver cannot be transferred into a UK pension scheme. HMRC delisted all KiwiSaver schemes as QROPS in 2015.
After 1 year living overseas, you can withdraw most of your KiwiSaver balance, excluding government contributions.
UK workplace pension auto-enrolment applies to you the same as a UK national, once employed and earning above the threshold.
Many migrants leave KiwiSaver in place and build a UK pension separately, rather than withdrawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep contributing to KiwiSaver from the UK?

This depends on your specific scheme provider and circumstances. Confirm directly with your KiwiSaver provider or IRD rather than assuming either way.

Should I withdraw my KiwiSaver or leave it in place?

This is a personal financial decision that depends on your age, balance, and long-term plans. Speak to a licensed financial adviser, ideally one familiar with both NZ and UK retirement systems, before deciding.

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