Which super fund can you transfer your KiwiSaver to? You can only transfer your KiwiSaver to an Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) super fund which accepts KiwiSaver transfers Out of 100+ superannuation funds in Australia, only a handful accept KiwiSaver transfers First Super is one of the few which accepts KiwiSaver transfers It is not compulsory for a superannuation fund to accept KiwiSaver transfers You cannot transfer to an SMSF as these are regulated by the ATO and not APRA
How do I transfer my KiwiSaver to First Super? We’ll help you transfer your KiwiSaver to First Super in just four steps. > Read more on KiwiSaver transfer process > Join First Super online
How long does the transfer process take? It takes approximately between 2-6 weeks from when your KiwiSaver fund receives all the correct documentation. What to expect: Your KiwiSaver fund will process your KiwiSaver transfer. They will send you a notification once they have sent your transfer to First Super. Your KiwiSaver transfer will arrive in Australia and be converted into Australian dollars. It will then be allocated to your account. This takes a few days. Investment earnings will be back dated to the date on which our bank receives your KiwiSaver transfer. We will send you a confirmation letter when your KiwiSaver transfer is in your account. Your KiwiSaver balance will be in Australian dollars. > KiwiSaver Transfer process
How much can I transfer? When you transfer your KiwiSaver to Australia you must transfer the whole balance. Under the legislation, your KiwiSaver Transfer is considered a personal after-tax contribution. There are limits on how much personal after-tax contributions you can make to your superannuation account in each financial year. The current FY 2024-25 limit is AUD $120,000. However, you may transfer up to AUD $360,000 in one move under the Bring Forward rule. The Bring Forward rule allows you to make up to three years’ worth of after-tax contributions in a single year. The rule limits the amount of after-tax contribution you make in the subsequent three years. If you exceed the limit, you’ll have to pay excess contribution tax.
First Super fees First Super does not charge KiwiSaver transfer or exit fees, however like all superannuation funds in Australia there are administration fees for managing your account. Foreign exchange It’s important to note foreign exchange rates and fees apply with KiwiSaver transfers. We use the currency exchange rates from NZD to AUD on the day we receive the funds. Exchange rates change daily. We use wholesale foreign exchange rates which provides more favourable rates than retail. A small bank fee of up to AUD $15 is charged for processing the foreign exchange. Your KiwiSaver fund may charge a transfer fee To avoid any surprises later on, we recommend you check with them before you start the KiwiSaver transfer process.
I have transferred my KiwiSaver to a KiwiSaver accepting fund in Australia. Can I then move it to a different fund or SMSF? Once your KiwiSaver is in Australia, you can transfer it to a different superannuation fund, however the fund you transfer it to must be another APRA KiwiSaver accepting fund. You can transfer your Australian superannuation component in your superannuation account to another superannuation fund or SMSF.
Once your KiwiSaver is in Australia Once your KiwiSaver is in Australia it is tagged. The tag allows super funds to identify the KiwiSaver component in your superannuation account. Your KiwiSaver transfer will be shown in Australian dollars in your account. Interest earned on your KiwiSaver transfer will be in Australian dollars. This will be added to your superannuation component within your super account and subject to Australian rules. The balance of your KiwiSaver component will still be subject to New Zealand rules.
Can I use my KiwiSaver purchase my first home in Australia? Even if you already own a home in New Zealand, you can still apply for the Australian First Home Super Saver scheme (FHSS) to purchase your first home in Australia. The FHSS scheme is managed by the ATO. > Read more KiwiSaver and FHSS
When can I access my retirement savings? In your superannuation account, you will have your KiwiSaver transfer component and your superannuation component. Both are subject to different laws. KiwiSaver component This is subject to current New Zealand government regulation. Current New Zealand regulations allow you to access your KiwiSaver when you reach the age of 65. Superannuation component This is subject to current Australian government regulation. Earnings on investments made on your KiwiSaver component are allocated to your superannuation component. You can access your superannuation when: You turn 60 and are fully retired, or leave an employment arrangement after age 60 You may have limited access through a Transition to Retirement account age between 60 – 65 years You turn 65 regardless of whether you’re still working or not Your superannuation is for retirement, but you may be able to access limited amounts of your super early on compassionate and other hardship grounds. This is subject to eligibility and Australian government regulations.
I have a super account with another fund. Can I move this to First Super? Yes, you can combine all your other Australian super accounts with First Super2. Having all your super in one place means you’ll only pay one set of fees which can add up over time. You can find and combine all your accounts online. Just log into your firstonline account. > Log into firstonline 2Before combining super balances, check the conditions of your insurance and any other benefits. If necessary, seek financial advice if you’re unsure.
Can my employer contributions go into my First Super account? Yes. Once a member you can ask your employer start paying employer contributions (SG contributions) into your First Super account. Complete the Employee Choice of fund form and hand it back to your employer. > Employee Choice of fund form First Super fund details Australian Business Number (ABN): 56 286 625 181 Superannuation Product Identification Number (SPIN) & Unique Superannuation Identifier (USI): FIS0001AU Address: PO BOX 666, Carlton South, VIC 3053
What happens if I move back to New Zealand? If you decide to move back to New Zealand, you can transfer your KiwiSaver and superannuation components back to a KiwiSaver scheme of your choice. You will need a New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number to transfer your retirement savings in an Australian superannuation fund to a KiwiSaver scheme. You must transfer your whole balance There are no limits as to how much you can transfer > Transfers back to New Zealand
More Resources More details of the Trans-Tasman portability of retirement savings scheme between Australia and New Zealand can be found: > ATO Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability scheme > Australian Government Treasury website
