Yes, you can withdraw your KiwiSaver account if you move overseas to any country, except Australia.
Australia: If you permanently move to Australia, you are only able to transfer your KiwiSaver balance to an Australian Superannuation Scheme. To initiate this process, either contact your adviser or KiwiSaver provider directly. Do note that you don’t need to transfer your KiwiSaver account to Australia if you are permanently moving, and if you do so you forfeit your ability to withdraw your KiwiSaver balance for a first home deposit in New Zealand.
Any other country: Once you have been living in any other country for at least one year, you can withdraw the majority of your KiwiSaver balance. You can withdraw the following…
- All personal contributions
- All employer contributions
- All returns
- The $1,000 kickstart (for those that enrolled in KiwiSaver prior to 21st May 2021)
- Any fee subsidies
- The only portion of your KiwiSaver balance which you cannot withdraw is your annual Government contributions.
- Also note that if you are moving to a country that has an approved superannuation scheme, you can apply to have your KiwiSaver funds transferred directly into the scheme.