Highly recommend to chat to our Partners in New Zealand, First Capital Financial Services are a dedicated team of specialists that help expats and returning New Zealanders navigate the complexities of transferring their pension back home. For more information go to their website https://firstcapital.co.nz/uk-pensions/
UK Pensions
Between Tax and NI, paying into a UK pension can be a drain on your take home pay.
Your employer is legally required to automatically enrol you in a pension, however you can opt out. To do this, you need to complete the opt out form provided by your employer and return it to them. If you do this within a month of being enrolled you will be treated as if you never enrolled and your contributions will be refunded to you. If you opt out after a month of being enrolled, you may not have your contributions refunded to you, these will likely be held until retirement, or if you choose to transfer these to a qualifying scheme at home in New Zealand.
QROPS
Transferring your pension is currently possible, this is called QROPS, it is separate to Kiwisaver, and there are differences, you cannot withdraw early or use it for your First Home, however, you can access it from age 60 (Kiwisaver is age 65). If you want to transfer your pension home, you’ll need to search for a QROPS scheme, this is a relatively new process, and your best bet is to google search QROPS NZ for a provider who will manage this for you.
Whether you should contribute to a pension or not is not any easy question as everyone is unique. Given the often generous employer contributions and the ability to transfer this home, it is essentially free money. However, you may find you have a better use for the contributions.
Kiwisaver
Can I withdraw my Kiwisaver is a frequently asked question in the KIL group. The simple answer is yes, if you have been out of the country for more than a year and can provide proof in the form of:
– a statutory declaration stating you have permanently emigrated from New Zealand, and
evidence that you have:
– departed from New Zealand (for example, your passport records), and
– lived at an overseas address at some time during the year after your departure from New Zealand.
http://www.kiwisaver.govt.nz/already/get-money/early/moving/
To get this underway you need to contact your Kiwisaver provider, if you are unsure who this is, get in touch with the IRD who can point you in the right direction.
A couple of important points,
If you close your Kiwisaver account you will get the full balance less any member tax credits, these will be refunded to the government and you will not get these back if you return to NZ and rejoin Kiwisaver.
Closing your Kiwisaver account will also not affect any First Home withdrawal should you return and rejoin, although if you have already withdrawn for your first home, close your account and rejoin you cannot get a First Home withdrawal again either.
Please think very carefully before you withdraw your Kiwisaver, particularly if you are only here for a short time. Should you go home, you may be selling yourself short by unlocking it later down the track when you want to buy your first home, or even in retirement. This was intended to allow people who had shifted out of the country permanently to access their Kiwisaver, not those in the UK on temporary visas.
Are you currently living or planning to live abroad and wondering what to do with your KiwiSaver account? Look no further! Our expert financial advisor offers free advice on how to optimize your KiwiSaver investments and make the most of your hard-earned savings. Whether you’re looking to access your funds early or need guidance on which fund options are best for your financial goals, we’re here to help.
Don’t let distance prevent you from making the most of your KiwiSaver account. Contact us today to schedule a chat and take control of your financial future. Click below to start!
https://www.kauriwealth.nz/contact
Unfortunately, so many of us forget or neglect our KiwiSaver when we move overseas on our O.E. or permanently. Don’t fall into this trap. A 10–20-minute conversation (completely free of charge) can help to prevent your KiwiSaver account from becoming stagnant or even decreasing while you’re away.
Let us help you make it work for you, building towards your financial goals whether you plan to return to New Zealand or withdraw your funds overseas. A simple conversation today can seriously help you save tens of thousands of dollars extra and come home to that first home deposit or retirement fund that you have always dreamed of.
Australian Superannuation (Trans Tasman Portability)
Australia currently allows you to transfer your Super to your NZ Kiwisaver, with a few conditions.
Once you transfer your Aus Super to Kiwisaver it will be held in two parts
– the Australian-sourced component, and
– the New Zealand-sourced component.
If you have Australian Sourced Super in your Kiwisaver, you will not be able to withdraw this early. Nor can you use this towards your First Home. Special note, if you close your Kiwisaver, you will not be able to withdraw your Australian Super under any circumstances, it will sit there until age 60 (Australian age for retirement).
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/In-detail/Withdrawing-and-paying-tax/Trans-Tasman-retirement-savings-portability-scheme-for-individuals/