KiwiSaver Considerations for Immigrants & New Residents
New Zealand residents and those entitled to live here indefinitely can join KiwiSaver. For immigrants and new residents, understanding eligibility, the benefits of joining, and how KiwiSaver compares to retirement schemes in other countries is important.
Last reviewed: July 2026
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
Key Considerations for Immigrants & New Residents
- •Must be entitled to live in NZ indefinitely to join
- •Australian citizens and residents can join
- •No minimum residency period to join
- •Can still receive government contribution
- •Consider whether you plan to stay in NZ long-term
- •KiwiSaver can be transferred to Australian super under some conditions
Fund Types Commonly Considered
Immigrants & New Residents often consider funds with risk indicators of 4, 5, 6 (on the 1-7 scale). Common fund types include: Balanced, Growth.
Note: Fund type selection depends entirely on individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. This is general information only.
Funds in Relevant Risk Categories
Example funds with risk indicators of 4, 5, 6 - for information only
| Fund Name | 5Y Return | Fees | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Balanced Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Growth Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Equity Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Glidepath Age 25 fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
About “N/A” in return figures: it means no figure is held, not a return of zero. Of the 6 funds listed, 0 have a 5-year average return. Figures are drawn from fund disclosures on the FMA Disclose register, chiefly quarterly fund updates. Each fund shows the most recent figure held; the latest quarter broadly covered across all funds is March 2026. A fund too new to report a period has no figure for it; other gaps are figures not yet captured from the updates ingested so far.
This is not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can immigrants join KiwiSaver?
Yes, if you're entitled to live in NZ indefinitely (permanent residence or citizenship). Temporary visa holders generally cannot join.
What if I move back to my home country?
You can leave your KiwiSaver account invested until age 65, or apply for early withdrawal if permanently emigrating (except to Australia). Seek advice for your specific situation.
Can KiwiSaver be transferred to Australian superannuation?
Yes, under the Trans-Tasman retirement savings portability scheme. Conditions apply - seek specific advice.
Related Resources
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Important Information
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP).
We do not assess suitability, make recommendations, or provide personalised advice. The information shown is sourced from publicly available data and may not reflect current offerings. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Investment returns can be negative, and you may receive back less than you invested.
Before making any decisions: Always verify current information directly with the relevant KiwiSaver provider and read their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Need personalised advice? Consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Find advisers at fma.govt.nz
Compare every fund on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.
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The information provided on this website is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial products. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
Investing involves risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Before making any investment decision, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the fund carefully. If you have questions or are unclear about the implications of your investment decision, you should seek advice from a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
All information displayed is sourced from scheme providers, the Disclose Register, and the Sorted Smart Investor universal feed (operated by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission), or other publicly available sources. We take reasonable steps to ensure accuracy but cannot guarantee information is always current or complete.
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