KiwiSaver Considerations for Self-Employed People
Self-employed people, contractors, and freelancers can join and benefit from KiwiSaver, though the contribution structure differs from employees. Without employer contributions, self-employed members often focus on voluntary contributions to maximise the government contribution.
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 Self-Employed
- •No employer contributions - all contributions are voluntary
- •Can still receive up to $260.72 annual government contribution
- •Need to contribute at least $1,042.86 annually for full government contribution
- •Flexible contribution timing - lump sum or regular payments
- •May have variable income - contribution holidays available
- •Tax-deductible contributions not available (unlike employer contributions)
Fund Types Commonly Considered
Self-Employed 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 self-employed people join KiwiSaver?
Yes. Anyone aged 18-65 who is a NZ citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely can join KiwiSaver, regardless of employment status.
Do self-employed people get employer contributions?
No. As you are your own employer, there is no employer contribution. All contributions are voluntary.
How much should self-employed people contribute?
To get the full $260.72 government contribution, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 per year. Beyond that, it depends on your retirement goals and cash flow.
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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.
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