Superannuation for Visa Holders: Can You Withdraw When You Leave?

What Is Superannuation?

Superannuation (commonly called "super") is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Every employer must pay a percentage of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund on your behalf. This money is invested and grows over time, and you can access it when you retire (at preservation age, currently 60).

Super applies to almost everyone who works in Australia, regardless of visa type. Whether you're on a 482 work visa, 500 student visa working part-time, 417 working holiday visa, or a permanent resident — if you earn $450+ in a calendar month from an employer, they must pay super for you.

The current Super Guarantee (SG) rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings (as of 1 July 2025). This means if you earn $1,000/week, your employer must pay an additional $120/week into your super fund. This is on top of your wages — it should not be deducted from your pay.

Employer Obligations (Super Guarantee)

Your employer must pay the Super Guarantee (SG) for you if you meet the following criteria:

• You are 18 years or older (if under 18, you must work 30+ hours per week)
• You earn $450 or more in a calendar month (this threshold was removed from 1 July 2022 — now all earnings qualify)
• You are an employee (not a genuine contractor)

Employers must pay super at least quarterly — by the 28th day after each quarter ends (28 October, 28 January, 28 April, 28 July). Many good employers pay super with each pay cycle.

How to Check Your Super Is Being Paid

1. Check your payslip: Your payslip should show the super contribution amount separately from your wages
2. Log in to your super fund: Your fund's website or app will show all contributions received. If there are gaps, your employer may not be paying
3. Use myGov: Link your ATO account to myGov and check your super accounts. The ATO keeps a record of all super funds where you have money

Choosing a Super Fund

When you start a new job, your employer will ask you to choose a super fund. If you don't choose one, they'll put your super into their default fund (called a "stapled fund" if you already have one from a previous employer). Here are the main types of funds:

Industry Funds

These are run for members' benefit (not-for-profit). They typically have lower fees and strong long-term returns. Popular industry funds include AustralianSuper (the largest fund), REST (retail and hospitality workers), HESTA (healthcare workers), and Cbus (construction workers). For most visa holders, an industry fund is the best choice due to low fees.

Retail Funds

Run by banks and financial institutions for profit. Examples include AMP, MLC, and Colonial First State. These tend to have higher fees than industry funds. Unless you have a specific reason, industry funds generally deliver better outcomes for the average worker.

Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs)

For people who want to manage their own super investments. Not recommended for temporary visa holders due to complexity, cost, and the fact that you'll likely be claiming DASP when you leave.

DASP: Claiming Your Super When You Leave Australia

The Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) allows temporary visa holders to claim their super after they've permanently left Australia and their visa has expired or been cancelled. This is the primary way temporary residents get their super money back.

Eligibility for DASP

To claim DASP, you must meet ALL of these conditions:

1. You were a temporary resident (not an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen)
2. You have departed Australia (you must be physically outside Australia)
3. Your temporary visa has expired or been cancelled
4. You are not the holder of another active Australian visa

Step-by-Step DASP Application Process

1. Leave Australia: You must physically depart. The Department of Home Affairs records your departure
2. Wait for your visa to expire/be cancelled: You cannot apply while your visa is still active. Working holiday visas (417/462) expire on the date stated on your visa. If you held a bridging visa, wait until all visa statuses are resolved
3. Gather your information: You'll need your TFN, super fund details, passport, and an overseas bank account for the payment
4. Apply online through the ATO: Go to the ATO's DASP application page. You'll need to create an ATO online account if you don't have one
5. The ATO processes the claim: The ATO contacts your super fund(s) to release the money. This typically takes 28-60 days
6. Receive payment: The money is sent to your nominated overseas bank account, minus applicable tax

Tax Rates on DASP Withdrawal

DASP payments are taxed before being sent to you. The tax rate depends on the components of your super and your visa type:

Example DASP Calculation

Let's say you worked in Australia for 2 years on a 482 visa, earning $80,000/year. Your employer paid 12% super = $9,600/year = $19,200 total. After investment returns, your balance might be around $20,500.

• Tax-free component: approximately $0 (most employer contributions are taxed element)
• Taxed element: $20,500
• DASP tax at 35%: $7,175
• You receive: approximately $13,325

For a WHM on 417 visa with the same balance, the tax would be 65% = $13,325, leaving you with just $7,175. The difference is significant.

Finding Lost Super

If you've worked for multiple employers in Australia, you may have super scattered across several funds. The ATO estimates billions of dollars in "lost super" sitting in accounts where the fund has lost contact with the member.

To find your lost super:

1. Log in to myGov and link your ATO account. The ATO's super section shows all funds where you have money
2. Use the ATO's Super Search tool if you can't access myGov
3. Contact your old employers and ask which fund they paid into
4. Consolidate before leaving: Transfer all super into one fund before you apply for DASP. This ensures you claim everything in one application

If you've already left Australia and can't access myGov, you can call the ATO on +61 2 6216 1111 (international) or complete a Super Search form.

Salary Sacrifice and Voluntary Contributions

While most temporary visa holders simply receive the standard Super Guarantee contributions from their employer, some may want to contribute more to super through salary sacrifice or personal contributions. However, this is generally not recommended for temporary visa holders unless you plan to become a permanent resident.

Why Salary Sacrifice Usually Doesn't Make Sense for Temporary Visa Holders

• DASP tax is high: At 35% (or 65% for WHMs), any tax benefit from salary sacrificing into super is wiped out when you withdraw via DASP
• Money is locked away: You can't access your super until you leave Australia and your visa expires. If you need the money sooner, it's stuck
• Better alternatives: For temporary visa holders, keeping extra savings in a high-interest savings account is usually more beneficial — the money is accessible and you avoid the DASP tax hit

Super for Permanent Residents

If you become a permanent resident, your super is treated the same as any Australian citizen's super. You cannot claim DASP — your super stays in the system until you reach preservation age (currently 60). This is a good thing, as it means your super grows tax-effectively over decades.

As a permanent resident, salary sacrifice and voluntary contributions become much more attractive because:

• Contributions are taxed at only 15% (much lower than most income tax rates)
• Investment earnings inside super are taxed at only 15%
• Withdrawals after age 60 are completely tax-free

Use our Tax Calculator to see how salary sacrifice could reduce your tax bill if you're a permanent resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my super while still in Australia?

No. You cannot claim DASP while you're still in Australia or while you hold a valid visa. You must physically leave Australia and your visa must expire or be cancelled before you can apply. There are limited early release provisions for severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds, but these are difficult to access on temporary visas.

How long does DASP take to process?

The ATO typically processes DASP applications within 28-60 days. However, it can take longer if your super fund is slow to release the money, if there are issues with your identity verification, or if you have super in multiple funds. Apply as soon as your visa expires to start the process early.

Can I claim DASP if I'm a New Zealand citizen?

Generally no. New Zealand citizens in Australia on a Special Category (Subclass 444) visa are treated as permanent residents for super purposes. However, NZ citizens who held other temporary visas may be eligible in some circumstances. Check with the ATO directly.

What if I forget to claim DASP?

If you don't claim DASP within 6 months of your visa expiring, your super fund will eventually transfer your money to the ATO as "unclaimed super." You can still claim it later through the ATO, but it's better to claim promptly to avoid unnecessary delays and to ensure your fund details are still accurate.

Does super apply to casual workers and part-timers?

Yes. Since 1 July 2022, all workers are entitled to super regardless of how much they earn per month. Whether you work 5 hours a week or 40, your employer must pay the 12% Super Guarantee on your ordinary time earnings. This includes casual workers, part-timers, and working holiday makers.

Can I keep my super in Australia if I plan to return?

If you plan to return to Australia on a new visa, you can leave your super in your fund rather than claiming DASP. However, your fund may charge ongoing fees that reduce your balance. If you're confident you'll return, this can be worthwhile as you avoid the high DASP tax rate. If you're unsure, it may be better to claim.