Getting Your Super Back When You Leave Australia
Worked in Australia on a temporary visa? You may be entitled to reclaim your superannuation contributions after you leave — here's what to know.
Australia's superannuation system requires most employers to make retirement contributions on behalf of their workers. For Australian citizens and permanent residents, that money sits locked away until retirement age. But if you worked there on a temporary visa, the rules are different — and more favorable for you.
When temporary residents depart Australia permanently, they can apply to have their accumulated super paid out directly to them. This is known as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment, or DASP. It's not automatic — you have to actively claim it — but for many short-term workers and working holidaymakers, it can mean a meaningful sum of money coming back to them.
The process generally involves leaving Australia, having your visa expired or cancelled, and then submitting a claim either through the Australian Tax Office's online portal or via your super fund directly. Be aware that the payout is taxed, and the rate can be significant depending on your visa type — working holiday visa holders face a higher withholding rate than other temporary residents.
If you're wrapping up a stint in Australia and heading back on the road, it's worth tracking down any super funds you contributed to before you go. Some workers end up with accounts spread across multiple funds, especially if they changed employers, so check your records carefully.
Inspired by reporting from Nomad Capitalist.