If you are working in Australia on a temporary visa, your employer is required to pay superannuation on your behalf under the Super Guarantee (SG). Here’s how super works for temporary residents.
Are Temporary Residents Entitled to Super?
Yes. Most employees in Australia — including temporary visa holders — are entitled to SG contributions from their employer. The SG rules apply based on employment type, not visa status.
Eligible temporary residents include those on:
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Student visa (subclass 500) — if working and over 18
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417 and 462)
- Various business, training, and other temporary visas
Exceptions (no SG required):
- Under 18 and working less than 30 hours per week
- Non-employee contractors (some circumstances)
- Certain diplomatic visa holders
How Super Works During Your Stay
Temporary residents accumulate super just like Australian workers:
- Your employer pays SG (11.5% of ordinary time earnings in FY2024–25) into your nominated fund
- If you don’t choose a fund, your employer uses their default fund
- Your super is invested and grows while you are in Australia
Providing your TFN: To avoid having contributions taxed at 47% (no-TFN rate), apply for an Australian Tax File Number as soon as you arrive. Temporary residents are eligible to apply.
What Happens to Your Super When You Leave?
Unlike Australian citizens and permanent residents, temporary visa holders can claim their super as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) when they leave Australia permanently.
Key points:
- You must have left Australia
- Your visa must be expired or cancelled
- You apply through the ATO DASP system
- DASP withholding tax applies — 35% for most temporary visa holders, 65% for working holiday makers
See DASP — How to Claim Your Super When Leaving Australia for the application process, and DASP Tax Rates for the tax breakdown.
Super Left Behind: What the ATO Does
If a temporary resident leaves Australia without claiming DASP, the fund may eventually transfer the super to the ATO as unclaimed super. The ATO holds it until claimed.
When you eventually claim, the ATO applies DASP tax at the applicable rate. There is no time limit on claiming — you can apply for DASP years after leaving Australia.
Choosing a Super Fund as a Temporary Resident
You can choose any complying APRA-regulated super fund. Considerations include:
- Low fees (important since you’ll pay DASP tax on withdrawal anyway — minimising erosion matters)
- Insurance: Default insurance cover may be valuable during your stay
- Avoid SMSFs — they are not suitable for temporary residents and have strict compliance requirements
For more: DASP — Departing Australia Super, DASP Tax Rates, Super for Working Holiday Makers. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.