Millions of Australians live overseas at any given time — as expats, retirees, or long-term residents of other countries. Your Australian super doesn’t disappear when you leave — it continues to accumulate and can be managed remotely.
Your Super While You Live Overseas
Your super fund account remains active while you live overseas:
- Existing balance: Continues to be invested and grow (or fluctuate) based on your investment option
- Fees: Continue to be deducted
- Insurance: May continue — but check the terms (some IP policies don’t pay while you’re overseas, and inactivity rules may cancel insurance)
Can You Make Contributions From Overseas?
Yes. You can make personal voluntary contributions to an Australian super fund from overseas:
- Transfer funds from your overseas bank account (international SWIFT transfer)
- Non-concessional contributions can be made up to the NCC cap ($120,000 or $360,000 bring-forward)
- If you remain an Australian resident for tax purposes, you may also make personal deductible contributions and claim a deduction on your Australian tax return
Australian Tax Residency While Overseas
Whether you remain an Australian tax resident depends on the ATO residency rules:
- Temporary overseas stay (e.g., 1–2 year work assignment with intent to return): Usually remain a tax resident
- Permanent relocation with no intention to return: Likely become a non-resident for tax purposes
If you become a non-resident for tax purposes:
- Earnings on your super balance are still taxed at 15% in Australia (the fund’s tax, not yours personally)
- Your personal income from overseas is not taxable in Australia
- You generally cannot claim a deduction for super contributions in an Australian tax return (unless you have Australian-sourced taxable income)
Can You Withdraw Super While Overseas?
Yes, if you have met a condition of release:
- Preservation age (60 for most people born after 1 July 1964) + retired, or
- Age 65 (regardless of employment status)
- Or other specific conditions (terminal illness, permanent incapacity, etc.)
Payments can be made to an overseas bank account. Some funds charge international transfer fees — check with your fund.
Australian Tax on Super Withdrawals From Overseas
If you are a non-resident for tax purposes when you withdraw super:
- Lump sums: The taxable component is subject to Australian non-resident withholding tax (15% on taxable component for lump sums — but check current ATO guidance)
- Tax treaty provisions may apply to reduce or eliminate Australian withholding tax depending on your country of residence
This is an area where advice from a tax specialist with international experience is valuable.
Keeping Your Super Account Active
To prevent your super being transferred to the ATO as lost/unclaimed:
- Keep your contact details updated with your fund
- Ensure your TFN is on file
- Log in periodically to confirm your account status
If your account becomes inactive and the balance is below $6,000, the ATO may receive it as unclaimed super — claimable at any time but requiring an additional step to recover.
Finding Your Lost Super From Overseas
If you have lost track of super accounts from your time working in Australia, you can search at any time from overseas:
- ATO’s SuperMatch via myGov (requires a myGov account)
- ATO online services with myGovID
- Contact the ATO directly
For more: Super and Life Events, Super for Expats — Overseas Work, DASP — Temporary Residents, Unclaimed Super. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.