If you’re an Australian expat, your superannuation remains in Australia — but how it’s taxed depends on your residency status and what you do with it.
👉 Official ATO info on super for expats:
💡 Key Points for Expats
-
Keep or consolidate your super: You can keep your account active with your existing fund even while abroad.
-
No early withdrawals: You generally can’t access super until retirement or meeting a condition of release — moving overseas isn’t one.
-
Tax on contributions: If you continue contributing to an Aussie super fund, employer or personal contributions may still be taxed at 15%.
-
Overseas employers: Contributions from a foreign employer into your Australian fund may trigger additional reporting obligations.
⚖️ Residency and Tax Treatment
-
Australian tax resident:
Your super earnings are taxed as usual in Australia. -
Non-resident:
You’re not taxed on your super’s growth until you withdraw it — but when you do, withholding tax may apply depending on your country of residence. -
Double-tax treaties:
Check whether your new country has a treaty that affects how your super withdrawals are taxed abroad.
🔗 Learn more:
https://xpatwealth.com/australia-expat-tax-residency/
https://xpatwealth.com/australia-expat-tax-guide/
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Rolling super into an overseas pension — this can trigger exit tax or loss of benefits.
-
Forgetting to update your super fund with your new overseas address.
-
Ignoring the impact of currency fluctuations when converting balances.
🦊 Felix’s Quick Tips
🦊 Keep your super consolidated in one Australian fund to reduce fees.
🦊 Choose investment options that match your time abroad (not too aggressive if you’ll access it soon).
🦊 Monitor ATO rules on residency — it affects tax on contributions and withdrawals.
🦊 Use MyGov to track your super accounts and lost super while overseas.
🧭 See Also
Expat Tax Residency Explained → https://xpatwealth.com/australia-expat-tax-residency/
CGT on Aussie Property → https://xpatwealth.com/australia-expat-cgt-property-sale/
Departure Tax Rules → https://xpatwealth.com/expat-departure-tax/
Free Expat Tax Resources → https://xpatwealth.com/free-resources/
English