Claim super when leaving Australia

If you worked in Australia on a temporary visa and have now left the country permanently, you may be able to claim your super as a departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP).

To be eligible, your temporary visa must have expired or been cancelled, and you must have already left Australia. You can’t apply if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident. Once you meet these requirements, you can submit your claim online via the ATO’s DASP system. To make the process faster, it’s a good idea to get your documents ready before you go.

What is the departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP)?

If you’ve worked in Australia on an eligible temporary visa and have permanently left the country, DASP is a payment of the super you earned while working (less tax).

You can’t apply if you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident.

A DASP is separate from other early access conditions such as financial hardship or compassionate grounds, and you can only apply after you permanently leave Australia.

To apply for DASP, use the ATO’s DASP system

Eligibility for DASP

You can apply for DASP if:

• You held an eligible temporary visa (not subclass 405 or 410).
• Your visa has expired or been cancelled.
• You have already left Australia and do not hold any other active Australian visa.
• You are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, and not an Australian permanent resident.
• You can provide the required documents to confirm your eligibility.

What if I’m a New Zealand citizen?

If you’re a New Zealand citizen, you can’t claim a DASP. But you may be able to transfer your super to a KiwiSaver account instead.

Find out how

I’m an Australian citizen, what if I leave Australia permanently?

If you leave permanently but you are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or are an Australian permanent resident, moving overseas doesn’t change the rules for accessing your super. You can only access your super when you reach your preservation age and retire, or under other standard Australian superannuation release conditions. The DASP option only applies to temporary visa holders who leave Australia permanently.

See the ATO for the form

How much can you withdraw?

You can usually claim the full balance of your super once your visa has expired or been cancelled and you’ve left Australia.

The amount you receive will be reduced by DASP tax.

What you’ll need to apply

Have these details ready to make your claim smoother:

• Personal details: full name, date of birth, email, passport number and country.
• Your super details: fund name, member or account number, TFN.
• Proof of identity: Certified copies of accepted documents, for example:
  • Passport (preferred)
  • Driver’s license (with a supporting document such as a bank statement or utility bill)
• Proof of visa status, such as cancellation or expiry, or a Certificate of Immigration Status (Form 1194) if requested.
• Bank account details (Australian account or an overseas account that accepts AUD.)

Get the forms to apply

How to claim your super using DASP

You can prepare some steps before you leave Australia, then complete your claim once you’re overseas.

Before you leave

1. Check if you’re eligible and find all your super accounts.
2. Gather and certify your ID documents.
   
3. Record your bank account details and make sure an overseas account can accept AUD if you plan to use one.

After you leave

1. Apply online via the ATO’s DASP portal (this is the fastest option). Alternatively, if you can’t access the online system, download and complete the ATO’s DASP paper form.
   
2. Submit your completed application and provide any requested reference numbers or approval details to Aware Super. You’ll also need to verify your ID as part of the process.

If your super is less than $5,000

You’ll need proof of leaving Australia and your visa cancellation or expiry. A Certificate of Immigration Status is not required for applications under $5,000.

If your super is $5,000 or more

You’ll likely need to acquire a Certificate of Immigration Status (Form 1194) from Home Affairs. This confirms your visa status and is sent directly to you and your super fund.

Log in

Get the forms to apply

If you need help, contact us.

How DASP is taxed

DASP is taxed before it’s paid to you, and you usually don’t need to lodge an Australian tax return for the payment itself.

Here’s what each component means:

• Taxed element: The portion of your super that has already had tax paid by your employer.
• Untaxed element: Contributions or earnings that haven’t had tax deducted.
• Tax-free element: Typically made up of after-tax contributions, which aren’t taxed when withdrawn.

Exchange rates and bank fees may also affect the final amount you receive.

For current rates and worked examples, see how your super is taxed.

How you’ll be paid

All payments are made after DASP tax is taken out. You can choose to have your DASP paid:

• Into an Australian bank account.
• As an international money transfer.
• As a cheque in Australian dollars.

If you choose an overseas payment, foreign exchange margins and bank fees may apply.

All payments are made after DASP tax is taken out.

When DASP is paid

Once your complete application has been received, payment is usually made within 28 days.

We may contact you if more information is needed to finalise your claim.

If you don’t claim within six months of leaving Australia and your visa has ceased to be in effect, your super may be transferred to the ATO as unclaimed super. You’ll still be able to claim it from the ATO.

If you have any questions, contact us.

What to consider

Before you apply, make sure you understand the impacts and alternatives:

• Once your DASP is paid, your Australian super account will close and any insurance cover in your super will end.
  
• DASP tax rates are higher than the rates that apply to standard retirement withdrawals.
• If you’re a New Zealand citizen, you may need to transfer your super to a KiwiSaver account instead of claiming a DASP.
• Keep copies of all documents for your records.

Get the forms to apply

FAQ