Australian Working
Holiday Visa
Work and live in Australia for up to
12 months with the Australian
Working Holiday Visa.
For full details and
an application form
» read more
Superannuation, commonly referred to as "super", is a long-term investment for your
retirement; known as the 'pension income' in the UK. Investing in superannuation
while you are working is designed to help you build a nest-egg for your retirement.
Employers are required to pay at least 9% of an employee's taxable earnings to a
Superannuation fund for all individuals employed in Australia regardless of nationality.
These payments are known as Super guarantee payments.
Your employer contribution must be paid into a complying super fund or retirement
saving account. Super funds are managed by trustees. Each fund has its own rules,
but must also follow government rules, designed to ensure your super is properly
managed. These funds are called complying superfunds.
Retirement savings accounts are not super funds but operate under similar rules.
Retirement savings accounts are offered by approved financial institutions. Just
like complying super funds, they accept super contributions and the benefits are
provided at the time of retirement, death or one becoming an invalid.
Claiming Back Super When you Return Home
If you are in Australia working as a temporary resident you may be eligible to claim
back your superannuation. You can do this if:
- You have visited on an eligible temporary resident visa (includes the 417 Working
Holiday Visa and 457 Business Long Stay Visa)
- Your visa has expired or been cancelled; and you have permanently departed Australia*
This payment is called the departing Australia superannuation payment. It is more
commonly referred to as the DASP.
Through your DASP, you can claim approximately 70% of your Superannuation back once
you return home. The balance of 30% is paid as tax in lieu as no tax was paid at
the time of earning.
* You may still be able to return to Australia on another visa even if you claim
and receive your superannuation money.
When Can I Apply for my DASP?
You can apply for your DASP online at the ATO website. This link includes the
information that you need to provide at the time of your application: http://www.ato.gov.au/superfunds/content.asp?doc=/content/32703.htm&page=3&H3
If you have not yet left Australia or your visa is still active, you can record
your details in the system and save your application until you have permanently
departed Australia.
You can apply for your DASP online at the DIAC website. The link below includes
the information that you need to provide at the time of your application.