If you’re living and working in Australia on a temporary visa you probably want to know how superannuation works for you in 2025. This article explains it clearly. Let’s go step by step.
What Is Superannuation?
Superannuation (or “super”) is a way to save money for your retirement. While you work your employer puts money into a super fund on top of your pay. This is called the Super Guarantee (SG).
Summary of Key Points
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I get super on a temporary visa? | Yes if working and visa is eligible |
| SG rate in 2025? | 12% of earnings |
| Can I claim super when leaving? | Yes via DASP |
| When to apply? | After leaving and visa expired prepare before leaving |
| What tax applies? | WHM 65% Others taxed 35% untaxed 45% |
| Extra contributions worth it? | Usually not taxed heavily |
| Can I start an SMSF? | Generally no unless rare visa types |
Who Gets Super on a Temporary Visa?
Yes — if you have a valid working visa (not certain special classes like 405 or 410) you are usually entitled to super contributions just like citizens and permanent residents. Your employer must pay SG unless you’re exempt such as being covered under a bilateral agreement or being a certain foreign executive.
SG Rate Increase in 2025
From 1 July 2025 the SG rate rose to 12% of your ordinary earnings. That means employers add even more to your future savings which is great.
Setting Up Your Super Fund
When you start a job your employer gives you a standard choice form. You can choose a fund or use their default. Consider:
- Fees (admin and investment)
- Investment options
- Insurance offerings
Even as a visa holder you can still choose a good fund.
What Happens When You Leave?
When your visa expires or is cancelled and you have left Australia you can apply to withdraw your super via a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
You need to apply after you leave but it’s best to start preparing while still in Australia so documents are ready.
How to Claim DASP
To claim your super:
- Wait until your visa has ended and you have left the country.
- Use the ATO’s DASP online system or a paper form.
- Have these ready:
- Super account details
- Passport with departure stamp
- Visa details
- Bank account (sometimes Australian is easier)
- If your super is over AU$5,000 you may need certified copies of documents.
If you don’t claim within 6 months your fund may transfer your super to the ATO’s unclaimed pool and you would need to claim from there later.
How Is DASP Taxed?
Tax depends on your visa type:
- Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas (Subclass 417/462): tax is 65% on the taxable part.
- Other temporary visa holders:
- Taxed component: 35%
- Untaxed component: 45%
Should You Make Extra Contributions?
Generally no. Making extra personal contributions isn’t worthwhile if you plan to leave. You can still withdraw that money via DASP but you may pay higher taxes on it. Also you may not qualify for co-contributions or tax offsets (like LISTO) as a temporary resident.
Can You Set Up an SMSF?
A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) gives you full control. But as a temporary visa holder you usually cannot set one up. This is because of the active member test and residency rules.
Some exceptions exist like if you’re on a Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) or certain other cases. But most working visas (like 482 or 485) do not qualify.
Tips for a Smooth Exit
- Start early: Begin gathering documents before you leave
- Keep your Australian bank account open long enough to receive payment
- Don’t cancel visa too quickly if planning a return
- Track all contributions: know how much is in your super
- Check for unclaimed funds if you don’t claim within 6 months
Conclusion
Superannuation for temporary visa holders in 2025 works much like for citizens. Your employer contributes and you accumulate savings at 12% SG rate. When your visa ends and you leave you can claim your super via DASP but taxes are high so plan well. Avoid extra contributions before leaving and know that SMSFs aren’t usually available to you. Preparing early keeping records and acting quickly can make a big difference. This way you take your hard-earned money with you hassle free.
