Thousands of New Zealanders retire abroad each year—but does your superannuation follow? In 2025, the answer is yes—for many. Thanks to pension portability policies and international NZ social agreement arrangements, eligible expat super recipients can continue receiving their retirement income while living outside New Zealand.
Understanding which qualifying countries are part of New Zealand’s super portability system can make a big difference in your post-retirement plans. Whether you’re moving for family, lifestyle, or cost-of-living reasons, this guide outlines how the portability of NZ Super works in 2025.
What Is Pension Portability?
Pension portability allows eligible recipients to receive their New Zealand Superannuation payments even while residing overseas. Under the NZ social agreement, certain countries have partnered with New Zealand to support expat super recipients, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by their decision to relocate.
The agreement ensures full or partial NZ Super payments are sent overseas, depending on the country, duration of residence in New Zealand, and the length of time spent in the new country.
List of Qualifying Countries in 2025
In 2025, the following qualifying countries are part of New Zealand’s pension portability system through formal NZ social agreement deals:
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Australia
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United Kingdom
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Canada
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Ireland
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The Netherlands
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Greece
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Denmark
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Jersey and Guernsey
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Malta
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South Korea
If you live in one of these qualifying countries, you may be eligible to receive your NZ Super while abroad. The amount may depend on how long you lived in New Zealand after age 20 and how long you’ve been in the destination country.
What If Your Country Isn’t On the List?
If you’re moving to a country without a NZ social agreement, you may still be eligible for payments under special circumstances. MSD offers pension portability options for other countries, but typically at reduced rates. The payments may also be limited to 26 weeks for temporary absences unless a formal arrangement is in place.
To avoid disruptions, expats should apply for expat super portability at least 12 weeks before leaving the country.
How to Apply for Expat Super Payments
To secure your expat super before departure:
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Contact the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and complete the portability application.
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Provide proof of residence and identity documents.
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Submit your bank account details in your new country.
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Confirm that your destination is one of the qualifying countries.
Approval times can vary depending on your destination and application completeness. Once approved, your payments will begin through overseas deposit.
FAQs
Can I receive NZ Super if I move to another country?
Yes, if your new country is part of the qualifying countries list or if you meet pension portability criteria.
Which countries have a NZ social agreement in 2025?
Countries like Australia, UK, Canada, and Ireland have formal NZ social agreement partnerships supporting expat super payments.
Is my payment reduced if I move overseas?
It depends. Some countries provide full payments, while others may reduce based on residency rules under the pension portability system.
How do I apply for NZ Super portability?
Contact MSD and submit an application with your documents and future address to continue receiving expat super.
What happens if I move to a non-qualifying country?
You may still receive payments for up to 26 weeks or apply under different rules, though pension portability benefits may be reduced.
Click here to know more.