Superannuation for Tech Migrants: How to claim your 11% employer contribution in Australia
If you’re a tech migrant in Australia, you’re entitled to an extra 11% of your salary through superannuation, and you can even claim it back when you leave.
There’s a pile of money in Australia with your name on it, and if you’re a tech migrant, you might be missing out. We’re talking an extra 11% on top of your salary, automatically. That’s because in Australia, every employer is required to pay into what’s called superannuation, a retirement savings fund designed to help people build financial security for the future.
But here’s the kicker: many new arrivals in the tech industry don’t fully understand how super works, or worse, they forget to claim it when they leave. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
What Is Superannuation?
Think of superannuation, often shortened to “super,” as Australia’s version of a retirement savings account. Your employer takes 11% of your salary and puts it into a super fund. That fund is managed by a financial institution that invests the money on your behalf, which means it usually grows over time.
For example, if you’re earning AUD $100,000 a year, your employer must contribute an extra $11,000 into your super fund annually. It’s not optional. It’s not a perk. It’s the law.
Now here’s where it gets interesting for tech migrants: you don’t have to wait until you’re old and grey to access it. If you eventually leave Australia for good, you can apply to take that money with you. This process is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
Why Superannuation Matters for Tech Migrants
A lot of tech workers relocating to Australia from overseas get so caught up in adjusting to a new country, new workplace, and new cost of living that they overlook their super. Some don’t even realise their employer has been putting money aside on their behalf.
But here’s the thing: it adds up quickly. That 11% isn’t pocket change. Over a few years, it can add up to tens of thousands of dollars quietly sitting in an account you never check. And if you don’t claim it, it doesn’t just vanish; it stays locked away, effectively money you worked hard for but never enjoyed.
By understanding superannuation early, you can keep track of your entitlements and ensure you don’t leave any of your earnings behind when you eventually move on.
How to Claim Superannuation When You Leave
When your Australian visa expires and you leave the country permanently, you’re entitled to withdraw your superannuation under the DASP scheme.
There are two main ways to apply: online or paper form.
- Online: The easiest option. The DASP system verifies your visa status with Home Affairs automatically. You can start your application while still in Australia and save it for later. Once submitted, your payment is usually processed within 28 days.
- Paper: You can fill out forms and send them directly to your super fund or the ATO (Australian Taxation Office). Some funds may charge a fee for paper applications, and they’ll almost always ask for certified ID documents.
If your account balance exceeds AUD $5,000, you may also be required to provide a Certification of Immigration Status from Home Affairs. This comes with a fee and is easier to arrange before you leave.
You can also authorise someone else, like a registered tax agent, to make the claim for you.
Making Sure You Don’t Miss Out
The first step is to know which super fund your employer is paying into. This information should appear on your payslip; however, if it doesn’t, you can simply ask your HR department. Once you have the details, register online with your super fund to track the balance. Many funds also allow you to consolidate contributions if you’ve worked multiple jobs during your time in Australia.
It’s also worth double-checking that your employer is paying the correct amount. While most people follow the rules, mistakes can still occur, and keeping a close eye on your account ensures you’re not short-changed.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, super isn’t some obscure retirement policy you can ignore. For migrants in tech, it’s a built-in savings plan that travels with you, even if only temporarily. If you treat it as part of your pay package, because it is, you’ll see just how valuable it can become.
Imagine working three years in Australia on a salary of AUD $120,000. By the time you leave, you could have more than $39,000 in superannuation contributions, not including investment growth. Claiming it when you move home or on to another country could give you a major financial boost.
So don’t let it slip by unnoticed. Track it, claim it, and make sure that 11% works for you, not just for the system.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
