You can join KiwiSaver if you’re both:
- a New Zealand citizen, or entitled to live in New Zealand indefinitely
- you live or normally live in New Zealand.
You cannot join KiwiSaver if you have a temporary, visitor, work or student visa.
There are different ways to join KiwiSaver. Depending on your situation you can enrol directly with a scheme provider. If you’re under 18, there are different rules.
Am I eligible to join Kiwisaver?
Joining KiwiSaver if you’re under 18
If you’re under 18 you can only join KiwiSaver through a scheme provider. You cannot join through your employer.
If you’re between 16 and 17, you need at least one legal guardian to co-sign your application. If you don’t have a legal guardian, contact your chosen KiwiSaver scheme provider.
If you’re under 16, you need the consent of all your legal guardians. You cannot enrol yourself.
Joining KiwiSaver if you’re part of a trust, partnership or a shareholder employee
If your business is run through a trust, partnership or company, and you’re paid a salary or wage from which PAYE is deducted, you join KiwiSaver by enrolling either:
- directly with a provider
- through your business’ payroll.
If you’re not paid a salary or wage with PAYE deducted, you can enrol directly through a provider.
Holding your contributions when you're new to KiwiSaver
We hold your contributions for 2 months (62 days) from the date we're told you’re a new KiwiSaver member. After that we pass them on to your scheme provider.
