Company Registration in New Zealand- An Overview

Aspect Details
Timeline The timeline for company registration in New Zealand is 1 to 2 Weeks
Cost The cost of business registration in New Zealand is 1500 USD
Benefits Given below are the benefits of company formation in New Zealand-
  • Conducive Economic Climate
  • Tax Benefits
  • Pro-Business Government Incentives
  • Strong Legal and Foreign Exchange Policies
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
Types Have a look at the business structures for online company setup in New Zealand- :
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Partnerships
  • Branch Office
  • Sole Trader
Requirements Have a look at the requirements for company formation in New Zealand-
  • At least one resident director
  • At least one shareholder
  • Registered office address
  • No minimum capital requirement
Documents The list of documents required for company registration in New Zealand are as follows:
  • Certified copies of the passport of Directors & Shareholders
  • Certified copies of Articles of Association
  • Certified copies of Memorandum of Association
  • Copy of Company constitution
  • Copy of passport and visa for non-resident entrepreneurs
  • Proof of registered address
Procedure
  • Set up an online services account
  • Business name registration in New Zealand
  • Collect all the required information
  • Complete the Application for Online Company Setup in New Zealand
  • Filing of Directors and Shareholders Consent Forms
  • Receive your Certificate of Incorporation
  • Apply for New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
  • Register for taxes
How can we help you? At Enterslice, we provide an effortless New Zealand company formation-
  • Professional Guidance
  • Streamlined Registration Process with Comprehensive Support
  • Ongoing Support After Company Registration in New Zealand
  • Optimized Process Efficiency

Company Formation in New Zealand is Worry-free with Enterslice

Give our consultants a chance to assist you with company formation in New Zealand.

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Understanding Company Registration in New Zealand

New Zealand is a highly dynamic country for starting a business. Recognized by the World Bank as one of the best places for doing business, it offers diverse opportunities for growth and expansion. The Company Registration in New Zealand process is regulated by the Companies Act, 1993, which provides clear and efficient guidelines for entrepreneurs. Let Enterslice ease your journey of online company setup in New Zealand.

Despite its small size, New Zealand provides ample financial resources and strong government support to help businesses succeed. Ranked second globally on the Transparency Index, it ensures smooth transactions with minimal restrictions. These advantages make Company Registration in New Zealand an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. Reasons to opt for Company Incorporation in New Zealand-

100% Foreign Ownership

28% Corporate Tax

15% Standard VAT Rate

40+ Double Taxation Treaties (DTAs)

Government Tax Incentives

Requirement of at Least One Resident Director

Types of Structures for Company Registration in New Zealand

The primary types of structures for company registration in New Zealand are as follows:

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Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a highly preferred business structure among entrepreneurs. It operates as a separate legal entity with one or more owners. In this structure, the owners are not personally responsible for the business's losses. Their liability is limited to the amount they have invested in their shares, providing them with financial protection. Therefore, this type of business structure is highly recommended for entrepreneurs looking to form a company in New Zealand.

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Partnerships

A partnership is a business structure involving two or more partners who jointly own and manage the business. In this arrangement, the partners share personal responsibility for the business's income and losses. A partnership is essentially a relationship between the partners, established with the intention of sharing the profits generated by the business. It is one of the significant business structures for company registration in New Zealand.

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Branch Office

A branch office is an extension of a parent company, operating in New Zealand to carry out business activities similar to those of the parent company. Any losses or expenses incurred by the branch in New Zealand are fully borne by the parent company. It is one of the substantial business structures for company formation in New Zealand.

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Sole Trader

A sole trader is a simple business structure where a single person, known as the sole trader or proprietor, manages all business operations. As the name suggests, it is a business owned and operated by one individual. This type of business entity is easy to set up and operate. However, since the business is tied to your personal finances, you are personally responsible for all income and losses.

Checklist for Company Formation in New Zealand

The checklist for company formation in New Zealand is as follows:

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  • Contact details of the company (email, contact name, phone number, company name, company number)
  • A unique company name
  • A physical registered office address in New Zealand
  • Minimum one resident company director
  • At least one shareholder
  • Identity proof for all directors and shareholders
  • Address proof of all directors and shareholders
  • Tax and GST contact person (if applicable)
  • Authorisation letter (if applicable)

Benefits of Company Formation in New Zealand

The list of benefits of company formation in New Zealand is as follows:

Conducive Economic Climate

New Zealand is ranked as the top country for ease of doing business, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report. It excels in areas like business registration, access to credit, property registration, contract enforcement, and protecting minority investors. The government also supports international trade, driving economic growth in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and energy.

Tax Benefits

Incorporating a company in New Zealand provides several tax advantages. With a corporate tax rate of just 28%, lower than the top personal income tax rate of 39%, New Zealand is one of the most tax-efficient countries for businesses worldwide. Additionally, capital gains tax is generally not imposed on companies. It is one of the key benefits of company registration in New Zealand.

Pro-Business Government Incentives

The New Zealand government provides a supportive and dynamic start-up environment for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. To help businesses thrive, it offers various resources, including business training, advisory grants, and mentorship programs that connect entrepreneurs with experienced mentors for guidance and support. It is one of the key merits of company registration in New Zealand.

Strong Legal and Foreign Exchange Policies

New Zealand has a strong legal system based on common law principles and is known for its straightforward foreign exchange controls. The country is highly popular among entrepreneurs across the globe, as it imposes no restrictions on the flow of capital from New Zealand companies to foreign investors. It is one of the significant benefits of company registration in New Zealand.

Global Financial Hub with Trade Agreements

New Zealand has entered into several free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries, providing strategic advantages for accessing global markets. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) offers opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region, while the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA) strengthens trade ties with Europe. These agreements help businesses reduce tariffs, simplify trade regulations, and expand their international reach.

How to Apply for New Zealand Company Formation Online?

The stepwise guide to apply for New Zealand company formation online is as follows-

Set up an online services account

In order to file an online application to incorporate a company in New Zealand must login to RealMe and online services account with Companies Register.

Reserve a Company Name

Before the company name is reserved, the applicant must check the availability of the name and ensure it meets all the criteria for a suitable name for business name registration New Zealand.

Collect all the information

This is the stage where the applicant company needs to gather or collect necessary details such as company contact details, tax registration, registering directors, shareholders, shares, declaration of an ultimate holding company (UHC), annual return filing month, and draft of company’s constitution.

Complete the Application for Online Company Setup in New Zealand

This is the stage where an application along with the necessary documents and paperwork needs to be submitted online through the official websites for company registration in New Zealand.

Filing of Directors and Shareholders Consent Forms

After successfully submitting the application for an Online Company Setup in New Zealand, the registrar will email the applicant requesting signed consent forms from all directors or shareholders. These signed consent forms must be returned within 20 working days to avoid cancellation of the registration.

Get your Incorporation Certificate from the New Zealand Companies Register

The New Zealand Companies Register, after receiving the consent forms, shall grant the certificate of business registration in New Zealand, and thus, accordingly, company details shall be publicly available on the Companies Register.

Apply for New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)

After successful registration, a company will automatically receive a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). It is a unique identifier that all businesses in New Zealand use to interact with government agencies and other businesses.

Register For Taxes

Depending upon the types of business activities, one may need to register for various taxes such as Goods and Services Tax (GST), corporate income tax, etc.

Profitable Businesses for Online Company Setup in New Zealand

Have a look at the profitable businesses for online company setup in New Zealand-

Tourism and Hospitality

It is one of the popular business segments for company registration in New Zealand.

Agriculture and Farming

If you are thinking about this, you will have good opportunities to grow your business in New Zealand.

Herbal product Sales

Foreign entrepreneurs get enough scope in this for business registration in New Zealand.

E-commerce and Online Services

It’s one of the in-demand businesses for online company setup in New Zealand.

Renewable Energy

Can sustainability be the next thing for business in New Zealand? Yes, it’s already in a thriving stage.

Travel Agency

You can go for this in the land of the Long White Cloud to fulfil your entrepreneurial dreams.

Event Management

It’s one of the emerging and profitable businesses for online company setup in New Zealand.

Health and Wellness

Global entrepreneurs are also fond of this sector to commence their business operations in New Zealand.

Documents Required for Company Registration in New Zealand

The list of documents required for company registration in New Zealand are as follows:

Certified copies of the Passport of Directors

Certified Copies of the Passports of Shareholders

Certified Copy of Utility Bill

Business Plan

Certified Copies of Articles of Association

Certified Copies of Memorandum of Association

Copy of Company Constitution

Copy of Passport and Visa for Non-resident Entrepreneurs

Proof of Registered Address

Audited Financial Statements (In case of Existing Businesses)

Can Foreigners Obtain a Business Registration in New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand permits 100% foreign ownership of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), making it a popular choice among international entrepreneurs. The country’s business-friendly environment imposes no restrictions on foreign shareholding, allowing foreign individuals or entities to fully own and control shares in a New Zealand company.

Additionally, the New Zealand government has introduced various reforms and policies to attract foreign investment, creating a stable, predictable, and easy environment for doing business. Foreign entrepreneurs are fond of doing business registration in New Zealand.

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99% Success Rate

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500+ Business Owners in NZ

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24/7 Consulting Support

Compliances Post Online Company Setup in New Zealand

The list of compliances post online company setup in New Zealand is as follows:

  • Filing Annual Returns:- Every New Zealand company is required to file an annual return with the Companies Office. It includes details about the company, directors, shareholders and registered office address.
  • Financial Statements & Tax Returns:- Regular filing of accurate financial statements, including the company’s annual return with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), corporate income tax return (IR4) every year, GST, etc.
  • Maintaining Statutory Records:- Companies incorporated in New Zealand must keep certain statutory records at their registered office. This includes minutes of directors' and shareholders' meetings, the company's constitution (if applicable), and records of share transactions.
  • Employment Law Compliance:- if a company employs staff, they must comply with New Zealand employment laws and regulations this includes health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees.
  • Updating the Companies Register:- If there arise any changes in the company’s structure or details, such as changes in directors, shareholders, or registered office address, must be immediately updated in the Companies Registry, i.e. within 20 working days of the change.

Talk to Enterslice consultants, and let us help you overcome the challenges with minimum effort.

Taxation System for Company Incorporation in New Zealand

The taxation system for company incorporation in New Zealand is as follows:

  • The Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is 28%
  • The existing GST rates in New Zealand are 15% or 0%
  • Withholding Taxes for Non-residents face a 30% withholding tax on dividends and a 15% withholding tax on royalties and interest payments.

Requirements for Company Formation in New Zealand

The list of requirements for company formation in New Zealand are as follows:

  • At least one resident director
  • At least one shareholder
  • Registered office address
  • No minimum capital requirement

Regulatory Authority for Company Registration in New Zealand

The list of regulatory authorities for company registration in New Zealand is as follows:

  • New Zealand Companies Register
  • Companies Office
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
  • Insolvency and Trustee Services (ITS)
  • Financial Markets Authority (FMA)
  • Inland Revenue Authority
  • Reserve Bank of New Zealand
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Why Trust Enterslice for Company Registration in New Zealand?

Enterslice has established its mettle as one of the leading consulting firms for company registration in New Zealand. Given below are the reasons why entrepreneurs prefer Enterslice for company registration in New Zealand-

  • 10+ Years of Proven Experience in Providing New Zealand Company Formation Services
  • Empowered the Vision of 500+ Non-resident Entrepreneurs with Company Registration in New Zealand
  • 99% Success Rate in Completing the Business Registration in New Zealand
  • 100+ Local Partners for Quick and Swift Company Registration in New Zealand
  • Assistance with Registering a Business Name in New Zealand
  • Dedicated 24/7 Support During Every Stage of Company Formation in New Zealand
  • End-to-end Assistance in Online Company Registration in New Zealand

FAQs for Company Formation in New Zealand

To register a company in New Zealand as a foreigner, you must first reserve a unique company name. Then, provide the required information about the company’s incorporation and its operations in New Zealand on the official website, along with the necessary documents.

The average cost to start a business in New Zealand is $200, excluding professional fees, which may vary depending on the company types, nature of business and other additional factors.

Yes, foreign companies are required to pay tax after company registration in New Zealand on their worldwide income. However, non-resident companies and branch offices are only taxed on their New Zealand-sourced income, depending on the applicability of the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA).

The usual time taken to register a company in New Zealand is two weeks, depending upon the readiness of the paperwork and documentation.

The most common types of structures for company incorporation in New Zealand are as follows:

  • Limited Liability Company
  • Partnerships
  • Branch Office
  • Sole Trader

Though the cost of business registration in New Zealand depends from business to business, however setting up a business in New Zealand is affordable and accessible for entrepreneurs:

  1. Name Reservation: NZD 10 (₹559.90)
  2. Company registration: NZD 115 (₹6,438.85)
  3. Tata Capital Financial Services Limited
  4. Optional constitution filing: NZD25 (₹1,399.75)

To complete the process of business name registration in New Zealand, begin by selecting a unique and suitable name for your business. Next, submit your application online through the official website. To proceed, you must create a RealMe account.

No, it is not necessary to be a resident of New Zealand to register a company. However, you will need a resident director for the company registration in New Zealand.

Businesses before starting the process of New Zealand company formation must consider the below given tax system:

  • Corporate Tax: 28%
  • Personal Income Tax: 39%
  • Goods and Services Tax (similar to VAT): 15%
  • Withholding Tax (for non-residents): Dividends: 30%, Interest: 15%, Royalties: 15%
  • Capital Gains Tax: Not applicable

New Zealand offers one of the easiest and least complex processes for business registration, making it accessible for both residents and foreign citizens. The country provides a business-friendly environment with various tax benefits and strong government support.

To register business name New Zealand as a foreigner, you must first reserve a unique company name. Next, provide the required information about the company’s incorporation and its operations in New Zealand on the official website, along with the necessary documents.

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