Start a Business in New Zealand

Reserve company name online

Use the Companies Office website to check name availability and reserve your preferred company name

Incorporate company via Companies Office

Complete online incorporation with shareholder and director details, constitution, and registered office

Appoint a NZ-resident director

At least one director must live in New Zealand (or Australia if no NZ director). Engage a nominee service if needed.

Apply for IRD number

Register with Inland Revenue for a company IRD number - required before conducting any business

Register for GST

Register for Goods and Services Tax at 15% if turnover exceeds or is expected to exceed NZ$60,000

Open NZ business bank account

Apply at a major bank (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac) with company registration and director identification

Register as employer for PAYE

Enroll with Inland Revenue for Pay As You Earn tax, KiwiSaver employer contributions, and ACC levies

Obtain industry-specific licenses

Check with relevant regulatory bodies for sector permits (food safety, building, financial services, etc.)

Set up KiwiSaver employer obligations

Register for KiwiSaver and prepare to make minimum 3% employer contributions for eligible employees

Apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa

Become an accredited employer through Immigration NZ before sponsoring migrant workers under the AEWV system

Apply for Entrepreneur Work Visa

If relocating to NZ as a founder, apply for Entrepreneur Work Visa with a detailed business plan and minimum NZ$100K capital