- Knowledge
Advantages of New Zealand company registration
1. Superior business environment
Global reputation: New Zealand is renowned for its clean and transparent business environment, and the company has a high international reputation.
Tax incentives: The corporate income tax rate is 28% (2023), with no capital gains tax, stamp duty, or inheritance tax.
Geographical advantage: radiates to the Australian and Asia Pacific markets, enjoying the benefits of free trade agreements such as CPTPP and the China Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
2. Flexibility and Convenience
Full foreign investment allowed: There is no mandatory requirement from local shareholders or directors, and 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
Online registration: The entire process can be completed online through the official website of the Companies Office in New Zealand, taking at least 10 minutes.
Easy maintenance: The annual audit process is simple and there are no cumbersome financial audit requirements (small and micro enterprises can be exempted).
3. Privacy Protection
Shareholder and director information is only partially disclosed to protect privacy rights.
1、 Types of New Zealand Companies
01. Limited Liability Company (LTD)
characteristic:
-Independent legal entity, shareholders are liable up to the amount of their capital contributions.
-The most common type, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as international investors.
Applicable scenarios: trade, technology, consulting services, cross-border e-commerce
02. Branch
characteristic:
-The overseas parent company's branch in New Zealand is an unincorporated entity.
-The parent company assumes unlimited liability.
Applicable scenario: Multinational corporations expanding into the New Zealand market
03. Partnership Enterprise
characteristic:
-Combination of general partners (unlimited liability) and limited partners (limited liability).
-Suitable for small professional service teams.
Applicable scenarios: Accounting, Legal, Design Studio
04. Sole Trader
characteristic:
-Natural persons operate independently and bear unlimited liability.
-Registration is the simplest and there is no requirement for annual company review.
Applicable scenarios: freelancers, small and micro service providers
2、 Core Requirements for New Zealand Company Registration
01. Basic requirements
Director: At least one director, who can be of any nationality and does not need to reside in New Zealand.
Shareholders: At least one shareholder (who can be the same as a director) is allowed to hold shares in the company.
Registered address: A local address in New Zealand is required (a virtual address can be provided by a proxy).
Company name: Cannot be duplicated with existing companies, must include "Limited" or abbreviation "Ltd".
02. Special industry requirements
Industries such as finance, healthcare, and education require additional licenses (such as FMA financial licenses and medical equipment certifications).
3、 New Zealand company registration materials
（1） Shareholder/Director Information
Scanned copy of passport/ID card (requires English translation and notarization, non English document).
Proof of address (water and electricity bills, bank statements for the past 3 months).
（2） Basic company information
Company name (3 alternative names).
Registered address and business scope (without specific restrictions).
Company Articles of Association (optional standard template or custom).
（3） Other documents
Proof of shareholder contribution (no minimum requirement for registered capital, 1 New Zealand dollar is sufficient).
Authorization letter for agency (if handled through an intermediary).
4、 New Zealand company registration process
Step 1: Name Search
Log in to the official website of the New Zealand Companies Registry to verify name availability.
Step 2: Submit the application (online or by mail)
Online application: Submit materials through a RealMe account, with a fee of approximately NZD 113 (approximately USD 70).
Mailing application: Fill out the "Inclusion Form", which costs approximately NZD 150 and takes 3-5 days to process.
Step 3: Obtain the certificate
After approval, download the electronic version of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Step 4: Follow up compliance
Apply for an IRD Number and open a bank account (requires the director to be present or have a video interview).
Submit the Annual Return annually, with a fee of approximately NZD 30.
5、 Notes on New Zealand Company Registration
1. Compliance maintenance
Annual review overdue: A maximum fine of 500 New Zealand dollars will be imposed, and continuous overdue payments may result in the company being deregistered.
Tax declaration: Even if there is no operation, a "zero declaration" must be submitted, otherwise fines will be imposed.
2. Difficulties in opening a bank account
New Zealand banks (such as ANZ, ASB) may require local directors or on-site visits, and it is recommended to communicate in advance.
3. Reason for rejection of name
Contains sensitive words (such as "Bank" or "Government"), conflicts with existing trademarks, or misleading names.
6、 Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Company Registration
Can non New Zealand residents register a company?
sure. No local directors or shareholders are required, and the entire process can be entrusted to an agent for handling.
How long does it take to register a company?
Online application: Approval can be obtained within 10 minutes at the fastest; Mailing the application takes about 3-5 working days.
Can New Zealand companies enjoy tax treaty benefits?
sure. New Zealand has signed double taxation agreements with 50 countries (including China) to reduce cross-border tax burdens.
What are the conditions for zero declaration?
The company has no bank accounts, no income, no assets, and has not conducted any business.
How to change company directors or address?
Login to the Companies Office official website to submit a change request, which costs approximately NZD 12.
