New Zealand is one of the most modern economies in the world. Relying on industries like manufacturing, services and tourism, this country attracts foreign investors from all corners of the world willing to open a company in New Zealand.
The Company Law is the main act providing for the procedure of incorporating a business in New Zealand. The law covers aspects like foreign ownership, types of companies that can be registered, the documents needed to start a business and the licensing requirements.
Quick Facts | |
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Types of companies | Limited Liability Company Co-operative company Unlimited company |
Minimum share capital for LTD Company | 1 share of NZ$1 |
Minimum number of shareholders for Limited Company | 1 |
Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Less than 1 week, however, the process cannot be longer than 20 days after reserving the company name |
Corporate tax rate | 28% |
Dividend tax rate | Different rates apply: 0% – 33% for resident companies 0% – 15% – 33% for non-resident companies |
VAT rate | 15% standard rate (in some cases 0%) |
Number of double taxation treaties (approx.) | 40 |
Do you supply a registered address? | Yes |
Local director required | Yes, exemptions may apply based on a number of factors |
Annual meeting required | Yes, however, companies can be exempt from this rule in some cases |
Redomiciliation permitted | Redomicilation of EU and EEA companies is permitted |
Electronic signature | Yes |
Is accounting/annual return required? | Yes |
Foreign-ownership allowed | Yes |
Any tax exemptions available? | Tax credits can be claimed for donations. |
Tax incentives | Research and development tax incentive scheme as well as other industry-specific concessions and rules apply. Limited inbound investment incentives are also in place. |
Below, our company formation agents in New Zealand have prepared a comprehensive guide on how to set up a company in New Zealand. We can help you with every step of company registration in NZ.
The following types of companies are available to those who are interested in business registration in NZ:
Some of the main issues to take into consideration when choosing a business form, and when you start a business in New Zealand in general, are the following:
The answers to these questions are important when choosing the right manner in which the business will be structured. You can contact our specialists for details when you want to open a company in New Zealand.
The New Zealand company formation documentation and procedure will depend on the type of structure chosen. Our team can help foreign investors who are interested in starting a company here. We ca not only provide adequate assistance for choosing a suitable business form but will also guide investors throughout the subsequent steps for setting up the new legal entity. What’s more, we can provide ongoing assistance for tax registration matters and also for applying for the needed permits and licenses, which will differ according to the chosen business field. You can reach out to our agents who can help you with registering a business in NZ.
The Company Law provides for various requirements for registering a company in New Zealand based on the chosen business form. It is important to know that New Zealand allows for full foreign ownership no matter the type of company.
Foreign enterprisers who want to start a business in New Zealand must complete the following steps:
Our consultants can help foreign investors with the preparation of the incorporation documents when they want to open a company in New Zealand.
When they set up a company in New Zealand, investors will obtain the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), which is used as a unique identifier for the new business and links the information for other parties that will engage with the company (for example, the trade name and contact details). This number simplifies processes and corporations are automatically assigned this number upon registration. Self-employed individuals or partnerships can opt for this number allocation and this is a free of charge process. Our agents are here to help when you decide to open a company in New Zealand.
Taxation in New Zealand depends on the chosen business form. As previously stated, when they start a business in New Zealand, investors can chosen between legal forms of various complexities and this also refers to tax liability and tax filing. Regardless, each business form will pay taxes:
The current values for the most important taxes in New Zealand are listed below by our company incorporation specialists:
If you are intersted in setting up a company in New Zealand, our agents can give you more details about the taxation principles.
When starting a new company in New Zealand, it is best to ask for legal support. Our company registration representatives in New Zealand offer the following services:
It is important to be mindful of the different regulations that apply in New Zealand in a particular business field. These can be related to health and safety, the sale of good and drinks, privacy or fair trading. Our team of New Zealand incorporation agents can help investors find out more about these regulations before you set up a company in New Zealand.
Individuals and businesses involved in trade, those that import or sell products as well as those that sell services for personal or domestic use are subject to the Consumer Guarantees Act in New Zealand. This means that they must comply with the rules that offer guarantees to the customers that they will receive what they pay for and, if needed, receive proper repairs or refunds. Companies in the country need to observe the rules set forth in this Act, along with the many others laws and regulations for companies. The provisions of the Act apply to all businesses that are involved in trade, including small or temporary businesses and online traders. If you wish to start a business in New Zealand and engage in trade, our team can help provide clarifications.
All our services are tailored to our clients’ requirements and we provide complete compliance guidance according to the chosen type of company as well as the selected industry or region.
Starting a business in New Zealand as a foreigner is a rewarding experience in a business-friendly location that allowed for multiple options and growth opportunities.
Investors who are considering business registration in NZ have several routes, including buying a business or commercial property, buying shares in an existing local company or starting a new business, the investment route covered in this article.
One of the first steps foreign nationals need to take care of is determine the type of visa they will be using to remain in the country as an entrepreneur, followed by choosing the business structure and starting the actual incorporation process. Read below to find out more about the options and the steps for starting a business in New Zealand as a foreigner.
There are a number of types of visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the country to start a business, run their company or choose to live in the country. The following categories are suited for starting a business in New Zealand as a foreigner:
Our team of New Zealand company formation experts can help you with more information about each type of visa. Reach out to us before starting the application process to find out more and apply for the one that suits your needs.
New Zealand is one of the easiest countries to do business in the world according to various surveys. With an open economy mainly directed towards exports, the New Zealand government has simplified the regulations related to doing business here and has cut several taxes in order to make the country an appealing investment destination. Also, as a former British colony, English is the official language in New Zealand which makes communication very easy.
If you are interested in starting a business in New Zealand and need help, do not hesitate to contact us for a personalized offer. We can help you open a company in New Zealand.