Investors who open a company in New Zealand are required to apply for various types of licenses, including the importer’s license in NZ, the ones for export activities, or for producing alcohol, to name a few.
To obtain a business license in New Zealand, the company’s owners or representatives will need to make a submission to the authority/authorities in charge of issuing the approvals for the specific industry.
By working with our agents who specialize in company formation in New Zealand, entrepreneurs will benefit not only from ongoing assistance during incorporation, but also when applying for the needed business licenses in New Zealand.
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What companies need licensing in New Zealand?
Many types of commercial activities are subject to licensing in New Zealand. Moreover, depending on their activities, some companies may need to apply for more than one license. We present a few examples of activities for which you need a business license in New Zealand:
- selling and/or manufacturing alcohol;
- selling and/or manufacturing food;
- importing goods into New Zealand (this is commonly called the importer’s license in NZ);
- offering financial services;
- providing health and beauty services;
- offering solutions for outdoor dining and engaging in the mobile trade of goods (a trade license in New Zealand shall be used);
- mortuary and funeral home services;
- rubbish and waste disposal solutions, and others.
Business licenses are granted following a successful application. The requirements depend on the industry in which the company will operate.
In some cases, permits are required instead of licenses. This may be the case for events or when shooting films. While these are not exactly business licenses in New Zealand, it is important to know that your company may require licenses for some types of activities or even for temporary structures (that may require a building consent).
You also need to make sure that you comply with the licensing requirements even when you have a home-based business. This may be relevant for matters such as:
- Zoning: check if there are specific rules for operating a business in your area;
- Modifications to the building: if the activities you will undertake will require significant changes to the building;
- Signage: you have to follow the rules if you will be using signs and advertising for your new business;
- Food handling: if your work involves the preparation of food, you need to make sure that you have the relevant licenses to do so.
Starting a small business can mean that you will first base your activities at home. Our team can help you open a company in New Zealand and comply with the requirements, even those related to home-based businesses.
What are the conditions for obtaining the import/export license in NZ?
Companies that engage in import and export activities need to be properly registered. Moreover, data about cargo entering NZ is reported to Customs.
The trade license in New Zealand is required for all companies that will be engaging in trade (i.e., the action of buying and selling goods and services).
The following are important for those who wish to apply for an importer’s license in NZ:
- companies that import goods of more than NZ1$1,000 need a supplier code and a client code;
- they also need to register for the Trade Single Window;
- companies need to follow the rules for prohibited imports (and export restrictions/prohibitions, if they are involved in both activities).
In some cases, the company will need a Certificate of New Zealand Origin for exports. This is issued by other authorities, not the Customs (for example, the Chambers of Commerce). If you need more details about the import/export license in NZ, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Trading companies will be required to apply for and obtain a trade license in New Zealand before they start their activities.
Do I need an alcohol manufacturing license in NZ?
If this is your company’s object of activity, yes. Companies that sell alcohol will also need proper licensing. Moreover, an annual fee applies for this type of NZ license. The fees below are offered as an example and apply in Auckland for companies that obtain an alcohol license:
- businesses with very low risk pay an annual fee of $161;
- the annual fee for medium risk companies is $632.5;
- companies with a high risk are asked to pay an annual fee of $1,035;
- the highest fee is $1,437.5 for companies with very high risk.
If you want to obtain an alcohol manufacturing license in NZ, or a license to sell alcohol, you will also need to pay an application fee in addition to the annual fee.
The fees above are set by the government. Companies that sell alcohol are required to pay their annual fee online or in person. If the first option is used, the payer will use the license number and the document reference (the payment reminder notice is used for this purpose) to fill in the fields.
Please keep in mind that the fees above should be used for information purposes only if you need to apply for these types of permits, including the importer’s license in NZ. Our experts in company registration in New Zealand can give you personalized information upon request.
Companies that have a trade license in New Zealand because their business will involve selling alcohol should be aware that any person can object to the renewal (or the initial granting of an alcohol license). The objection period lasts 25 days after the license application has been posted online or in the local newspaper.
If you need additional information about the alcohol license and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, our New Zealand company formation experts can answer your questions.
How can you help if I want to start a business in New Zealand?
Knowing what laws and regulations you need to observe for your business is a key starting point for any entrepreneur. Our team can help you find out what licenses you will need to obtain, such as the import/ export license in NZ, or what specific requirements you will need to follow according to the industry in which your company operates.
You will only be able to apply for a business license in New Zealand for a company that has already been properly registered. The most important incorporation steps involve:
- Choosing the right business structure;
- Choosing and reserving the company name;
- Preparing the required documents for registration;
- Incorporating the company.
The final step takes place with the New Zealand Companies Office and it can be completed only if all the information about the new legal entity has been provided by the founders. There is also the option to register for an Inland Revenue Number, for GST, and as an employer at the same time as the main registration. Our team can give you more information.
Registering the business is different from licensing it. However, our packages for New Zealand company formation include both, and our team focuses on assisting investors with the subsequent step of having the business licensed for its activities, once it is registered with the Companies Office. If you want to incorporate a trust in New Zealand, our company formation experts can also help you.
If you want to know more about how we can help you set up a company in New Zealand, please do not hesitate to contact us.