The limited liability company is a popular choice among local and foreign investors looking to do business in New Zealand. You can open an LLC in New Zealand fully assisted by our local team of experts.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Minimum share capital in New Zealand | No prescribed minimum |
Minimum number of shareholders | 1 |
Number of directors | 1 |
| Mandatory residency requirements for setting up a small business in NZ | No |
| Local director required (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Time frame for setting up a small business in NZ (approx.) | 3 – 5 business days The process must be finalized within 20 days from reserving the company name |
| Corporate tax rate in New Zealand | 28% |
| Dividend tax rate | – 0% – 33% in case of residents – 0%; 15%; 30% in case of non-residents |
| VAT rate in New Zealand | 15% standard rate and 0% in certain cases |
| Number of double taxation treaties (approx. ) | 40 |
| Annual meeting required | Yes, although exceptions can apply |
| Accounting and filing requirements | Preparing and filing annual returns is mandatory. |
| Foreign-ownership allowed | Yes |
| Tax exemptions or incentives for setting up a small business in NZ | Various R&D incentives are available as well as industry-specific concessions (for farming, film production, environmental protection, etc.) |
| Additional licenses | Yes, industry-specific licenses (for food businesses, supplying alcohol, markets on public land and more) |
| Company name rules | The Companies Office sets forth several criteria for company name suitability (such as restricted or limited words). |
Company name reservation | Possible via a service offered by the Companies Register. |
Company name change after incorporation | Following the reservation of a new, available name, through a submission to the Companies Register. |
| Limited liability company name reservation | Once the name is reserved, the founders have 20 days to complete the incorporation of the NZ LLC. |
| LLC name reservation fee | Name reservation fee – $10 plus GST. Please note that this fee can be subject to change. |
| Changes to the LLC | Name changes (as seen above), shareholder and director changes, as well as company address changes post-incorporation are possible. |
| LLC removal from the Trade Register | If the company does not comply with the requirements for information and the rules for directors, when it is in liquidation, or when it merges with another company. |
| Company address requirements | The company has a registered office and an address for service (which must be physical locations in NZ). |
| LLC records address | The registered office or another location communicated to the Register (It cannot be a PO box). |
| Share register requirements for the LLC | Must be kept in New Zealand, unless provided for otherwise in the company’s constitution. |
| LLC incorporation through a local representative | One of our agents can act on your behalf through a power of attorney if you are unable to be present in New Zealand for the entire duration of the company formation. |
| Pre-incorporation assistance | Advice on choosing the most suitable business form, shareholding issues, drafting and preparing the company’s constitutive documents, etc. |
| Post-incorporation assistance | Includes advice on making the needed company changes, meeting the tax and filing requirements, obtaining licenses, and more. |
| NZ company closure | Upon request, if the company fails. The legal entity is removed from the Register. |
| When to contact us | As soon as you decide to open a company in New Zealand or if you have questions about foreign investments in the country. |
Table of Contents
What are the main characteristics of the LLC in New Zealand?
Our New Zealand company formation experts list its main traits below:
- The company is a separate legal entity from its founders;
- It is fully liable for its legal and financial obligations;
- It does not require a minimum capital for incorporation;
- The shareholders are only liable according to the amount they have invested in the shares they own in the company (or the personal guarantees they have given to creditors).
What are the conditions for setting up a limited liability company in New Zealand?
Foreign investors interested in setting up a limited liability company in New Zealand must consider the following:
- Founders: the company needs to have at least one shareholder (no nationality conditions are imposed);
- Directors: the company must have at least one director who must be a New Zealand or Australian resident;
- Address: the company must have a registered address in a New Zealand city – virtual office services are available;
- Name: the company’s name must be unique and must be reserved with the Companies Office.
Are there any limitations on company incorporation in NZ?
No. New Zealand allows full foreign ownership of companies. The only condition, as stated above, is for the director’s nationality. Moreover, there are no specific restrictions on foreign-owned businesses in certain industries (i.e., jewellery trading, provided that all the other requirements are met).
How much does it cost to open a company in New Zealand?
Our local company formation experts offer complete incorporation packages. We offer the following services, taxed as a one-time payment:
- NZD 9,000 for the following: drafting the company’s constitutive documents, appointing the shareholders and directors, filling in the shareholder and director registers, IRD number registration;
- NZD 250 per person for due diligence verifications on the company’s directors and shareholders;
- NZD 2,250 for the customs procedures, as may be required for companies that import goods into New Zealand (please note that certain fees may also apply, as imposed by the New Zealand Customs).
We invite you to watch a video about the NZ LLC:
Must I open a corporate bank account in New Zealand for the LLC?
Yes. Locally registered companies must have a corporate bank account opened in New Zealand with a bank branch of choice.
Upon request, we can also assist with bank account opening in 2026 for the fee of 2,500 NZD plus GST. Included in this service are liaison with the chosen banking institution and the preparation of the documents required to open the account.
What are the general tax compliance requirements for an LLC in New Zealand?
Companies must observe the corporate compliance requirements for tax filing, payment, and annual reporting.
Accounting services are generally outsourced, and our specialists can provide these via one of our New Zealand partner accounting firms for an estimated fee between NZD 8,000-10,000 per year (indicative prices only). Our accounting solutions include the following:
- Accounting and bookkeeping;
- Ongoing financial records maintenance;
- Compliance with Inland Revenue requirements;
- Annual company returns preparation and filing;
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) regular return filings;
- Social security contribution compliance, and others.
Please contact us if you require assistance when opening a limited liability company in New Zealand in 2026.