New Zealand

Company Formation in New Zealand

New Zealand

Formation Time

1–2 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum

Corporate Tax

28%

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the easiest places in the world to start a business, regularly topping the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index for 'starting a business.' An NZ Limited Company can be registered online through the Companies Office in as little as a few hours, with government fees of just NZD 150. There is no minimum capital requirement, and the corporate tax rate is a flat 28%. New Zealand's transparent regulatory environment, English common law legal system, zero-corruption reputation, and 40 double tax treaties make it highly attractive for international entrepreneurs. The country offers strong IP protection, a stable political environment, and serves as an excellent base for businesses operating across the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions. New Zealand has no payroll tax, no general capital gains tax (with limited exceptions), and no stamp duty — simplifying the tax landscape considerably.

Same-day registration

NZD 150 gov fee

No capital gains tax

28% flat rate

40 treaties

Why Choose New Zealand

One of the world's fastest company registrations — often same-day

No minimum share capital requirement

28% flat corporate tax rate with no subnational corporate taxes

No general capital gains tax

40 double tax treaties

Consistently ranked #1 for ease of starting a business

Zero-corruption reputation and transparent governance

Strong IP and trademark protection under common law

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
NZ Limited Company (Ltd)	100%	1 (must be NZ resident or resident in an 'enforcement country')	No minimum	28% flat rate; no capital gains tax (with limited exceptions)	Most businesses — trading, consulting, tech, holding, e-commerce
Look-Through Company (LTC)	100% (max 5 shareholders, all natural persons or trustees)	1 (NZ resident)	No minimum	Pass-through — income/losses attributed to shareholders at their personal rates	Small businesses and property investment where losses can offset personal income
Overseas Company Registration	100%	1 NZ-based authorised agent	None	Taxed on NZ-sourced income at 28%	Foreign companies establishing a branch presence in New Zealand
Limited Partnership (LP)	100%	1 general partner	None	Pass-through to partners	Investment funds, joint ventures, venture capital

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Name Reservation

Instant

Search and reserve company name via the Companies Office online register. Names can be reserved for 20 working days.

Online Incorporation

Same day (often within hours)

File incorporation application on the Companies Office portal with details of directors, shareholders, shares, and registered address.

IRD Registration

1–5 business days

Apply for an IRD number (tax registration) and register for GST if required (mandatory over NZD 60,000 turnover).

Bank Account Opening

1–2 weeks

Open a corporate bank account with a New Zealand bank.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	NZD 150+
Our Service Fee	USD 1,800+
Annual Renewal	USD 1,000+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

New Zealand's banking sector is dominated by Australian-owned banks and is well-regulated by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Account opening is relatively straightforward for companies with an NZ-resident director.

Account Opening Time

1–2 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

ANZ New ZealandASB BankWestpac NZBNZ (Bank of New Zealand)KiwibankWise Business

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

28% flat rate (no subnational corporate taxes)

Personal Income Tax

10.5% (up to $14,000) to 39% (over $180,000)

VAT / Sales Tax

15% GST (mandatory registration if turnover exceeds NZD 60,000)

Capital Gains Tax

No general capital gains tax (limited exceptions for property bright-line test)

Withholding Tax

15% on dividends (reduced by treaties); 15% on interest; 15% on royalties

Double Tax Treaties

40 countries

New Zealand has no stamp duty, no payroll tax, and no general capital gains tax. R&D Tax Incentive provides a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditure.

Visa & Residency

Entrepreneur Work Visa

3 years

For those establishing a business in NZ. Requires a minimum investment of NZD 100,000 and a viable business plan.

Investor Visa (Category 1)

3 years (direct to residency)

Invest NZD 10M+ over 3 years. No age, English, or business experience requirements.

Investor Visa (Category 2)

4 years

Invest NZD 3M+ over 4 years. Must meet age, English, and business experience criteria.

Essential Skills Work Visa

1–3 years

For skilled workers employed by an NZ company in a role that cannot be filled locally.

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 1–6 months (varies by category)

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can I register a company in New Zealand?

New Zealand is one of the fastest jurisdictions in the world for company registration. Applications submitted through the Companies Office online portal are typically processed within a few hours. Government fees are just NZD 150.

Is there a capital gains tax in New Zealand?

New Zealand has no general capital gains tax. However, the 'bright-line test' taxes gains on residential property sold within specified holding periods. There are also rules taxing profits from the sale of property or shares if purchased with the intention of resale.

Do I need to live in New Zealand to form a company?

No, you can form a company remotely. However, at least one director must be resident in New Zealand or in an 'enforcement country' (Australia, UK, etc.). We provide nominee director services if needed.

When do I need to register for GST?

GST registration is mandatory when your turnover exceeds or is expected to exceed NZD 60,000 in any 12-month period. Voluntary registration is available below this threshold.

What is the Look-Through Company (LTC)?

An LTC is a special tax status available to NZ companies with 5 or fewer shareholders (all natural persons or trustees). Income and losses 'look through' to shareholders and are taxed at their personal rates.

How does New Zealand compare to Australia for company formation?

NZ offers faster registration (often same-day vs 1 day), lower government fees (NZD 150 vs AUD 576), and no general capital gains tax. Australia has the larger market, 25% base rate for small companies, and more extensive treaty network. Many businesses establish in both.