How to Register a Company in New Zealand: Options and Timeline

Foreign founders often ask how to register a company in New Zealand. The short answer is that you choose a legal structure, register it with the official registry, and then complete your tax registration and any licences your activity needs. Below are the registration routes ORBIZLY lists for New Zealand, with their typical timeline.

How do you register a company in New Zealand?

NZBN Company Registration (Companies Office). Typical time: A few business days once all consent forms are signed. Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. The Companies Office allows 20 working days to return consent forms. Official page: https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/

Charitable Trust / Incorporated Society Registration. Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: https://www.charities.govt.nz/

Pick the route that matches what you plan to do. If you are unsure which structure suits a business that will hire staff, sell abroad or take investment, ask an expert before you file.

What do you need after the company is registered?

A registered company usually still has to complete tax registration and, in some industries, extra permits. In New Zealand these are handled by the following bodies.

Tax and goods and services registration: Inland Revenue (IRD number and GST registration). Official source: ird.govt.nz

Sector-specific permits: the sector regulator and your local council. Official source: business.govt.nz

Importing goods: the New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Official source: customs.govt.nz

Exporting controlled goods: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (strategic goods) and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Official source: mfat.govt.nz

Should you protect your brand when you register?

Registering a company does not protect your brand name. A trademark does. Filing early stops someone else from taking your name in New Zealand.

Trademark Filing (IPONZ). Typical time: At least 6 months, with a first reply from IPONZ currently within 70 working days. Where this comes from: Official source: IPONZ timeframes page (May 2025). Official page: https://www.iponz.govt.nz/

What is the next step?

Take the free ORBIZLY eligibility assessment to see which countries and programs fit your business, or book a consulting session to talk through company registration in New Zealand with an expert.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Timelines change and depend on your business. Ask for a quote for your case. Confirm the details with the official source linked above or with an expert before you apply.