There are nearly 750,000 registered companies in New Zealand, and business registration there is simple compared with many other countries. Not all businesses need to register in New Zealand: sole traders can operate without registering, but a company must be formally incorporated and meet director residency and other requirements.

Below, we explain how to choose the right structure, the core compliance and tax requirements, and how to set up payments once you’re live.

Highlights

• Registering a business with the Companies Register is only required when forming an official company, a type of legal entity that creates limited liability in New Zealand.

• Registering a company in NZ is relatively simple and affordable, but there are compliance requirements once you’re set up.

• After registration, confirm you received a tax number and keep an eye on the GST registration threshold.

Do I need to register my business in NZ?

Whether you need to register your business in NZ depends on how you’re operating. Most businesses in New Zealand are classified as either companies, partnerships, or sole traders, and the different types have different requirements.

If you’re operating as a sole trader or general partnership, there’s no baseline requirement to register as a business. Sole traders and general partnerships need to onboard with various government agencies to use those services and meet legal and tax obligations, but this isn’t the same as formally registering a company.

A registered company and limited partnership are the only official types of business in New Zealand that require registration. These business types create limited liability, and you must formalize the company with the Companies Office.

What are the registration requirements for different business structures in New Zealand?

The different business structures in New Zealand each have a different relationship with liability and tax treatment. The structure you choose determines whether you need to register as a company and who’s legally responsible.

Here’s what you need to set up to operate as a sole trader, a partnership, or a company in New Zealand.

Sole trader

This is the simplest structure. You operate the business personally, there’s no separate legal entity, and you’re personally responsible for all debts and obligations. Company registration is not required, but you must notify Inland Revenue that you’re self-employed, have a personal Internal Revenue Department (IRD) number, and register for goods and services tax (GST) if you think you’ll earn more than $60,000 New Zealand dollars (NZD). You can trade under your own name as long as it’s not registered as someone else’s trading name in the same industry, but that name isn’t protected unless you separately register a trademark.

Partnership

This structure applies when two or more people conduct business together without forming an official NZ company. Limited partnerships need to register with the Companies Register; general partnerships don’t. Both types of partnerships need an IRD number for paying the business’s income tax and GST, and each partner must also pay income tax using their personal IRD number. It’s smart to make an agreement documenting how much each partner puts into the business, how partners get their income, exit terms, and more.

Company

This is a common structure for businesses that want to scale, raise capital, and limit personal exposure. In NZ, a company is technically a separate legal entity that’s been incorporated under the Companies Act 1993, and shareholders’ liability is generally limited to their investment. You must register the company with the Companies Register, reserve a unique name, appoint at least one director who meets New Zealand’s residency requirements, and issue at least one share. Companies have ongoing compliance obligations, including filing annual returns and keeping statutory records up to date.

How do you register a business in New Zealand?

The business registration process in New Zealand depends on the business structure. Here’s how you register a company.

Reserve a company name

Before incorporation, reserve a unique company name through the Companies Register website. The reservation costs $10 NZD plus GST and is usually processed within 2 hours if the request is legitimate. Once approved, names for new corporations are held for 20 working days while you complete the incorporation.

Identify directors and shareholders

At least one director must live in New Zealand, or live in Australia and also be a director of an incorporated Australian company. Directors must consent in writing to their appointment and confirm they are not disqualified under the Companies Act. You must issue at least one share at incorporation. Shareholders must provide written consent to receive their shares.

Apply for incorporation

Businesses complete company registration online. You’ll need a RealMe login to access the Companies Register portal. The application requires details of your registered office address and an email address. Director and shareholder consent forms must be signed and submitted as well. Incorporation is finalized once these are received and approved.

Register for tax during incorporation

During the online incorporation process, you can apply for an IRD number for the company and register for GST or as an employer at the same time. This is optional but recommended: it speeds setup and prevents you from having to submit separate forms later.

Receive your certificate of incorporation

Once approved, the Companies Register will issue a certificate of incorporation. Your company now legally exists as a separate entity and is automatically assigned a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN).

How much does it cost to register a business in NZ?

New Zealand keeps registration costs low. Applying to incorporate a company costs $118.74 NZD, plus GST.

What do you need to set up after business registration in New Zealand?

Once you’ve incorporated a company, there are a few practical steps that turn a registered entity into a functioning business.

Here’s what you need to do to get your business going.

Confirm IRD, NZBN, and GST registrations

If you incorporated a company and applied for an IRD number during the registration process, confirm that it has been issued. If it hasn’t, apply directly through Inland Revenue. Companies receive an NZBN automatically upon incorporation. An NZBN simplifies interactions with other businesses and government agencies, and it can also be used on invoices. If your turnover has or will hit $60,000 NZD in a 12-month period, register for GST. Once registered, you must charge 15% GST on taxable supplies and file regular GST returns.

Register as an employer if hiring staff

If you plan to hire employees, register as an employer with the IRD. You’ll need your business industry classification (BIC) code and the date you start employing staff, in addition to other basic details.

Understand ACC obligations

The IRD shares income information with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). If you’re self-employed, you’ll receive ACC levies based on your industry classification and earnings. Employers also pay ACC levies for employees. These are mandatory and should be factored into your cost structure.

Set up recordkeeping and accounting systems

Keep accurate records of income, expenses, and GST from day one. Whether you use accounting software or work with an accountant, the system needs to support tax compliance, reporting, and cash flow management.

Protect your brand

Registering a company name does not automatically give you trademark protection. If brand protection matters, consider registering a trademark.

Formalize agreements

If you have cofounders or partners, formalize expectations through shareholder or partnership agreements to reduce future disputes. Some industries require additional registrations, such as financial services, food safety, or professional licensing.

Establish a system for accepting payments

Once your business is legally established, you need an easy way for customers to pay you. In New Zealand, that usually means offering card payments, digital wallets, and bank transfers as payment options. If you operate a physical location or take payments in person, you’ll need an EFTPOS or card terminal that supports debit, credit, and contactless payments. If you sell through a website, app, or digital invoice, you’ll need a payment gateway that supports multiple payment methods. Choose a payments provider such as Stripe Payments that enables in-person, online, and recurring payments for all types of New Zealand businesses.

How Stripe Atlas can help

Stripe Atlas sets up your company’s legal foundations so you can fundraise, open a bank account, and accept payments within two business days from anywhere in the world.

Join 75K+ companies incorporated using Atlas, including startups backed by top investors like Y Combinator, a16z, and General Catalyst.

Applying to Atlas

Applying to form a company with Atlas takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll choose your company structure, instantly confirm whether your company name is available, and add up to four cofounders. You’ll also decide how to split equity, reserve a pool of equity for future investors and employees, appoint officers, and then e-sign all your documents. Any cofounders will receive emails inviting them to e-sign their documents, too.

Accepting payments and banking before your EIN arrives

After forming your company, Atlas files for your EIN. Founders with a US Social Security number, address, and cell phone number are eligible for IRS expedited processing, while others will receive standard processing, which can take a little longer. Additionally, Atlas enables pre-EIN payments and banking, so you can start accepting payments and making transactions before your EIN arrives.

Cashless founder stock purchase

Founders can purchase initial shares using their intellectual property (e.g., copyrights or patents) instead of cash, with proof of purchase stored in your Atlas Dashboard. Your IP must be valued at $100 or less to use this feature; if you own IP above that value, consult a lawyer before proceeding.

Automatic 83(b) tax election filing

Founders can file an 83(b) tax election to reduce personal income taxes. Atlas will file it for you—whether you are a US or non-US founder—with USPS Certified Mail and tracking. You’ll receive a signed 83(b) election and proof of filing directly in the Stripe Dashboard.

World-class company legal documents

Atlas provides all the legal documents you need to start running your company. Atlas C corp documents are built in collaboration with Cooley, one of the world’s leading venture capital law firms. These documents are designed to help you fundraise immediately and ensure your company is legally protected, covering aspects like ownership structure, equity distribution, and tax compliance.

A free year of Stripe Payments, plus $50K in partner credits and discounts

Atlas collaborates with top-tier partners to give founders exclusive discounts and credits. These include discounts on essential tools for engineering, tax, finance, compliance, and operations from industry leaders like AWS, Carta, and Perplexity. We also provide you with your required Delaware registered agent for free in your first year. Plus, as an Atlas user, you’ll access additional Stripe benefits, including up to a year of free payment processing for up to $100K in payments volume.

Learn more about how Atlas can help you set up your new business quickly and easily, and get started today.