Start your New Zealand business in just 24 hours

New Zealand was recently named the easiest country in the world in which to start a business, according to a study from the World Bank.

In terms of starting a new business venture, New Zealand is the least bureaucratic and most straightforward country, as shown by the results of the study. In fact, it takes only one day to start a business in New Zealand, and it can all be done online.

You can reserve a company name online by applying for registration with the Companies Office. This registration includes IRD and GST numbers.

The Companies Office will respond to your submission and your company name will be available for registration for 20 working days. Your next step will also be done online, by filling out the necessary forms on company details (including names of shareholders, directors and company addresses) and pay the registration fee. You will be required to pay NZ$10 for the name reservation and NZ$150 to register the company details.

You will then receive a notification email along with the director and shareholder consent forms that you will need to upload within 20 working days. The certificate of incorporation is issued via email a few minutes after the last consent form is accepted.

Under the Companies Act 1993, a company must have a name that has been reserved by the Registrar of Companies, at least one share, one shareholder, one director, a registered office and an address for service.