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Forming a company

New Zealand is one of the easiest countries in the world in which to form a company. We do not provide this service, but you can easily complete the process online at the Companies Office website.

Some privately-operated websites offer company formation services, but they simply take your information and pass it on to the Companies Office. You can save time and money by doing-it-yourself directly at Companies Office website.

Key links

New Zealand Companies Office "The Companies Office is the government agency responsible for the administration of corporate body registers, including the Companies Register."

The Companies Office website has a range of functions that let you:
  • Form a company online
  • Manage specific company information
  • File annual returns and other documents
  • Search for companies, directors and shareholder

as well as many others.

Companies Act 1993 The Companies Act 1993 is the law that regulates all New Zealand companies. It contains most of the rules and obligations for running a company, including the record-keeping requirement.
Maintaining and keeping records The Companies Office publishes this advice on company record-keeping obligations.
Record keeping guide (IR323) The Inland Revenue Department publishes this guide which summarises the legal record-keeping obligations of businesses (including but not limited to companies).