Business & company registration

Company and business registration in New Zealand: fees and steps

Updated 4 November 2026

Registering a company in New Zealand costs NZ$118.74 plus GST, which is NZ$136.55 with GST, and reserving a company name costs NZ$10 plus GST. The annual return is NZ$49.74 plus GST each year. Get offers from accountants and lawyers for your structure with a free request on BlaBlaPrice.

Rules you must follow

The law requires you to complete the company registration within 20 working days of reserving the name. Each year you must confirm your company's details and pay the annual return fee. Once your turnover reaches NZ$60,000 a year, you must register for GST, charge 15% GST on your sales and pay it over.

Timing

Registration is not seasonal, so November is as good a month as any. If you expect to pass NZ$60,000 turnover in your first year, plan GST registration before your first sales rather than after you cross the threshold.

Structure and what it costs

A sole trader or partnership pays no registration fee, while a company pays the incorporation fee above. Advisers' fees are separate and vary, and they are the larger part of the cost. Ask whether a quote includes the name reservation, the annual return and GST, and whether the adviser also handles tax filings.

What to write in the request

Say whether you want a company, partnership or sole trader; the work needed, such as incorporation, GST registration, tax filings or annual accounts; the number of founders and their roles; the business activity codes; any extras such as a shareholder agreement; the deadline; your city; and your budget.

BlaBlaPrice reads your request, asks for missing details and looks through sellers' websites and price lists in New Zealand for this work before it shows prices and businesses. Registered sellers reply in the chat with their own price, terms and timing, and your contact details stay hidden until you decide. You can also send the request link to an adviser you already know. Start with a request on BlaBlaPrice, or see Legal support for business.