Why set up business in New Zealand? Many companies are interested in expanding their operations and opening a business in New Zealand, thanks to the strong, free economy and ample opportunities for foreign company ownership in New Zealand. The World Bank rates New Zealand as the easiest place to do business, on top of this it is also rated as the least corrupt country in the world to do business. Couple this with a high education rate and skilled workforce, a culture of innovation, easy access to South-East Asian, Australian and South American markets and you can see why New Zealand is an attractive investment destination in which to base your business.

Whether you want to establish a head office, new retail branch, service centre, distribution business, or any other type of business in New Zealand, you will be faced with a range of accounting, tax HR and legal considerations. It's best to have a local advisor from Baker Tilly Staples Rodway who can help you get set up and operate effectively.

Specialised services for establishing a business in New Zealand

At Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, we offer a customisable service for business setup and ongoing operations in a way that works best for you and your existing internal resources.

Incorporating a company or registering a branch in New Zealand is much easier with our comprehensive support and extensive network of connections in all areas.

If you want to expand your business to New Zealand, take a look at our full suite of business solutions below or contact our trusted team to learn more about setting up operations in New Zealand.

Establishing a business in New Zealand

The first steps to establishing a business in New Zealand include:

• Register your company, branch or other entity.
• Companies must list provide an New Zealand Resident Director (we can assist if you meet the criteria)
• Liaise with your preferred bank to open a bank account
• Obtain IRD numbers and register for the right tax types
• Register for New Zealand Customs for imported goods
• Enrol with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
• Structuring & tax matters

Our tax specialists have the knowledge and experience to provide practical, tailored solutions for the best tax and operational outcomes for businesses coming to New Zealand from Australia, Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond.

We help with income taxes, GST, withholding taxes, customs procedures, non-resident withholding taxes, PAYE, non-resident contractors tax and more, as well as financial considerations for short-term operations.

Auditing services

Our licensed auditors use a risk-based methodology to prepare effective and competitive audits to meet subsidiary or branch requirements.

We also provide advice and support to financial industry clients to ensure compliance with FMA legislation, plus internal audits, fraud identification and prevention.

Business advice

If you need advice on running a successful business in New Zealand, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is happy to help with:

• Assistance with and preparation of annual accounts, acting as the registered office and filing annual returns
• Preparation and filing of income tax and GST returns as part of our tax agency list
• Preparation of monthly payroll returns and advising of amounts payable to Inland Revenue and employees

Human resources

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway provides internal HR management, compliance, recruitment and selection. We ensure employment agreements are New Zealand compliant, oversee disputes and disciplinary procedures, and offer advice on appropriate remuneration.

Transaction assistance

Our financial, tax, and HR due diligence services include structuring advice for new acquisitions. We work closely with our Baker Tilly International network, including Pitcher Partners, Australia’s leading mid-market accounting firm and other experts to deliver clear and effective findings.

We have strong links with legal advisors to assist with any contractual matters or where specialist legal advice is required in documenting structures.

Contact our specialist services team

Now that you understand why you may want to set up or expand your business into New Zealand, let the specialists at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway lead the way. Please fill out the form below or get in touch with our team directly on +64 9 309 0463 during NZ business hours.