Why set up business in New Zealand? Our strong, free economy offers ample opportunities for foreign companies to expand their operations.

In The World Bank’s most recent “Ease of Doing Business” international report, New Zealand was listed as the most business-friendly country. This was a continuation of its high rankings each year until the bank discontinued the report in late 2021.

And for years New Zealand has shared an equal-first “least corrupt countries” standing in Transparency International’s “Corruptions Perception’s Index”, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.

Couple this with a high education rate and skilled workforce, a culture of innovation, and easy access to local South-East Asian, Australian and South American markets, and you can see why New Zealand is an attractive destination in which to invest and base your business.

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

Specialised services

Incorporating a company or registering a branch is much easier with our comprehensive support and extensive network of connections across 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.

Establishing a business in New Zealand

The first steps include:

• Register your company, branch or other entity.
• Companies must list a 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 including GST, withholding taxes, customs procedures, non-resident withholding tax, PAYE and non-resident contractors’ tax, and financial considerations for short-term operations.

Auditing services

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

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

Business advice

If you need advice on running a successful business in New Zealand, we offer the following:

• 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 our Baker Tilly Staples Rodway specialists lead the way. Scroll down to see our specialists below or get in touch with our Auckland team on +64 9 309 0463 or BusinessinNZ@bakertillysr.nz.