I don't live in New Zealand. Can I be the only director of an NZ company?
Usually no. Every New Zealand company must have at least 1 director who lives in New Zealand. The only exception is a director who lives in Australia and is a current director of a company registered in Australia. In general, living in New Zealand means spending more than 183 days in total in New Zealand within 12 months. If you are unsure, the Companies Office recommends getting legal advice before you start registering.
Official figures
- Do sole traders need to register?
- No. You do not need to register yourself or your business with any government agency. You only need to tell Inland Revenue that you have started working for yourself.1
- What sole traders need
- A personal IRD number (for income tax and GST), any government licences and permits your business needs, and any qualifications or registrations your industry requires.1
- NZBN for sole traders
- Optional, but recommended.1
- Company name reservation fee
- NZ$10 (plus GST)6
- Company registration fee
- NZ$118.74 (plus GST)6
Official sources
- Becoming a sole traderBusiness.govt.nz (MBIE) · business.govt.nz
- Incorporating a companyCompanies Office · companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz
- Who can be a directorCompanies Office · companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz
- Registering for GSTInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Starting a business: sole trader, company and GST registration →
People also ask
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- At what turnover do I have to register for GST?
- My business earns less than NZ$60,000. Can I register for GST voluntarily?
- What is provisional tax, and do I pay it in my first year?
- What is an NZBN, and do sole traders need one?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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