{"id":204632,"date":"2021-05-28T17:38:33","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T04:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=204632"},"modified":"2025-04-01T12:23:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T23:23:37","slug":"business-licence-nz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/regulatory-and-compliance\/business-licence-nz\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Business Licence in NZ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In New Zealand, you do not need a specific business licence to start a new business. However, there may be various registration requirements depending on your business structure. You will also need to let Inland Revenue know if you start a new business and inform them of any changing tax statuses. Furthermore, depending on the business you run and the industry you trade in, there may be specific licences or certificates you need to get for certain activities. This article will provide a brief guideline for what you should do if you want to set up a new business in NZ and go over some licences you may need for particular business activities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting a Business in NZ<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting up a new business can be a relatively straightforward process that will vary in difficulty depending on your business structure and the kind of activities you want to do. Generally, you should complete the following steps when starting a new business in NZ<\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coming Up With an Idea<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

First, you need a viable idea for your business. Find a product or service you can provide that you think would be a profitable venture. For example, this could range from selling your homemade products online to starting a bakery.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

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Researching the Market<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

Find out whether there is a gap in the market your business can fill or a need that you think you can meet. For instance, analyse your potential competitors, and identify what customer groups or demographics you want to target.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

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Developing a Plan<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

Every business should have <\/span>a business plan<\/span><\/a> that outlines its long-term profitability and also its strategies for staying afloat. This will summarise any market research you have done as well.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

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Choosing a Name & Brand<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

Choose unique branding for your business. It should be something your customers can identify as belonging to your brand. For instance, this can include your business name, slogan, or logo. If viable, you should look into intellectual property protections as well.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

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Choosing a Structure<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

Businesses in NZ are usually one of three structures – sole traders, partnerships, or companies, and your legal obligations will vary depending on the structure you choose. If you want to start a company, you need to register with the Companies Office.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

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Registering for an NZBN<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>

A New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a national and unique identifier for your business, which any business entity can apply for. This number links to your core business information and anyone who engages with you can also look up and find this important data.<\/span><\/p> <\/td><\/tr>

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Complying with Regulations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

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Your new business will have recordkeeping and annual tax obligations that you need to meet, as well as industry-specific laws. For example, if you sell goods to consumers, you need to comply with consumer law.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Business Activities Need a Licence?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some industries will require a licence or certificate to set up a business within those areas. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n