Starting a business · Business owner
Business names, company names, and NZBNs
Published
Reviewed · Next review
Use the Companies Register and NZBN guidance to check company names and business identification.
If you are incorporating a company, reserve its name through the Companies Register. Read the current reservation fee and deadline on the official page before applying; a reservation is not an unlimited hold on the name.
An NZBN identifies a business. The NZBN service has an application route for eligible sole traders, partnerships and trusts, while registered New Zealand companies receive an NZBN automatically. Check the route for your structure rather than assuming you must incorporate to get one.
Key facts
- A company name must be reserved before the company can be registered.Sources: Reserving a name for a new company
- Eligible sole traders, partnerships and trusts can apply for an NZBN.Sources: Applying for an NZBN
Official sources
- Reserving a name for a new company
Companies Office · Accessed
- Applying for an NZBN
New Zealand Business Number · Accessed
Kislap publishes this resource for general information only. Nothing here is immigration, legal, financial, tax, medical, employment, or other professional advice; check official sources and speak with a qualified professional before acting.
Review history (1)
Revision 1 ·
Migrated and reviewed official name and NZBN guidance. Replaced fee and reservation-duration figures with the live requirements; retained the original publication date.