Overseas Investors in New Zealand
Overseas persons can own assets and operate businesses in New Zealand, although overseas entities will need to obtain a New Zealand tax number and may be required to register for NZ Goods and Services Tax. Overseas companies and limited partnerships which intend to carry on business directly in New Zealand need to register with the New Zealand Companies Office.
NZX operates the two main capital markets in New Zealand. The NZX Main Board, New Zealand’s principal market for equity securities, has around 160 issuers, which allows investors to trade in some New Zealand’s largest and most well-known companies, while the NZX Debt Market, allows investors to trade in a wide variety of debt securities, including New Zealand government bonds.
There are several governmental bodies that can assist overseas investors to set up or manage investments in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the Government’s national economic development agency. It can respond to enquiries on any aspect of investing in New Zealand through its network of investment managers around the world. NZTE promotes New Zealand as an investment destination and helps potential investors take advantage of opportunities. NZTE also matches high-growth New Zealand businesses in strategic sectors to international investors.
The NZTE also has a specialist division called The Investment Team, that helps international corporate investors. It provides a single contact point for major international investors, and can facilitate vital communication between investors and their prospective New Zealand partners and Government agencies.
If you wish to operate a business in New Zealand, you may need to apply to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) for consent if your investment involves ‘sensitive’ land such as foreshore or seabed, fishing assets or business assets worth more than NZD100 million.
Mark Copeland Lawyers is always happy to make introduction to these agencies for investor clients.
See other blogs with tips on doing business between New Zealand and Asia:
- Cultural points you need to be aware
- Resolving issues with transparency or corruption
- Why should investors and entrepreneurs choose New Zealand as a gateway to Asia?
Mark Copeland Lawyers, in Rotorua is the New Zealand commercial and real estate member Firm of IR Global, a global network of over 300 professional services firms in over 150 countries who are able to provide expert local advice on international business transactions.
Mark was recently invited to contribute his perspective on doing business in New Zealand, as a part of an IR Global feature “Gateway to Asia Pacific: A Guide to doing business in Asia. Read what Mark and 8 other contributor members had to say here: “Gateway to Asia Pacific: A Guide to doing bu