Overseas companies hub

An overseas company is defined in the Companies Act 1993 as 'a body corporate that is incorporated outside New Zealand'.

Overseas companies must register on our overseas register if they wish to conduct business in New Zealand.

• Learn about managing an overseas company in New Zealand

Registering an overseas company online is simple.  Before applying to register your company you need a Companies Office Logon.  

Learn more about:

• Registering to use this website (getting a Logon)
• Registering an Australian overseas company
• Registering an overseas company (other jurisdictions)

Once an overseas company is registered there is a range of information to update as required.

Learn how to update the New Zealand's overseas register with:

• Changes in director details
• Address changes
• Constitution changes
• Changes of company name

Annual returns | Each year, every company on the register is required to file an annual return – including overseas companies.  Annual returns are filed online for FREE.

• Filing an annual return for an overseas company

Financial statements | All overseas companies (including Australian overseas companies) are required to file financial statements with the Companies Office under section 19 of the Financial Reporting Act 1993.

• Financial reporting for overseas companies

When an overseas company intends to cease to carry on business in New Zealand, it is required to give public notice of that intention.

The company must then wait at least three months after giving public notice before submitting the required notice to the Registrar.

• Learn more about the steps for removing 
  an overseas company from the New Zealand register.