Reserving a company name
The Registrar of Companies is responsible for the approval and reservation of company names.
This is the first step to incorporating your company. If you wish to change the name of your company, you also need to apply to reserve the new company name.
The key steps
Check the name is available
Begin by checking that your name is capable of being reserved. For example, the name you choose cannot be identical or almost identical to another company name. It cannot be offensive or contain certain words that are restricted or protected by other legislation.
Apply for your name online
Whether you are applying for a name to incorporate a company or to change a name for an existing company, the process is the same. It costs NZ$10 to reserve a name online.
How we process your application
We process company name applications received during normal business hours within two hours. You will receive an email confirming whether your application was approved.
What happens next?
You must use the name to incorporate a new company or change the name of an existing company within 20 working days.
