The Founder’s Checklist: Your Single Source of Truth for Starting a Startup in New Zealand

The only checklist you need to start and scale your NZ startup. Verified, actionable, and built for founders.

Proprietary Founder Checklist, with Verified Sources (April, 2025)

1. Decide on Your Business Structure

Choosing the right legal structure is critical to your startup’s foundation. In New Zealand, most founders choose a limited liability company for its scalability, tax efficiency, and investor preference. Use this step to formalize your business and align your structure with your growth ambitions.

Choose between Sole Trader, Partnership, or Company

Xero

Beany

Afirmo

Business.govt.nz

Prefer Limited Liability Company for scalability

Companies Office

Stripe

2. Secure NZ IRD Number & Tax Registrations

Before trading, you must set up your Inland Revenue number and assess if you need to register for GST. If your revenue will exceed NZD $60,000 annually, GST registration is mandatory. Confirm any employer obligations if you plan to hire (PAYE, KiwiSaver).

Apply for an IRD Number

IRD Number Guide

Assess GST Threshold (NZD $60K annual turnover)

IRD GST Registration

Companies Office Tax Registration

Business.govt.nz GST

Avalara GST Guide

Understand employer obligations (PAYE, KiwiSaver)

IRD Employer Obligations

3. Legal Compliance & Governance

Establish your legal foundation with formal company registration, governance records, and agreements. A shareholders' agreement, while not legally required, is highly recommended to set clear rules between founders and protect long-term interests.

Reserve company name and register officially

Companies Office

Draft Shareholders' Agreement (Recommended)

Parry Field Lawyers

Maintain governance records (constitution, minutes, resolutions)

4. Visa & Immigration (If Applicable)

If you’re an international founder, check eligibility for Entrepreneur or Investor visas. Ensure your business plan aligns with visa requirements, and engage a licensed immigration adviser if needed to navigate the process confidently.

Check eligibility for Entrepreneur Work Visa or Investor Visa

Immigration NZ

Parry Field Lawyers

Engage a Licensed Immigration Adviser (if required)

IAA Directory

5. Open a Business Bank Account & Set Up Payments

A dedicated business bank account keeps your finances clean and investor-friendly. Set up Stripe or similar payments infrastructure early to ensure you’re ready to accept payments from day one.

Open NZ business bank account

Emerge- Digital-first business current account in 7 minutes

Set up payments infrastructure (Stripe, Xero integrations)

Stripe Startup Guide

6. Set Up Accounting & Record-Keeping Systems

Build a scalable accounting system from day one. Use cloud tools like Xero or MYOB and ensure you’re tracking GST, income, and expenses correctly for compliance and future due diligence.

Implement accounting software (Xero, MYOB)

Xero

MYOB

Set up GST & tax reporting workflows

Taxually

IRD

7. Post-Launch Compliance & Scaling

After launch, stay disciplined with your tax filings, compliance, and growth strategies. Use this stage to explore new markets, raise capital, or prepare for eventual acquisition.

File tax returns (GST, income tax) accurately and on time

IRD

Maintain ongoing company records and compliance

Plan for scaling: explore export markets, growth capital, M&A pathways

NZTE Export Essentials

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