Guide to starting a business

If you have a name in mind — even if it’s your own — use our ONECheck tool to quickly see if it’s available. With one search you can see its availability as a business name, trade mark, web domain and social media username, to help you choose a name you can market and protect.

ONECheck

Choosing a business name

You may need to get a few registrations from government agencies. Several agencies use a RealMe® login. If you don’t already have a login (username and password), you can create one when you register for a New Zealand Business Number (see step 5).

RealMe(external link)

*RealMe® is a registered trademark of the New Zealand Government.

Whether you’re new to being self-employed or in business, a small investment now will mean you won’t lose your ability to market and protect your name while getting other things in order. Use our ONECheck tool as your starting point.

ONECheck

Step 6i: Register a domain name

Get a web address. Low cost, quick and easy. See the Domain Name Commission’s list of authorised registrars.

Authorised registrars(external link) — Domain Name Commission

Step 6ii: Reserve your company name

If you decide to structure your business as a company you need to reserve your company name with the Companies Office — it’s low cost, quick and easy. You'll need a RealMe login. You must use the name to incorporate your company within 20 working days of reserving it.

Reserving company name(external link) — Companies Office

Step 6iii: Check for trade marks

Get an initial assessment report from the Intellectual Property Office (IPONZ) before you invest in applying for a registered trade mark. Do this by applying online for a search and preliminary advice (SPA) report on the IPONZ website. It’s low cost, easy and you’ll get it within five days. You can also search the trade mark register for free.

You'll need a RealMe login.

Search and preliminary advice(external link) — IPONZ

Trade mark register(external link) — IPONZ

Did you know:

• Before registering, make sure your business name has been given the green light from your IPONZ SPA check.

If you've decided to structure your business as a company then register online with the Companies Office — it’s low cost, quick and easy. You'll need a RealMe login.

Start a company(external link) — Companies Office

Did you know

• You can register for GST at the same time as you register your company.

A registered trade mark is the best way to protect your brands in the marketplace. You can use your SPA check to begin your application online with IPONZ. It’s quite quick and easy, low cost for a high level of protection. You'll need a RealMe login.

Trade marks(external link) — IPONZ