An NZBN (New Zealand Business Number) is a unique identifier for a New Zealand business, free for every business from sole traders to large corporations. Companies and other organisations registered with the Companies Office already have one. Sole traders, partnerships and trusts that are in business in New Zealand can apply online through MyNZBN, and most applications are processed instantly with a New Zealand driver licence or passport.
It's the number that lets customers and suppliers confirm who they're dealing with, and it's what connects your business to things like eInvoicing. You don't need one just because you're thinking about starting a business: you apply once you're trading.
Do you already have an NZBN?
| Your business | NZBN |
|---|---|
| Registered company | Already allocated, search the NZBN Register |
| Incorporated society or charitable trust board | Already allocated |
| Limited partnership (New Zealand or overseas) | Already allocated |
| Sole trader | Apply online |
| Partnership | Apply online |
| Trust | Apply online, a separate NZBN for each trust |
| Unincorporated registered charity, school or statutory organisation | Can apply |
Building societies, credit unions, friendly societies and industrial and provident societies registered with the Companies Office are also already allocated one.
Are you in business?
The NZBN Act 2016 sets the test. You're in business if you acquire or supply goods or services, or acquire or dispose of land, but not if you do that as a consumer, an employee or an individual member of an unincorporated group. A business can be non-profit, and it can even provide its services for free.
How to get an NZBN as a sole trader
- Get a RealMe login. If you already use RealMe for the Companies Office or another MBIE site, it works for MyNZBN too.
- Set up your MyNZBN account. Log in with RealMe, add your name as it appears on your driver licence or passport, add your contact details and agree to the terms of use.
- Have your details ready. You'll need the business's IRD number and proof of your identity.
- Apply online. Choose your business type and fill in the application.
Most applications are processed instantly if you can give a New Zealand driver licence or passport. Without either, or if you're applying for a partnership or trust, you'll need to give extra information and the application is processed within 3 working days.
Partnerships need the partnership's IRD number, partner details and proof of the partnership. Trusts need the trust's IRD number, each trustee's details and proof of the trust.
Applying for someone else
You can apply on behalf of a business you have authority to act for, for example as its accountant or bookkeeper. To update an existing business's details on the NZBN Register, you request access through the register, and what happens next depends on the business type.
What you can do with an NZBN
- Give customers and suppliers confidence about who they're dealing with, and share your details in one place when they change.
- Identify branches, departments or locations with their own numbers, called Organisation Parts. Two come free.
- Identify your business as Māori if it has Māori owners, assets, philosophy, kaupapa or tikanga.
- Use eInvoicing and other tools built on the NZBN.
How to look up an NZBN
Anyone can search the NZBN Register on nzbn.govt.nz. Enter keywords, then choose whether you're searching by business or by website. It's the quickest way to check a new supplier or confirm the details a client has on file for you, and because companies are allocated an NZBN automatically, every registered company will show up.
Keep your own entry current. The point of the register is that your details are shared from one place, so when you move, change your trading name or add a website, update it in MyNZBN under My profile and your connected customers and suppliers can pick up the change.
Sole trader or company?
business.govt.nz says it's relatively easy to start as a sole trader, because you don't go through the legal process of setting up a company, and the structure suits tradespeople, contractors, small business owners and people turning a hobby into a business. It's also clear about the limit: if you want to hand the business on or bring in investors at some stage, it's best to have a company structure from the start. Its Choose Business Structure tool walks you through the decision, and either way you'll end up with an NZBN.
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NZBN and becoming a sole trader
It helps to know how little paperwork a sole trader needs in New Zealand. business.govt.nz says you don't have to register yourself or your business with a government agency: you only need to tell Inland Revenue you've started working for yourself. You will need a personal IRD number, any licences and permits your business needs, and any qualifications or registrations for your trade.
Here's the catch most new sole traders miss: you can't advertise using your own personal name if someone has already registered it as a trademark in the same industry. business.govt.nz's ONECheck tool lets you check a name across business names, trademarks, web domains and social media usernames in one search, so run that before you print anything.
My advice
If you're trading as a sole trader, get your NZBN now. It takes minutes with your driver licence or passport, it's free, and it makes you look established to bigger clients who check suppliers. Then run ONECheck on your name, sort a simple business plan and a logo from our list of free logo makers.
Frequently asked questions
What is an NZBN?
An NZBN is a New Zealand Business Number, a unique identifier for a New Zealand business that links to its core business information. It's free for every New Zealand business.
Do sole traders need an NZBN?
Sole traders who are in business in New Zealand are eligible to apply for an NZBN online. Registered companies are allocated one automatically, but sole traders have to apply.
How long does it take to get an NZBN?
Most applications are processed instantly if you can provide a New Zealand driver licence or passport. Otherwise, or for partnerships and trusts, applications are processed within 3 working days.
What do I need to apply for an NZBN?
You need a RealMe login, a MyNZBN account, the business's IRD number and proof of your identity.
Does a trust need its own NZBN?
Yes. An NZBN can be issued to the trustees of a trust, and a trustee of more than one trust needs a separate NZBN for each trust.
