Why Do Business in New Zealand?

Incorporating two main islands and a string of smaller outlying islands, New Zealand is the best country in the world to start and run a business, according to The World Bank.

Indeed, according to their latest report, New Zealand is more attractive from a business standpoint than Singapore, Denmark, and Hong Kong thanks to its ease of entry and relaxed attitudes towards foreign investment and international expansion. As an entrepreneur looking to take your business to new heights, New Zealand could be an option to consider in your strategy.

The country is of a similar size to Japan or Great Britain and benefits from being culturally diverse, with high levels of immigration from countries around the world, most specifically from Australia and Asia.

With a population closing in on 5 million people, all of whom speak English, the country is accessible to Western investors who want to enter into a new country without having to overcome cultural, language, and legislative barriers. On top of that, New Zealanders’ ‘can do’ attitude helps to enable growth and innovation in new businesses.

Below, we share some of the reasons why you should consider incorporating a business in New Zealand in 2019 and offer guidance on how to maximize your return on investment…

Why Do Business in New Zealand: Strong Government And Legal System

New Zealand is officially the least corrupt nation in the world, making it a firm favorite for businesses looking for an Australasian base. The country follows the British Westminster parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy set-up, with the government led by a Prime Minister who is elected by citizens. The country also boasts Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as its official head of state, though she has no role in the running of the country.

Also similar to Britain is New Zealand’s legal system, with the majority of the country’s statutes based off of English or Australian law. For a foreign investor with a background in the United Kingdom, navigating to a country like New Zealand means you will be forearmed and will be able to execute your business strategy with a prior understanding of the law and your responsibilities as an employer. Of course, there are differences between UK law and NZ law, but the basic principles are the same, giving you confidence in your convictions.

Foreign investment in the country is monitored by the Overseas Investment Office, The Financial Markets Authority, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. These institutions regulate the country’s financial markets, investments, and insurance.

Simple Foreign Exchange Controls

When expanding your business into new markets, it is important that you understand your rights as a foreign investor. New Zealand is a popular choice for entrepreneurs as there are no restrictions on the flow of capital from a New Zealand business to overseas investors, so you can effectively set up a new branch of your business and transfer assets to your home country. However, payments may be subject to withholding tax, so calculating your margins makes sense before you make the move and launch a business in New Zealand territory.

A Strong Economy

Boasting a US$205.9 billion GDP, New Zealand has enjoyed positive economic growth for 33 of the past 35 years, putting the country head and shoulders above some of its comparable nations. Similar to Australia, the country remained buoyant during the 2008 financial crisis, demonstrating its power and highlighting the geographical differences between NZ and the United States or Europe, for example. Since 2010, the country has seen an average annual growth of 2.1%. 2017’s growth hit 2.7%, and economic growth for 2018 was 3%. In 2018, the OECD forecasted the economy would grow 3.6%, fueled by tourism and export increases.

Lucrative Export Market

New Zealand is home to a lucrative export market, with exported goods making up around 30% of the country’s GDP. The country shipped more than US$38.4 billion worth of goods and services across the globe in 2018, with more than half (55.3%) being shipped to Asian territories. According to World’s Top Exports, current export sales translate to around $8,500 per resident in the country, demonstrating just how lucrative the country’s export market is.

The most popular commodities exported in the country are dairy products (making up 26% of all exports) as well as meat, wood, fruits, nuts, beverages, cereal, fish, machinery, aluminium, and food preparation products. Vehicles, machinery, minerals, electricals, and plastics were the biggest imported product categories, each representing a trade deficit, which unlocks unique opportunities for foreign investors looking to enter into the import and export market.

Why Do Business in New Zealand: Opportunities In Growing Industries

Because of its geographical position, New Zealand is largely dependent on other countries to prop up its economy, which is why its raw materials sector continues to thrive. Indeed, there are significant opportunities in the agricultural sector, which is the largest in the country, with new technologies and investments required to increase yields and improve the performance of crops and livestock.

Horticulture is another key industry that foreign investors may want to look into – with peaches, plums, nectarines, drupe, cherries, and apricots all grown in huge quantities for export, the ability to add value through food processing could offer significant returns on investment.

The country’s forestry, mining, and fishing sectors are also key areas of growth, although spotting a gap in the market and undertaking due diligence before setting up is critical.

Simple Company Incorporation Process

Businesses setting up in New Zealand typically form a sole trader business, a partnership, or a limited liability company, with all three offering their own benefits and controls. Offshore entities, on the other hand, conduct business through a local subsidiary company structure or by opening a branch of their company in New Zealand. In recent times, however, limited partnerships are becoming the most popular choice for international entrepreneurs. When setting up a new business, it makes sense to work with a reputable company that can offer their experience to speed up your application process and ensure your firm is fully compliant.

Easy Visa Processing

Finally, it’s important to give a nod to visa processing. As a foreign investor, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Work visa (previously the Long Term Business visa) which will allow you to buy or establish a new business in the country. In order to receive approval for this visa, you will need to make an initial capital investment of NZ$100,000 or more, and score at least 120 on a scale used to determine the likely success of your proposed business venture.

In addition, you’ll need to present your New Zealand business plan for the visa processing department. The process can take several months and may require some back-and-forth, so it makes sense to begin proceedings as soon as possible to get the ball rolling. You may also want to consider a Work Visa for yourself or your staffers who are not based in New Zealand, offering up to three years in the country for employment purposes. Australian nationals need not apply for an investor or work visa – they’re free to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Let Biz Latin Hub Help You Do Business in New Zealand

Entering into a market such as New Zealand will not come without its challenges, so prior planning and preparation are key to ensure your long-term success. Indeed, entering into the country without a clear strategy or an understanding of the market and demand for your products or services will naturally result in failure; don’t make that entrepreneurial mistake.

At Biz Latin Hub, we offer a range of business services designed to help entrepreneurs make their way in new territories. We offer everything from company incorporation to recruitment, due diligence, and accounting. To find out more, contact us and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can with a personalized strategy.