Search the business registry

    New Zealand business registry search

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in New Zealand

    3 free lookups per day. No sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: NZBN

    How do I search the business registry in New Zealand?

    The New Zealand business registry is operated by NZBN. It covers Limited Company (Ltd), Look-Through Company (LTC). Search by business name to find the registered entity behind a trading name — free, no signup.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      NZBN records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      New Zealand recognises Limited Company (Ltd), Look-Through Company (LTC). Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open NZBNAll New Zealand records

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the New Zealand business registry cover?

    NZBN records Limited Company (Ltd), Look-Through Company (LTC). Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the New Zealand business registry by trading name?

    Yes, and that is usually the practical starting point. The registry will link the name to the registered legal entity where the two differ.

    Is a business registry search free in New Zealand?

    Yes. Name search and the public entry on NZBN are free. Only certified documents are chargeable.

    What if a New Zealand business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    What is an NZBN?

    The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to every business entity in NZ. It's designed to simplify business-to-business and business-to-government interactions by providing a single number for identification.

    People also ask about search the business registry in New Zealand

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the New Zealand company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the Companies Office / NZBN are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official New Zealand business registry?

    The Companies Office / NZBN is the official public register of companies incorporated in New Zealand. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz.

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