Verify company registration

    How to check if a company is registered in New Zealand

    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 check if a company is registered in New Zealand?

    To check if a company is registered in New Zealand, search its name or registration number on NZBN (https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz). An "active" status plus a matching legal name confirms the entity is currently registered. All basic verification is free.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Open the official NZBN

      Go to https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz. This is the primary government-operated source.

      https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz
    2. 2

      Search by name or number

      Enter the trading name or the registration number. NZBN returns exact and near matches.

    3. 3

      Check status and legal name

      A registered company shows an "active"/"registered" status and a legal name that matches the entity you're checking.

    4. 4

      Cross-check the registered address

      Compare the registered office address on NZBN with the address the company advertises. Mismatches are the fastest signal something is off.

    5. 5

      Download the official extract (optional)

      Most registers let you download a formal extract or certificate. Use this for KYC, procurement, or contract files.

    Open NZBNAll New Zealand records

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I check if a company is registered in New Zealand?

    Search the company's name or registration number on NZBN at https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz. A matching entry with an "active" or equivalent status confirms the company is currently registered. The check is free and needs no account.

    How can I check if a New Zealand company is still active?

    Read the status field on the company's NZBN record. "Active"/"registered" means it is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not. Also check the most recent filing date — a nominally active entity years behind on filings is a warning sign.

    Is a New Zealand company with a website automatically registered?

    No. A website, email domain or invoice letterhead proves nothing. The only authoritative proof is a current entry in NZBN with a matching legal name and registration number.

    What proves a New Zealand company is legally registered?

    An entry in NZBN with an "active" or equivalent status is the definitive proof. The registration number returned by NZBN is the authoritative identifier.

    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 check if a company is registered 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.

    How can I check if a New Zealand company is legitimate?

    Look the company up on the Companies Office / NZBN. If the entity returns an "active" (or equivalent local status) result, matches the registered address on its invoices, and its listed directors match who is signing your contract, it is a real registered entity. Anything reported as "dissolved", "struck off" or "in liquidation" should be treated with caution.

    What information can I get about a New Zealand company for free?

    Free public data from the Companies Office / NZBN typically includes: legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, current status, business type, and current directors / officers. Historical filings and certified copies may carry a small fee.

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