Changing the name of an overseas company

What’s required when you change an overseas company's name

To change the name of an overseas company, follow the same online process as for a New Zealand company. When you change your company's name, you need to pay a fee of $10 (plus GST).

Changing the name of a company incorporated in Australia

If your company is incorporated with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), you must first register the name change with ASIC. Once ASIC has notified us of the change, we’ll ask you by email to register the change on the New Zealand Companies Register.

ASIC — online services Australian Securities & Investments Commission

How to reserve a company name

Authority to update a company name

To change the name of a company incorporated overseas, you must have:

  • a RealMe® login
  • an online services account with the Companies Register, and
  • authority to act for your company.

RealMe logins and setting up your online services account

Confirming your authority to manage information

Check if a company name is available

The name you choose cannot be identical or almost identical to that of another company. There are some names that aren't acceptable under the Companies Act 1993.

Checking that the name is available

Company names that can't be reserved

Change the name of an overseas company

This is a 2-step process.

Step 1

Log in to your online services account, and search for the company by company name, company number or New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) then follow these steps.

  1. Choose the My tools menu, select Change company name.
  2. Next select one of the following options:
    • I would like to reserve a new company name, or
    • I would like to swap names with another company.
  3. Select 'Continue'
  4. Check the name you want to change to is available to use.
  5. Pay the fee of $10 (plus GST).
  6. Select Submit.

If the name is acceptable, we'll send an email confirming that your new name has been reserved. You can then register the name change.

Step 2

Log in to your online services account, and search for the company as above, then follow these steps.

  1. Choose the My tools menu, select Change company name.

What happens next

We’ll send you an email confirming that the name of your company has changed, and attach a Certificate of Registration.

Change company name

All help topics

Before you start a company 5 guides

Get an overview of how companies are structured, find out about the company records you need to keep, and what's involved when you incorporate with and report to the Companies Office.

Starting a company 12 guides

You need to comply with New Zealand laws when you incorporate your company with the Companies Office, including reserving a company name, appointing directors, issuing shares and registering for tax.

Keeping company details up to date 13 guides

Once your company is registered with the Companies Office, nominate who will have authority to file your annual returns, and update your name, address, constitution, director and shareholder details.

See all 13 guides for Keeping company details up to date

Shares and shareholders 7 guides

When you incorporate, you must provide details of all company shares and shareholders. As changes occur, you must update this information on your own share register and in your company's annual return.

Company directors 7 guides

Directors have responsibilities to their company and shareholders, and under the Companies Act 1993. You must register all your directors with the Companies Office and they must sign a consent form.​

Filing annual returns 7 guides

Find out about filing an annual return — the information you need to update, how to change your filing month or request a time extension — and what happens if you don't file your annual return by the due date.

Complying with the law 11 guides

Find out how New Zealand law affects the directors and shareholders of your company, and your responsibility to create and maintain accurate company records, report to us and file financial statements.

Financial reporting 7 guides

​Some large New Zealand and overseas companies, and all FMC reporting entities must submit audited annual financial statements to the Companies Office.

Managing an overseas company in New Zealand 11 guides

Before they can carry out some business activities, companies incorporated in other countries, including Australia, must register with the Companies Office and then keep their company details up to date.

Closing a company 11 guides

When your company closes down you need to remove it from the register. Your company can be removed if it amalgamates with another company or doesn't file its annual return.

Restoring a company to the register 4 guides

Only some companies can be reinstated to the Companies Register once they've been removed. Find out who can apply, what evidence to provide and if you should apply to the Registrar or the High Court.

When your company fails 9 guides

Find out about voluntary administration, receivership and liquidation (external administration), and the roles and responsibilities of those appointed to manage your company's affairs.

Managing your online account 9 guides

Creating an account with the Companies Office allows you to complete the majority of your transactions online. It's free to set up, but fees apply for some transactions, such as filing annual returns.

Getting support to use the Companies Register 6 guides

Get help with any technical problems you have using the register, such as uploading documents or searching for companies, directors and shareholders.