How to reserve a company name
What’s required when you apply to reserve a company name
Reserving a company name is the first step to incorporating a new company on the Companies Register. Before you apply to reserve a name, you should make sure it’s available, and that it meets our criteria for a suitable name.
Checking that a company name is available
The name you choose cannot be identical or almost identical to that of another company. ONECheck allows users to compare the availability of a business name among existing company names, domains and trademarks. ONECheck provides:
- the ability to check registered company names, web domains and social media usernames in one simple search.
- a measure of the originality of a trade mark (word mark) on a sliding scale.
- a description of the difference between a company name and a trade mark, which addresses a common misconception for people starting their first business.
Because reserving or registering business names or web domains doesn’t automatically give new businesses trade mark rights, ONECheck lets users check if their proposed trade mark or trading name appears to be unique and original. It also provides additional guidance around what to do next.
ONECheck provides a useful starting point for businesses seeking to register a distinctive trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand.
Names that can’t be reserved
There are some names that aren't acceptable under the Companies Act 1993.
Names of overseas companies
If you’re reserving a name for an overseas company, it must be identical to the name used to register the company in its home country.
Apply to reserve a company name online
If you're incorporating a new company, you must use your name reservation within 20 working days.
Reserving a company name online costs $10 (plus GST).
What you'll need to reserve a name
To reserve a company name, you must have:
- a RealMe® login
- an online services account with the Companies Register.
How to apply
Log in to your online services account and follow these steps.
- From your dashboard select the Entity type — for example, a New Zealand Limited Company or Overseas ASIC company.
- Enter the company name you’d like to reserve. The name of a limited liability company must end in Limited or Tapui Limited.
- Select the Auto check button before submitting your application — this step shouldn’t replace your search of the register to check if your name is available.
- Select who you are incorporating a company for – yourself or your employer.
- Upload any supporting documents — for example, if you have written approval to use a restricted word.
- Select Submit and complete the payment process.
What happens next
When you submit your request to reserve a company name, we’ll check that it isn’t offensive, restricted, identical or almost identical to any other name on the Companies Register.
We process requests submitted during normal business hours within two hours, otherwise we'll process it on the next business day. Our business processing hours are 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
When we've processed your name reservation request, you’ll receive an email confirmation giving you 20 days to incorporate your company. If your choice of name is rejected, we’ll tell you why it was refused.
Viewing your application
You can check your application's progress by selecting My Unfinished Business on your personal dashboard.
Related pages
- Company names that can't be reserved From Starting a company
- Company names that breach legislation From Starting a company