NZ Business Number (NZBN) FAQ 2026

The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is the unique identifier used across all New Zealand government interactions for businesses, companies, and other entities. Established by the New Zealand Business Number Act 2016, the NZBN is administered by the Companies Office (a business unit of MBIE) and is the foundation of the NZ government’s “tell us once” approach to business interactions. This FAQ covers the most common questions.

What is the NZBN?

The NZBN is a 13-digit unique identifier assigned to every entity that registers under the New Zealand Business Number Act 2016. It is structurally similar to (and compatible with) the Global Location Number (GLN) standard, allowing international interoperability.

Every NZBN is associated with a “Primary Business Data” record that includes the entity’s legal name, trading name(s), addresses, contact details, industry classification, and other key information. This record is the authoritative source used across NZ government systems.

NZBN hub: https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/

Who has an NZBN?

Under the New Zealand Business Number Act 2016, the following entities have, or may obtain, an NZBN:

• Companies registered under the Companies Act 1993 — automatically issued at incorporation (s.13)
• Limited partnerships registered under the Limited Partnerships Act 2008 — automatically issued
• Sole traders — may apply voluntarily
• Partnerships — may apply voluntarily
• Trusts (where the trust carries on business) — may apply voluntarily
• Incorporated societies registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 — automatically issued
• Charitable trusts registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 — automatically issued
• Government departments and agencies — issued by default

Companies, limited partnerships, and registered societies receive NZBNs automatically on registration. Sole traders, partnerships, and trusts must apply via https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/manage-my-nzbn/get-an-nzbn/.

Is the NZBN the same as a company number?

No. A company has both:

• A company number issued by the Companies Office under the Companies Act 1993 (a 7-digit number)
• An NZBN issued under the NZBN Act 2016 (a 13-digit number)

The two are different identifiers serving different purposes. The company number identifies the entity on the Companies Register; the NZBN is the cross-government identifier. Both appear on Companies Office records.

Is the NZBN the same as the IRD number?

No. The IRD number is issued by the Inland Revenue Department for tax purposes under the Tax Administration Act 1994. It is unrelated to the NZBN, although both identifiers will be associated with the same business entity.

A company will typically have:

• A 7-digit Companies Office company number
• A 13-digit NZBN
• An 8- or 9-digit IRD number
• A GST number (often the same digits as the IRD number)

Why do I need an NZBN?

The NZBN delivers benefits across three dimensions:

1. Government interactions

Many NZ government services require or accept the NZBN as the entity identifier — making transactions faster and reducing duplicate data entry. Examples include MBIE applications, Inland Revenue digital services, regional council compliance interactions, and ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) accounts.

2. Trading partner interactions

Businesses use NZBNs to verify other businesses’ legitimacy before transacting. The Primary Business Data is publicly available, providing a free verification tool.

3. e-Invoicing and Peppol

NZ has adopted the Peppol international e-invoicing framework, which uses NZBNs as the routing identifiers. Sending and receiving e-invoices through Peppol-enabled software requires both parties to have NZBNs.

Peppol e-invoicing guidance: https://www.business.govt.nz/getting-started/getting-paid/e-invoicing/

How do I apply for an NZBN?

For sole traders, partnerships, and trusts (the entities that don’t get an NZBN automatically), application is online:

1. Visit https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/manage-my-nzbn/get-an-nzbn/.
2. Click “Apply for an NZBN” and select the entity type.
3. Complete identity verification — RealMe is recommended.
4. Provide the entity’s legal name, trading name (if any), addresses, key contacts, and industry code.
5. Submit. Most applications are approved immediately.

There is no fee for an NZBN.

What information is publicly visible?

The NZBN public register (https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/search/) shows:

• Legal name
• Trading name(s)
• NZBN
• Industry classification (ANZSIC code)
• Entity type
• Operating status
• Address (registered office for companies; main business address for sole traders if disclosed)
• Phone and email (if the entity has elected to make these public)

Some information — director residential addresses for sole traders (where different from registered address), beneficial owners — is not publicly visible.

How do I update my NZBN information?

For companies and other entities with automatic NZBNs, updating information at the source register (e.g. Companies Office annual return) automatically flows to the NZBN record.

For sole traders and other voluntary registrants, update the NZBN record directly via the NZBN portal at https://my.nzbn.govt.nz/.

Changes typically reflect on the public register within minutes.

Can my NZBN be cancelled?

Yes, in two circumstances:

Voluntary cancellation

Sole traders and partnerships that cease trading can cancel their NZBN through the NZBN portal.

Involuntary cancellation

If the source registration is removed (e.g. the company is removed from the Companies Register under s.318), the NZBN status changes to “Removed”. The NZBN itself is retained in the historic register but is marked as inactive.

Is the NZBN required for invoicing?

Not legally required, but strongly recommended. Including the NZBN on invoices:

• Helps trading partners verify your identity
• Enables Peppol e-invoicing
• Demonstrates legitimacy in B2B transactions

For GST-registered entities, the GST number must appear on tax invoices under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 — but the NZBN is a separate, complementary identifier.

What is the NZBN Act 2016?

The New Zealand Business Number Act 2016 is the primary legislation governing the NZBN system. Key provisions:

• s.10 — establishes the NZBN register
• s.11 — Registrar’s duties (the Registrar of Companies is the NZBN Registrar)
• s.13 — automatic issue to companies on registration
• s.18 — voluntary application process for sole traders and other entities
• ss.21–24 — public access to the register
• s.27 — collection and use of NZBN data

Primary source: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2016/0016/latest/DLM6431500.html

Does the NZBN replace the IRD number?

No. The IRD continues to use its own number for tax administration. The NZBN is a complementary cross-government identifier. Some IRD digital services (e.g. some employer registrations) accept either; the IRD is progressively integrating NZBN as a unifying key.

Can a foreign company get an NZBN?

Yes. Overseas companies registered to carry on business in NZ under Companies Act 1993 Pt 18 receive an NZBN automatically on registration. For overseas companies that are not registered in NZ, NZBN registration is generally not available — the entity must first establish presence (either via Pt 18 registration or by incorporating an NZ subsidiary).

Is there a Director ID equivalent?

NZ does not have a separate “Director ID” the way Australia does (Australia’s Director ID under Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) s.1272C). NZ directors are identified within the Companies Office system by name, date of birth, and place of birth — this set is the de facto director identifier. Directors of NZ companies are also typically NZBN-associated through the company.

NZBN Verified — what does it mean?

“Verified” status on a public NZBN record means the Companies Office has confirmed certain elements (e.g. legal name, key contacts) through identity verification. Most companies are automatically verified; sole traders may need to complete RealMe verification to achieve verified status.

How does the NZBN compare to the Australian Business Number (ABN)?

The NZBN and ABN are not interoperable, but international Peppol routing translates between identifiers where needed.

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Disclaimer

Legal information, not legal advice. MmowW Scrib🐮 is operated by a licensed Gyoseishoshi (行政書士) office in Japan. We are not New Zealand lawyers or licensed immigration advisers.

Sources

• NZBN hub: https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/
• NZBN public register: https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/search/
• New Zealand Business Number Act 2016: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2016/0016/latest/DLM6431500.html
• Business.govt.nz e-invoicing: https://www.business.govt.nz/getting-started/getting-paid/e-invoicing/