To open a business account in New Zealand you usually provide the Certificate of Incorporation, the NZBN, the business IRD number, identity for directors and owners who hold 25 percent or more, proof of address, and details of your business activity and source of funds. The exact list varies by provider.
- Business documents
- Certificate of Incorporation, NZBN, and the business IRD number
- People
- Identity for directors and owners with 25 percent or more, and signatories
- Address
- Recent proof of the business address, usually under three months old
- Activity
- Business activity, expected turnover, and source of funds
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
What documents you need
Banks and fintechs in New Zealand verify three things, the legal business, the people who control it, and where the money comes from. As of 26 March 2026, the documents below are commonly requested, though each provider sets its own list and may ask for more. Confirm the current requirements with the provider.
Business documents
For a company, prepare the Certificate of Incorporation from the New Zealand Companies Office, the New Zealand Business Number, and the business IRD number from Inland Revenue. A sole trader trades under a personal IRD number and can still hold an NZBN. As of 26 March 2026, providers commonly expect these before they open the account. Verify with the provider.
People and address
Provide identity documents for directors, owners who hold 25 percent or more, and account signatories, plus recent proof of the business address, usually less than three months old. As of 26 March 2026, checks run under the AML and CFT Act, so the documents must be current and consistent. Confirm what is accepted with the provider.
Document checklist
A typical checklist looks like this, as of 26 March 2026. Verify with the provider
- Certificate of Incorporation, NZBN, and the business IRD number.
- Photo identity for directors, 25 percent owners, and signatories.
- Recent proof of business address and a description of your business activity, expected turnover, and source of funds.
Compare business accounts available in New Zealand
These providers accept business customers in New Zealand and onboard online. Fees and eligibility shown as of 26 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking in New Zealand
What documents do I need to open a business account in New Zealand?
Do I need an IRD number for a business account?
Who counts as a beneficial owner for the checks?
How recent does proof of address need to be?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 26 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.