New ZealandCompany formation, tax and banking
Foreign trusts with a genuinely clean reputation, and companies set up in a day.
The New Zealand foreign trust is one of the few structures that is both tax-neutral for a settlor living abroad and based in a respected OECD country with English-style law and no blacklisting. Foreign income of a qualifying foreign trust isn't taxed in New Zealand, and the trust sits under a first-world legal system.
Reforms in 2017, after the Panama Papers, made foreign trusts register, disclose details and file yearly returns. That ended their use for secrecy and kept the legitimate uses.
Why people choose New Zealand
- A foreign trust in a respected OECD country that isn't blacklisted
- No New Zealand tax on the trust's foreign income while you live abroad
- English-style law and a first-world legal system behind the trust
- In most cases no capital gains tax, inheritance tax or stamp duty
- Companies set up in a day, with a clean reputation
Where New Zealand fits
- Foreign trusts
- Holding companies
- Investor residency
Where New Zealand fits in a structure
Typical role · Family wealth holder (foreign trust)
The foreign trust sits at the top of the family structure and holds the assets, run by a trustee who lives in New Zealand, in practice a licensed trust company. Its foreign income isn't taxed in New Zealand while the settlor (the person who sets up the trust) lives abroad and no beneficiary living in New Zealand receives payouts. Since the 2017 reforms it relies on registration and full disclosure, not secrecy, which is why its reputation stays clean.
What it depends onIt only stays tax-neutral while the settlor lives abroad and no beneficiary living in New Zealand receives payouts, and only with registration at Inland Revenue, full disclosure of the settlor and beneficiaries, and yearly returns.
A simplified picture to explain the idea, not a recommendation. General information, not tax or legal advice.
Opening a bank account
ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac NZ serve the market. Banking for foreign trusts needs a trustee who lives in New Zealand and full disclosure of who set up the trust and who benefits. Company banking needs a director living in New Zealand. Standards are high, but the process is predictable.
How tax works here
28% company tax. In most cases no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no stamp duty. Qualifying foreign trusts pay no New Zealand tax on foreign income when the settlor lives abroad and no beneficiary living in New Zealand receives payouts. GST (sales tax) is 15%.
Real presence, and who can see the owners
Foreign trusts must register with Inland Revenue, appoint a trustee who lives in New Zealand, disclose details of the settlor and beneficiaries, and file yearly returns. Companies need a director living in New Zealand or Australia. Company registers are public and among the most accessible in the world.
When to choose it
Choose New Zealand for a foreign trust that needs the credibility of an OECD country while staying tax-neutral, or for a clean, fast holding company where reputation matters.
You get a written comparison, not a sales pitch.
Every New Zealand recommendation comes as a written comparison with the alternatives — whether the setup will stand up to scrutiny, how easy banking will be, which tax treaties apply, who can see the owners, what it costs to run each year and the risk to your reputation — so you can see the trade-offs before you commit.
Considering New Zealand? Get a written comparison first.
Answer six questions and our team will come back with a shortlist, rough costs and where you could bank.
Questions we hear on every New Zealand intake.
- Is a New Zealand foreign trust still tax free?
- Foreign income still isn't taxed in New Zealand when the settlor lives abroad and no beneficiary living in New Zealand benefits. Registration and yearly disclosure are compulsory.
- Who can be a foreign trustee?
- Someone living in New Zealand — in practice, a licensed professional trust company registered with Inland Revenue and supervised for anti-money-laundering.
- Do I need an NZ resident director for a company?
- Yes — at least one director living in New Zealand, or living in Australia and also a director of an Australian company.
What we typically deliver in New Zealand
Trusts & Foundations
Trusts that protect and pass on family wealth, in every common form, plus Panama and Nevis foundations.
StructuresCorporate Structuring
Groups of companies across several countries: holding companies, companies that own your IP, joint-venture companies, and moving a company to a new country.
AdvisoryFamily Office Set-up
Designing single- and multi-family offices: who decides what, written rules, and how it runs day to day.
ComplianceFiduciary & Compliance
Independent directors, anti-money-laundering procedures, proof of real presence, and the day-to-day admin that keeps companies in good standing.
More APAC jurisdictions & related insights
Singapore
Asia's hub for funds, family offices and company treasuries.
Hong Kong
The gateway to mainland China, with experienced, well-established banks.
Labuan (Malaysia)
3% tax on trading profits, with some of Malaysia's tax treaties, at a low Asian cost.
Every engagement begins with a twenty-minute advisory call. The fee is in writing before any work begins. No hourly billing.