How to Set Up as a Sole Trader in NZ: Everything You Need to Know

Kerry Wood
Jun 10
4 min read

Sole trader is the fastest and simplest way to start a business in New Zealand. Here's how to do it properly — and what to watch out for.

If you're starting a business in New Zealand as an individual — without partners or investors, without complex legal structures — setting up as a sole trader is almost certainly your first step. It's free, it's fast, and it's exactly the right structure for the majority of new Kiwi businesses.

This guide covers everything from the formal definition through to registration, employees, and the signs that you've outgrown sole trader status.

Sole Trader Definition NZ: What Does It Actually Mean?

A sole trader is a person who operates a business on their own account, without forming a company or partnership. In New Zealand, a sole trader and their business are the same legal entity — there is no legal separation between the individual and the business they operate.

This means:

All business income is your personal income, taxed at personal income tax rates
All business debts and liabilities are your personal debts and liabilities
You can trade under your own name or register a separate trading name
You can employ other people (you don't have to operate alone)

Can a Sole Trader Have Employees in NZ?

Yes — absolutely. Being a sole trader refers to your legal structure, not the size of your team. A sole trader in New Zealand can hire as many employees as they wish, enter into employment contracts, and operate exactly as a company would in terms of the employer–employee relationship.

If you employ staff as a sole trader, you must:

Register as an employer with the IRD
Deduct PAYE (Pay As You Earn tax) from employee wages
Contribute to KiwiSaver on behalf of eligible employees
Provide employment contracts and meet all obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2000
Hold Employer's ACC levies

How to Register a Sole Trader Business in NZ: Step by Step

Step	Action	Where	Cost
1	Get an IRD number (if you don't already have one)	ird.govt.nz	Free
2	Decide on your trading name (your own name or a business name)	—	Free
3	Register your business name (optional but recommended)	companiesoffice.govt.nz	~$44.20/year
4	Register for GST if your turnover will exceed $60,000/year	ird.govt.nz	Free
5	Open a business bank account	Your bank of choice	Varies
6	Set up accounting software (Xero, MYOB, or Hnry for sole traders)	Software provider	Monthly subscription
7	Get business insurance (public liability at minimum)	Insurance broker or direct	Varies by industry
8	Register as an employer with IRD (if hiring staff)	ird.govt.nz	Free

How to Register a Sole Trader Business Name in NZ

As a sole trader, you can trade under your own legal name without registering anything. However, if you want to trade under a different name (for example, "Auckland Plumbing Solutions" rather than "John Smith"), you need to register that business name with the NZ Companies Office.

Registering a business name costs approximately $44.20 per year and can be done entirely online. Once registered, only you can trade under that name — which provides basic brand protection.

Important distinction: Registering a business name as a sole trader does NOT create a separate legal entity. You are still personally liable for all business debts. If you want legal separation, you need to incorporate a company.

Sole Trader Application: What You Actually Need

There is no formal "sole trader application" in New Zealand — unlike some countries, you don't need to apply for permission to operate as a sole trader. What you do need is:

An IRD number (for tax purposes)
GST registration (if applicable)
Any industry-specific licences or permits required for your type of work (e.g., a building licence for construction trades, a food registration for food businesses)
ACC levies — you will automatically receive an invoice from ACC once you begin earning self-employment income

Opening a Business Bank Account as a Sole Trader

While not legally required, opening a separate business bank account is one of the best things you can do when starting as a sole trader. It keeps your business and personal finances separate, makes accounting dramatically easier, and presents a more professional face to clients and suppliers.

Most NZ banks offer business accounts for sole traders, including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, and Kiwibank. Compare account fees and transaction costs before choosing — they vary significantly.

When to Move Beyond Sole Trader Status

Sole trader is an excellent starting point — but it's not always where you should stay. The signs that it might be time to incorporate a limited company include:

Your net income consistently exceeds $100,000 — a company's 28% tax rate is likely more favourable than your personal top rate
You're taking on contracts with significant liability exposure
Clients or banks are asking to deal with a company
You want to bring in business partners or investors
You're thinking about the long-term value and eventual sale of your business

For a detailed comparison, read our guide on sole trader vs limited company in NZ. And for a full walkthrough of next steps as your business grows, explore the ACBE business growth coaching programme.