Uploading documents to the Companies Register

The size and types of files you can upload

Our online services accept only some file types, and in most cases the files must have a combined size of less than 50MB.

On this page:

Document file types you can upload

When uploading documents, you can only upload certain file types:

  • Portable Document Format (PDF)
  • Rich Text Format (RTF)
  • Microsoft Word documents:
    • version 1997 to 2003 — DOC
    • version 2007 and newer — DOCX
  • Corel Word Perfect (WPD)

Filing documents with electronic signatures

File types to support Company Authority

If you need to confirm your Company Authority, you can upload any of the document types described above and also some image files, including:

  • GIF
  • JPG, or
  • PNG.

Troubleshooting tips

You can use your smartphone to save a form or document as PDF

Many modern smartphones are already able to scan documents and save them as PDF files. Here are 2 options:

If you have an iPhone Apple New Zealand website
  • Open the 'Notes' app and create a new note.
  • Tap the Camera icon and select 'Scan Documents'.
  • Scan the first page of the document, a bit like taking a photo.
  • Choose 'Keep Scan' to accept the first page.
  • You can add more pages to the scan or save if you're finished.
  • When you choose to save, your PDF file will save as a new Note.

If you have Google Drive Google Drive Help
  • Open the app and tap the '+' to create a new file.
  • From the menu choose 'Scan'.
  • Scan the document, a bit like taking a photo.
  • Add more pages to the scan by selecting the '+' onscreen.
  • When you choose to save, your PDF file will save to Google Drive.

Reducing the size of large files

You can reduce the file size of scanned documents by rescanning them with lower quality settings.

Getting further help

If you still have a problem, please get in touch with our contact centre.

Contact us

Sharing your screen with our contact centre

All help topics

Before you start a company 7 guides

Get an overview of how companies are structured, find out about the company records you need to keep, and what's involved when you incorporate with and report to the Companies Office.

Starting a company 11 guides

You need to comply with New Zealand laws when you incorporate your company with the Companies Office, including reserving a company name, appointing directors, issuing shares and registering for tax.

Keeping company details up to date 13 guides

Once your company is registered with the Companies Office, nominate who will have authority to file your annual returns, and update your name, address, constitution, director and shareholder details.

See all 13 guides for Keeping company details up to date

Shares and shareholders 7 guides

When you incorporate, you must provide details of all company shares and shareholders. As changes occur, you must update this information on your own share register and in your company's annual return.

Company directors 8 guides

Directors have responsibilities to their company and shareholders, and under the Companies Act 1993. You must register all your directors with the Companies Office and they must sign a consent form.​

Filing annual returns 8 guides

Find out about filing an annual return — the information you need to update, how to change your filing month or request a time extension — and what happens if you don't file your annual return by the due date.

Complying with the law 11 guides

Find out how New Zealand law affects the directors and shareholders of your company, and your responsibility to create and maintain accurate company records, report to us and file financial statements.

Financial reporting 7 guides

​Some large New Zealand and overseas companies, and all FMC reporting entities must submit audited annual financial statements to the Companies Office.

Managing an overseas company in New Zealand 11 guides

Before they can carry out some business activities, companies incorporated in other countries, including Australia, must register with the Companies Office and then keep their company details up to date.

Closing a company 11 guides

When your company closes down you need to remove it from the register. Your company can be removed if it amalgamates with another company or doesn't file its annual return.

Restoring a company to the register 4 guides

Only some companies can be reinstated to the Companies Register once they've been removed. Find out who can apply, what evidence to provide and if you should apply to the Registrar or the High Court.

When your company fails 9 guides

Find out about voluntary administration, receivership and liquidation (external administration), and the roles and responsibilities of those appointed to manage your company's affairs.

Managing your online account 8 guides

Creating an account with the Companies Office allows you to complete the majority of your transactions online. It's free to set up, but fees apply for some transactions, such as filing annual returns.

Getting support to use the Companies Register 8 guides

Get help with any technical problems you have using the register, such as uploading documents or searching for companies, directors and shareholders.