Changing a company name

The steps to take to change your company name

To change your company name you first need to reserve a new company name. You also need to follow the procedures set out in your constitution, if you have one, for changing your company's name.

Before you begin

To reserve and change a company name you must have:

  • a RealMe® login
  • an online services account with the Companies Register
  • authority to act for your company.

Set up your online services account

Get authority to update company records

1. Reserve a new company name

The first step in changing your company name is to reserve a new name. The general process is the same as when you reserve a name for a new company. The fee to do this is $10 (plus GST).

How to reserve a company name

Once you've received email confirmation that your new name has been reserved you can move on to the next step.

2. Change company name

To change your company name, log in to your online services account, search for the existing company by entering a company name, company number or New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). and follow these steps.

  1. Choose Change company name.
  2. Select the option that applies to your company.
    • Use an already reserved name — from the list, choose the name you want to use, even if there's only 1 name displayed.
    • Reserve a new company name — if you haven't yet reserved a name to use, you can reserve one now.
    • Swap names with another company.
Change company name

Swapping company names

You can swap names with another company, but you must be a director of, or have authority for, the company you want to swap names with.

If your company isn't registered in NZ

There are 3 steps to changing the name of an overseas company online. If your company is registered in Australia, you need to change the name there first.

Changing the name of an overseas company

All help topics

Before you start a company 5 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 12 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 12 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.

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 7 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 7 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 Financial Markets Conduct 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 9 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 5 guides

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

testing help topic 1 guide

Intro