Existing qualified NZ resident director
From NZ$10,000 + GST
Company Establishment & Market Entry, one-off. This applies where the client already has a qualified New Zealand resident director.
Resident director insight
New Zealand Resident Director Cost
For a low-complexity New Zealand company requiring both establishment and a resident director, HOCA's first-year package starts from NZ$15,000 + GST. Substantive operations or higher director responsibility may be approximately NZ$35,000–40,000 + GST or more.
What does a New Zealand resident director cost?
Low-complexity first-year package
From NZ$15,000 + GST
Company Establishment & Market Entry plus Resident Director service for the first year. Establishment is included at no additional professional fee in the first-year package.
Substantive operations or higher responsibility
Approximately NZ$35,000–40,000 + GST or more
The first-year scope is assessed against the operating model, transaction profile, governance demands and director responsibilities.
Every figure is indicative. Final fees and acceptance are subject to KYC, beneficial ownership and source-of-funds review, director due diligence, scope confirmation and formal HOCA approval. FSPR and financial-services matters require Enhanced Regulatory Screening and do not receive an automatic quotation.
Why does resident director cost vary?
Scope
The legal entity, activities, jurisdictions, transactions and services required determine the work involved.
Risk
Ownership transparency, source of funds, counterparties and the compliance profile affect due diligence and ongoing oversight.
Regulated activity
Financial services, FSPR, licensing and other regulated activities require separate regulatory assessment.
Board and reporting responsibilities
A director needs timely accounts, board papers, material transaction information and reliable records to discharge real duties.
Operational substance
Employees, inventory, banking activity, related-party transactions and cross-border operations increase the oversight required.
Client readiness
Clear ownership records, a settled operating plan and decision-ready information make assessment and governance more efficient.
Is a resident director the same as a nominee director?
No. A New Zealand resident director is a director with statutory duties and real accountability to the company. HOCA does not present a passive nominee-director arrangement as a substitute for accountable governance. Any HOCA appointment requires genuine information access, an agreed governance framework and the ability to exercise independent judgement.
What is included in the first-year package?
For an approved first-year Resident Director engagement, Company Establishment & Market Entry is included at no additional professional fee. The establishment scope covers incorporation, KYC and beneficial-owner review, structure consultation, constitution, director and shareholder documents, resolutions and share issue, statutory registers, NZBN, IRD/GST/employer registration, bank application preparation, Corporate Kit, Establishment Summary and Annual Compliance Calendar. HOCA cannot guarantee bank approval.
What happens after the first year?
The Resident Director service is reassessed annually. Any renewal scope and fee are confirmed separately after review.
Does the fee confirm that HOCA will accept the appointment?
No. An indicative range is not an acceptance decision. If establishment work proceeds but a Resident Director appointment does not proceed after review, a standalone establishment fee may apply. This page is general information only and is not legal, tax, immigration, financial-product or regulatory advice.
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