International Advisory

The global opportunity within reach

International business isn’t just for large corporations anymore. Businesses might be selling products online to New Zealand customers, importing goods from Asia, or considering establishing a subsidiary across the Tasman. Each of these scenarios creates tax obligations and compliance requirements in multiple jurisdictions.

The challenge is knowing how the different tax systems interact with New Zealand rules. Companies can inadvertently create permanent establishment issues, missing transfer pricing obligations, or structuring transactions in ways that create unnecessary tax burdens. These aren’t problems you discover after the fact, they need strategic planning from the start.

Global networks delivering local results

Our international advisory work is heavily driven by our global network connections. A common scenario involves Australian companies that have distributors in New Zealand but decide to cut out the middleman and trade directly. These businesses need New Zealand entity formation, tax registrations, and ongoing compliance support.

We helped a New Zealand client who bought a business with Australian operations. Our Brisbane office got them GST registered within two weeks. It was easy to do because of our network connections. One email copied to the right people, and the connection was made. You get that level of service because we’ve built these relationships over many years.

On the outbound side, we help New Zealand businesses expand internationally. Some clients have moved to Australia but still have property here that they’re renting out. We handle the New Zealand tax obligations whilst connecting them with our member firms for advice in their new location.

Ready to navigate international expansion with confidence? Contact UHY Haines Norton today to arrange a discussion about your global opportunities.

The partnership approach

What makes our international advisory work special is that we’ve developed processes through consistent practice. Because we’re part of the UHY network and have that expertise, we’ve handled these scenarios many times. Clients benefit from our experience and our systematic approach to international business setup.

When you’re expanding internationally, you want to focus on building your business, not wrestling with foreign compliance requirements.

The complexity can be significant, particularly around compliance verification. Anti-money laundering regulations mean we need to verify international clients thoroughly. Companies can’t just have people setting up businesses without proper identification processes. It’s a big process, but it protects everyone involved.

Whether it’s a large brand with a smaller New Zealand operation or an ambitious local business ready to scale internationally, each situation will be unique depending on what you’ve got and the size of your entity. But the underlying principles remain consistent, and that’s where our experience becomes your advantage.

You get strategic advice that considers both your immediate compliance needs and your long-term international growth plans.

We handle everything from entity formation and IRD registrations through to ongoing advisory services. Many clients need Cloud Accounting setup too, and we’ll recommend whether you should use Xero or your own software, depending on your size and complexity.

Our five core capabilities in international advisory

1. International Tax
   Ensures businesses understand their tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions and structure affairs to minimise compliance burdens whilst remaining fully compliant with all relevant tax laws. Read more.
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2. Doing Business Overseas
   Provides strategic guidance on market entry, entity selection, and regulatory requirements when expanding your New Zealand business into international markets. Read more.
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3. Foreign Inbound Advisory
   Supports international businesses establishing New Zealand operations, handling everything from entity formation to ongoing compliance, while you focus on building your local presence. Read more.
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4. Transfer Pricing
   Navigates the complex rules governing inter-company transactions, giving you certainty around product pricing and ensuring you meet the requirements of both New Zealand and overseas tax authorities. Read more.

Curious about which international services would accelerate your global expansion? Let’s discuss your specific opportunities.

The international pitfalls

Many businesses don’t realise that selling directly to overseas customers can create permanent establishment issues in those countries. This might trigger registration requirements, tax obligations, or reporting duties without even knowing it. GST and indirect tax rules vary dramatically between countries, and getting them wrong creates expensive problems.

Transfer pricing is another area where businesses get caught out. Both New Zealand and overseas tax authorities take a keen interest in your inter-company transactions. Companies need proper documentation and defendable pricing strategies before they start trading, not after you receive a tax audit notice.

Anti-money laundering compliance adds another layer of complexity. International entity formation requires extensive verification processes that can delay your business launch if you’re not prepared. You might also face unexpected compliance costs in foreign jurisdictions that weren’t factored into your business planning.

Don't let international compliance pitfalls derail your expansion plans. Get the strategic guidance you need before you start trading, not after problems arise.

How this benefits your business

• Right tax outcomes for international expansion.
  Whether you’re expanding overseas or establishing New Zealand operations, you’ll achieve optimal tax structures that comply with all relevant jurisdictions, whilst minimising your overall tax burden.

• Certainty across multiple tax systems.
  Direct and indirect taxes vary dramatically between countries. You’ll get the support you need doing business across the world through our network of experts in 96 countries.

• Focus on growth, not compliance.
  When you’re establishing New Zealand operations, you want to concentrate on building your business.

• Transfer pricing expertise and certainty.
  Both New Zealand and overseas tax authorities scrutinise inter-company transactions. You’ll navigate complex transfer pricing rules with confidence, giving you certainty around product pricing and client relationships.

What working with us looks like

International journeys start with understanding your expansion goals and the jurisdictions involved. We’ll assess your current structure and recommend the optimal approach for your specific circumstances, whether that’s establishing subsidiaries, branches, or alternative arrangements.

Our network connections mean you get a streamlined service across borders. When you need registrations, compliance support, or ongoing advisory services in multiple countries, we coordinate everything through established relationships with our member firms. You deal with familiar faces whilst benefiting from local expertise wherever you’re doing business.

You’ll have access to our systematic approach developed through years of international advisory work, plus the peace of mind that comes from knowing we’ve handled similar situations many times before.

Ready to take your business global? Call us and connect to possibility.