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Licences are an essential aspect of running a business. In certain industries, business owners must obtain specific licences before commencing operations to ensure they comply with the latest laws and regulations in New Zealand in 2025.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the licences required across various industries and other legal prerequisites you might need to be aware of in New Zealand, along with updates and additional guidance to help you stay compliant. Whether you operate a tangible or an online business, we’ve got you covered.
What Is A Licence?
A licence is a form of legal permission that authorises you to engage in a particular activity or operate within a specific industry. For businesses, a licence confirms that you meet a set of prescribed standards and comply with industry regulations.
Much like a driver’s licence allows you to drive, different business licences enable you to legally conduct various activities. Obtaining a licence typically requires you to demonstrate that you fulfil certain criteria and maintain the standards set by the relevant authorities.
The type of licence your business requires depends on your industry, the nature of your operations, and your business’s location in New Zealand.
What Licence Do I Need For My Business?
Different industries have specific licensing requirements. To help you identify the appropriate licence for your business in New Zealand, you can find updated information on the Business.govt.nz website. Below, we’ve detailed some common business licence obligations as updated for 2025.
Building and Construction Licence
The building and construction industry covers a wide range of activities, and there isn’t a single licence that encompasses all construction work. Depending on your specific operation, you might need to consider obtaining one or more of the following:
- A building consent
- Heavy machinery operation licences
- Resource consent for land use
- High-risk work licences
Be sure to review the latest guidance from the Building Performance website and consult with a professional for tailored advice. You may also wish to explore our detailed guide on starting a successful business for further insights on legal prerequisites.
Food and Beverage Licences
Food and beverage regulations in New Zealand are governed at a national level. If you’re operating a food business in 2025, you will need to register with the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Food Act 2014. Ensuring you have the correct documentation and up-to-date certifications is crucial for smooth operations.
For mobile food businesses like food trucks, you will require a mobile trading licence from your local council. Make sure to check your specific area’s requirements — and if you need further legal support, consider our legal tips for businesses.
Alcohol Licences
If your business deals with the sale of alcohol, you must secure an appropriate alcohol licence unless you qualify for an exemption. Licences vary for on-licence, off-licence, club licence, or special licence types. Updated guidelines and application procedures can be found here.
The individual responsible for serving alcohol must have completed the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to severe legal penalties, so it’s essential to adhere closely to these regulations.
Financial Services Licences
In New Zealand, financial service providers must be registered, and in some cases, they are required to join a dispute resolution scheme if offering services to retail clients in 2025. This applies to businesses involved in:
- Financial products
- Financial advice
- Crowdfunding platforms
- Investment schemes
- Insurance services
You can apply for registration as a financial service provider online. For further clarity, check out our article on compliance with consumer guarantees to ensure your business meets all necessary standards.
Real Estate Licences
To operate a real estate business in New Zealand, you must be licensed by the Real Estate Authority. This includes activities such as:
- Property sales
- Auctioneering
- Property management
- Business broking
- Residential property management
If engaging in any of these activities, a licence from the Real Estate Authority is mandatory. Our business set-up guide also offers insights into meeting industry-specific legal obligations.
Hospitality and Accommodation Licences
Hotels and accommodation providers require several licences to cover the range of services offered in 2025. On top of food and beverage and alcohol licences, you may need additional permits for:
- Health and safety compliance
- Recreational facilities management
- Local government permits
Each local council may have its own unique requirements, so it is advisable to consult with your regional authority or a legal professional, such as those at Sprintlaw.
Medicines and Therapeutic Goods
Businesses dealing in therapeutic goods must comply with the standards set by Medsafe, the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. Their website provides the latest information on authorised goods and operational requirements.
To become a distributor, ensure you meet Medsafe’s standards. Further details are available on the Medsafe distribution page, and it may be beneficial to review our guidance on intellectual property for a holistic approach to compliance.
What Other Requirements Should I Know About?
While business licences are vital, certain industries in New Zealand may require additional security checks or certifications. For example, in roles involving contact with children or vulnerable people, a rigorous vetting process is mandated by law.
Working With Children Check
Any role involving regular or overnight contact with children requires a comprehensive safety check, including a police vetting, under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. This ensures you meet the necessary standards for working with children.
Police Check
Many industries, such as health, education, and legal services, require a police check before employment. This check reveals a person’s criminal and traffic history along with any pending charges. You can apply for a police check through the Ministry of Justice. Organisations may have their own policies regarding the frequency of these checks.
Do My Employees Need A Particular Licence To Work?
Certain roles require that your employees or contractors hold specific licences or certifications. For example, construction workers may need a Site Safe passport, while real estate agents must be duly licensed by the Real Estate Authority. Always verify that your team holds the relevant qualifications before hiring.
What If My Business Is Online?
Online businesses must also adhere to additional legal requirements to guarantee a secure and compliant digital presence. Key documents to consider include:
Additionally, if you plan to licence certain Intellectual Property, you may need to draft an IP Licence Agreement tailored to your arrangement. Our expert team at Sprintlaw is here to help.
It’s also wise to review updated legal frameworks and consult recent guides such as our Business Set-Up Guide to ensure compliance in 2025.
Key Takeaways
Ensuring your business complies with New Zealand law in 2025 starts with securing the correct licences. Overlooking this crucial step can significantly jeopardise your business operations. It is vital to understand the specific licences or permits your business may require.
To summarise our discussion:
- Licences grant legal permission to undertake specific business activities.
- Both the business and its employees may require various types of licences or certifications.
- Common licences include those for alcohol, construction, food service, financial services, and real estate.
- Additional requirements such as police checks and working with children assessments can be necessary.
- Online businesses should incorporate essential legal documents such as privacy and cookie policies.
- An IP Licence Agreement may be crucial if you intend to licence your intellectual property.
For professional advice on obtaining or reviewing a licence for your business in New Zealand, please contact us at 0800 002 184 or via email at [email protected] for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team at Sprintlaw is here to help you navigate the legal landscape confidently in 2025.
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