Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right route and leads the file all the way to a compliant launch, including banking and payment rails.
Get a crypto license in New Zealand.
New Zealand has no dedicated crypto licence - and we say so plainly. The route is FSPR registration, AML/CFT compliance and FMA fair-dealing, from a reputable common-law base. It is credible and lighter than a full licence, with one firm rule: genuine local presence. We structure it honestly.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
New Zealand in brief
No dedicated licence - a credible, structured route.
New Zealand does not have a dedicated crypto or VASP licence, and anyone telling you otherwise is describing something that does not exist. What it has is a structured registration route with real substance behind it. A crypto business registers on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR), complies with the AML/CFT Act 2009 under its supervisor - the Department of Internal Affairs for most crypto firms, the FMA or Reserve Bank for others - and stays inside the fair-dealing provisions of the Financial Markets Conduct Act. Where a model strays into regulated financial services - advice, managed schemes, derivatives - an FMA market-services licence is required on top.
The honest appeal is the jurisdiction, not a licence badge. New Zealand is a stable common-law country with strong institutions, an English-language legal system, a respected regulator in the FMA and a clean international reputation. There is one rule that trips up the unprepared: registration demands a genuine place of business in New Zealand and services actually offered here - the FSPR was tightened precisely to stop offshore firms registering for a flag of convenience. Done properly, with real presence and real AML, it is a reputable base for a crypto business. That is exactly what we build.
No dedicated crypto licence in New Zealand - honestly. The route is FSPR registration, AML/CFT Act compliance and FMA fair-dealing, with an FMA licence on top only for regulated services.
The value is the jurisdiction: a stable common-law country, low corruption, a respected regulator. One firm rule - genuine local presence - which we build in full.
The honest picture
The registration route, and where a licence is added.
Two workstreams: the FSPR registration and AML/CFT compliance that most crypto businesses run on, and the FMA market-services licence that a regulated-service model needs on top. We scope which applies before any work begins.
The FSPR + AML/CFT route runs most crypto businesses; an FMA licence is added only where a regulated service is offered.
01 - FSPR + AML/CFT · THE CORE
Registration route
The working structure for most crypto businesses: a New Zealand company with genuine local presence, FSPR registration, full AML/CFT compliance and fair-dealing conduct - lawful and credible, without a dedicated licence because none exists.
The working structure for most crypto businesses: a New Zealand company with genuine local presence, FSPR registration, full AML/CFT compliance and fair-dealing conduct - lawful and credible, without a dedicated licence because none exists.
- ✓New Zealand company with genuine presence
- ✓FSPR registration as a financial service provider
- ✓AML/CFT Act 2009 compliance and reporting
- ✓DIA (or FMA / Reserve Bank) as AML supervisor
- ✓Dispute-resolution scheme where retail is served
- ✓Fair-dealing under the FMC Act
02 - FMA MARKET-SERVICES LICENCE
Common-law baseWhere a licence is required
If your model provides regulated financial services - financial advice, a managed investment scheme, discretionary investment management or derivatives - an FMA licence sits on top of registration. We identify the trigger and build both.
FMA market-services licence - for advice, managed schemes, DIMS or derivatives, on top of registration.
- ✓Financial advice provider licence
- ✓Managed investment scheme manager licence
- ✓DIMS - discretionary investment management
- ✓Derivatives issuer licence
- ✓Only where the service is genuinely regulated
- ✓Scoped and sequenced with the registration
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. Most crypto businesses run on the registration route; the FMA licence applies only where a genuinely regulated service is offered - we tell you which is which up front.
Why New Zealand
Reputation and rule of law, honestly framed.
No dedicated licence - but a stable, respected common-law jurisdiction with a credible regulator and a clean international name.
✓
A clean international reputation
New Zealand ranks among the least corrupt, most stable countries on earth. For a crypto business, being registered and AML-compliant here reads well with banks and counterparties - reputation the structure carries.Among the least corrupt, most stable countries.
✓
Common law and English
A predictable common-law system, English-language throughout, with courts and contract law international partners understand. Structuring and disputes happen on familiar ground.Predictable, familiar legal ground.
✓
A respected regulator
The FMA is a credible, well-run conduct regulator. Operating inside its fair-dealing framework - even without a dedicated licence - signals a business that takes conduct seriously.The FMA - credible conduct oversight.
✓
Real AML, real substance
The AML/CFT Act is genuine and supervised. A New Zealand structure that meets it properly is a compliant, bankable business - the substance is the product, not a badge.Done properly, a bankable business.
✓
Straightforward incorporation
Company formation is fast and digital, with a clear companies register. The corporate layer under the registration is simple to build and maintain.Fast, digital company formation.
✓
Asia-Pacific standing
A developed-market base in the Asia-Pacific time zone, with a reputation that travels. A sensible home for a business serving the region from a trusted jurisdiction.A trusted developed-market base.
How it compares
How New Zealand differs from other routes.
New Zealand is the reputable-registration play, not a licensing regime. The honest comparison is below - including the genuine-presence rule.
New Zealand vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  New Zealand | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regime | FSPR + AML/CFT, no dedicated licence | Dedicated VASP licences |
| Presence test | Genuine NZ business - required | Varies |
| Reputation | Common law, low corruption | Ranges widely |
| Corporate tax | 28% | Ranges widely |
Regime
New ZealandFSPR + AML/CFT, no dedicated licence
Other jurisdictionsDedicated VASP licences
Presence test
New ZealandGenuine NZ business - required
Other jurisdictionsVaries
Reputation
New ZealandCommon law, low corruption
Other jurisdictionsRanges widely
Corporate tax
New Zealand28%
Other jurisdictionsRanges widely
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | FSPR + AML/CFT (no dedicated licence) | 28% corporate | Genuine presence, real AML |
 Australia | AUSTRAC registration · AFSL where needed | 30% / 25% corporate | Registration + conduct |
 Singapore | DPT licence under the PSA (MAS) | 17% corporate | Demanding, custody-heavy |
 Hong Kong | VASP licence (SFC) | 16.5% profits tax | Thorough, custody-heavy |
New ZealandLicense typeFSPR + AML/CFT (no dedicated licence)
Taxation28% corporate
RequirementsGenuine presence, real AML
AustraliaLicense typeAUSTRAC registration · AFSL where needed
Taxation30% / 25% corporate
RequirementsRegistration + conduct
SingaporeLicense typeDPT licence under the PSA (MAS)
Taxation17% corporate
RequirementsDemanding, custody-heavy
Hong KongLicense typeVASP licence (SFC)
Taxation16.5% profits tax
RequirementsThorough, custody-heavy
Doing it properly
What the compliant structure contains.What the compliant structure contains.
No dedicated licence does not mean no standards - the FSPR route only works with genuine presence and real AML. The checklist below is what we build.
01
New Zealand company - incorporated with a genuine place of business in the country, not a nameplate.
02
Resident director - New Zealand company law requires a director resident in New Zealand or Australia.
03
FSPR registration - as a financial service provider, for the crypto services actually offered.
04
AML/CFT programme - risk assessment, KYC, monitoring and reporting to the FIU, to AML/CFT Act 2009 standards.
05
AML supervisor engagement - the DIA (or FMA / Reserve Bank) as the correct supervisor for your activity.
06
Dispute-resolution scheme - membership of an approved scheme where retail clients are served.
07
Fair-dealing conduct - marketing and disclosures inside the FMC Act's fair-dealing provisions.
08
FMA licence where triggered - for advice, managed schemes, DIMS or derivatives, added on top.
09
Genuine service to New Zealand - the FSPR presence test met in substance, not on paper.
10
Clean books and governance - records a bank and a supervisor read as an asset.
11
Banking file - accounts arranged on full disclosure, matched to the flows.
01
NZ company with a genuine place of business.
02
Resident director (NZ or Australia).
03
FSPR registration for the services offered.
04
AML/CFT Act programme with FIU reporting.
05
Correct AML supervisor (usually DIA).
06
Dispute-resolution scheme for retail.
07
Fair-dealing under the FMC Act.
08
FMA licence where a regulated service applies.
09
Genuine service to New Zealand - in substance.
10
Clean books and governance.
11
Banking file on full disclosure.
Reflects New Zealand's FSPR, AML/CFT Act 2009 and FMC Act framework as of 2026. There is no dedicated crypto licence - in writing, not in small print. The genuine-presence requirement is enforced.FSPR + AML/CFT Act 2009 + FMC Act, as of 2026. No dedicated licence; presence enforced.
How it works
From first call to a compliant structure.
01
Strategy and honesty
The real status, whether your model triggers an FMA licence, and the presence plan - fixed in writing before anything incorporates.Status, licence trigger, presence plan - in writing.
02
Company and presence
New Zealand incorporation, a resident director and a genuine place of business - the substance the FSPR route demands.Incorporation, resident director, real place of business.
03
FSPR and AML/CFT
Registration on the FSPR and a full AML/CFT programme under the correct supervisor - built to the Act, not to a template.Registration and programme - built to the Act.
04
Licence where needed
If a regulated service is offered, the FMA market-services licence assembled and filed alongside the registration.FMA market-services licence if a regulated service.
05
Banking and launch
Accounts arranged on disclosure; the business live, compliant and bankable on New Zealand rails.Accounts on disclosure; compliant and bankable.
Quick facts
Dedicated crypto licenceNone
Core routeFSPR + AML/CFT
AML supervisorDIA (usually)
ConductFMC Act fair-dealing
Licence on topFMA - if regulated service
PresenceGenuine NZ business
Resident directorRequired
Corporate tax28%
The FSPR presence test is enforced - registration without genuine New Zealand business is refused or removed. We build real substance, because it is the only version that lasts.
On the ground in New Zealand
Run from our Dubai office, with New Zealand counsel.
Prifinance - New Zealand desk
Auckland · New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
01
New Zealand incorporation
Company formation with a genuine place of business and a resident director - the real presence the FSPR route requires, built properly.Genuine presence and a resident director.
02
FSPR and AML/CFT
Registration on the FSPR and a full AML/CFT programme under the correct supervisor - drafted, filed and maintained.Registration and programme, maintained.
03
Conduct and licence check
Fair-dealing compliance, and a clear read on whether your model triggers an FMA market-services licence - identified before it becomes a problem.Fair-dealing, and whether an FMA licence triggers.
04
Banking and operations
Accounts arranged on full disclosure, with the structure and papers doing the persuading - the business live on rails that hold.Accounts on disclosure; live on solid rails.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in New Zealand.
No crypto-specific corporate levy - company profits carry New Zealand's flat 28% rate, inside a clear, well-run tax system with detailed crypto guidance from Inland Revenue.
28% corporate rate
Company profits are taxed at a flat 28%. Straightforward to model, with ordinary deductions - a developed-market rate on a developed-market base.Flat, straightforward to model.
GST and financial services
New Zealand's GST treats certain crypto supplies carefully; many financial-service-like supplies fall outside standard GST. We map the GST position to your specific activity rather than assume it.Mapped to your supply, not assumed.
Detailed IRD guidance
Inland Revenue publishes some of the clearest crypto tax guidance anywhere - on trading, mining, staking and disposals. Positions are researchable, which reduces uncertainty in the model.Clear rules on trading, staking, disposals.
No general capital gains tax
New Zealand has no comprehensive capital gains tax, though crypto held for disposal is often taxed as income. The line between the two is fact-specific, and we document it deliberately.But disposal-crypto often income-taxed.
Owner-level planning
For founders, the personal position depends on residence and intent. We model it alongside the company so the whole structure is planned, not pieced together after the fact.Residence and intent, modelled with the company.
Clean records serve both
The AML and FSPR record-keeping the route requires also underpins the tax position - regulator-grade books double as tax-office-grade books.Regulator-grade books double as tax books.
Tax summary
Corporate income tax28% flat
GSTActivity-specific
General CGTNone
Crypto for disposalOften income-taxed
IRD guidanceDetailed
CurrencyNZD
*As of 2026. The income-versus-capital line is fact-specific - we document intent and treatment deliberately.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the application file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: New Zealand company, FSPR registration, AML/KYC policy pack and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a clean, compliant business.
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New Zealand · FSPR
Launch your crypto project in New Zealand with expert support.
Full-service assistance - company, FSPR registration, AML/CFT and any FMA licence your model needs.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is New Zealand the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The New Zealand crypto route, answered honestly.
Is there a crypto licence in New Zealand?+
No - there is no dedicated crypto or VASP licence. The route is FSPR registration plus AML/CFT compliance and FMC Act fair-dealing. Where your model provides a regulated financial service, an FMA market-services licence sits on top.
So is operating legal?+
Yes, when done properly: a New Zealand company with genuine presence, registered on the FSPR, meeting the AML/CFT Act and conduct rules. The standards are real even without a dedicated licence - and they are what banks read.
What is the genuine-presence rule?+
FSPR registration requires a real place of business in New Zealand and services actually offered here. The register was tightened to stop offshore firms registering for a flag of convenience - so nameplate setups are refused or removed.
Who supervises AML/CFT?+
For most crypto businesses, the Department of Internal Affairs; for some activities, the FMA or the Reserve Bank. We identify the correct supervisor for your model and build the AML programme to that standard.
When do I need an FMA licence?+
Only when your model provides a genuinely regulated service - financial advice, a managed investment scheme, discretionary investment management or derivatives issuance. We check the trigger before you build, and add the licence if it applies.
Do I need a local director?+
Yes - New Zealand company law requires at least one director resident in New Zealand or Australia. That is part of the genuine substance the route depends on, and we arrange it properly.
How are crypto companies taxed?+
A flat 28% corporate rate on company profits. There is no general capital gains tax, though crypto held for disposal is often income-taxed; GST treatment is activity-specific. Inland Revenue's crypto guidance is detailed and researchable.
Why New Zealand rather than a licensing regime?+
Reputation and rule of law. A clean, stable common-law jurisdiction with a respected regulator gives a crypto business a credible, bankable home - without pretending a licence exists that does not.
Is there a crypto licence?+
No - FSPR registration + AML/CFT; FMA licence only if regulated.
Is operating legal?+
Yes - genuine presence, FSPR, real AML.
The presence rule?+
Real NZ business required - nameplates refused.
Who supervises AML?+
Usually the DIA; sometimes FMA/Reserve Bank.
When is an FMA licence needed?+
Only for regulated services - advice, schemes, DIMS, derivatives.
Local director?+
Yes - NZ or Australia resident.
Company taxes?+
28% flat; no general CGT; GST activity-specific.
Why New Zealand?+
Reputation and rule of law - a credible base.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
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Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which New Zealand route fits your project and what it will cost.
✓Written legal opinion within 2-5 business days - free of charge✓A clear recommendation on the right route, not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team
Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the FMA, the DIA or any other public authority. Registrations and authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.