Banking
New Zealand — Banking: Opening Account
Immigration New Zealand says most banks ask for two forms of ID, such as a passport and a driver licence or birth certificate, and proof of your address, such as a letter from a government agency or service provider. You can transfer money into a new New Zealand account before you arrive, but on arrival you will most likely need to activate the account and verify your identity and permanent address. If you have no permanent address when you arrive, ask your bank what the options are for your first weeks. New Zealand uses an IRD number for tax, not a tax file number. Inland Revenue's offshore IRD number application asks for a fully functional New Zealand bank account or a customer due diligence form from a New Zealand reporting entity.
Why this matters
A local bank account is necessary for many everyday tasks in New Zealand, such as paying bills and receiving salaries.
Key facts
- Most banks ask for two forms of ID (for example a passport and a driver licence or birth certificate) and proof of address.
- You can transfer money into a new account before arrival, but you will most likely need to activate it and verify your identity and address when you arrive.
- If you have no permanent address on arrival, ask your bank about options for the first weeks.
- New Zealand tax uses an IRD number; the offshore IRD application asks for a fully functional NZ bank account or a customer due diligence form.
Steps
- Gather required documents — Identification (e.g. passport), proof of address, and potentially a Tax File Number (TFN)
- Choose a bank — Research and select a bank that suits your needs
- Apply online or in-person — Submit application and provide required documents
Common mistakes
- Looking for a 'tax file number' — that is Australian; New Zealand uses an IRD number.