How do you prove that you own a business?

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canaletto

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#198498 11-Jul-2016 17:31

For visa purposes, I need to prove that I own a business (and my share ownership in the business, which happens to be 100%). I'm the only director as well. What's the best way to do that? I could just tell them to visit the Companies website, but chances are that they want some kind of document.

edge

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#1589838 11-Jul-2016 17:45

Guess it depends on what you or they mean by "prove"! You could try printing off the "Certificate of Registration" together with the "Company Extract" for the relevant company from the Companies office website and see how that goes maybe?

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freitasm

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#1589864 11-Jul-2016 17:54

Do that - and if they ask for evidence then direct then to the companies website and ask to search for the company in the certificate you just printed.

Dynamike

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#1589865 11-Jul-2016 17:59

Print the Director and Shareholder details from the Companies Office website. The BNZ and ANZ accept them as proof that you're a Director.

dejadeadnz

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#1589868 11-Jul-2016 18:03

canaletto:

For visa purposes, I need to prove that I own a business (and my share ownership in the business, which happens to be 100%). I'm the only director as well. What's the best way to do that? I could just tell them to visit the Companies website, but chances are that they want some kind of document.

Most entities will accept the Companies Register's details. If not, get your lawyer and/or accountant to write a letter and attach certified copy of incorporation along with other useful details.

mdf

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#1589891 11-Jul-2016 18:51

Yeah, what others have said. Certificate of Incorporation, plus a lawyer/JP "certification". Some countries require an "apostille" - this literally involves wax and ribbons. See further: https://www.business.govt.nz/companies/learn-about/searching/evidence-of-incorporation

Geektastic

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#1590260 12-Jul-2016 12:24

Send them a bill....!

canaletto

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#1590343 12-Jul-2016 15:02

Cheers for all the ideas (P.S. I'd love to bill them to get some visa money back).

I got the documents certified via a JP who happened to have the same surname as me... what are the odds? Hopefully that won't look dodgy.

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sxz

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#1590450 12-Jul-2016 17:21

There is a distinction between business and company.

It is easy to prove you own the Company - print a company extract from the Companies office - it will show you as sole shareholder. no need to get it notarized or certified by a solicitor / JP.

The business is a bit harder - they are usually intangible-ish. You need to prove the Company owns the business - I suspect this is really what you have been asked to provide. Show tax records. Accountant statements / books. Records of ownership of key business assets, like a Lease or other equipment, website etc. If you can prove the company owns all that, and you own the company, you're done.