Quick answer
We estimate business lawyers in New Zealand charge roughly $300 – $700 per hour (top-end senior commercial partners can exceed $800/hr). Estimated fees for common fixed-fee work are below; they are not quotes, and individual firms vary widely.
Typical business law fees
| Service | Estimated NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $300 – $700/hr (top-end senior commercial partners can exceed $800/hr) estimate |
| Company incorporation (standard) | $800 – $1,500estimate |
| Shareholders agreement (template-based) | $1,500 – $3,500estimate |
| Asset sale or share sale (small business) | $3,000 – $10,000estimate |
| Standard commercial lease review | $800 – $2,000estimate |
Where these figures come from
Lawyer fee ranges are LawyerFinder estimates, compiled in May 2026 and reviewed in October 2026. They are not drawn from a survey, and the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Government fees and legal rules are checked against the official source cited beside them. Compiled 30 May 2026; reviewed 14 October 2026. Lawyers other than barristers sole must tell you in writing, in advance, the basis on which they will charge fees (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4); ask for a written estimate too.
What drives the cost
- • Transaction value and complexity
- • Number of parties and warranties negotiated
- • Whether due diligence is required
- • Tax structuring and overseas elements
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a business lawyer cost in NZ? ▾
Hourly rates run $300 – $700, with senior commercial partners higher. Standard company formation is $800 – $1,500. Small-business sale and purchase transactions typically run $3,000 – $10,000 in legal fees per side.
Do I need a lawyer to set up a company? ▾
Strictly no — you can incorporate via the Companies Office for $118.74 plus GST ($136.55), after a $10 + GST name reservation (Companies Office schedule of fees, checked 14 October 2026). But shareholder agreements, share classes and tax structuring all benefit from legal advice at setup. Mistakes at incorporation are expensive to unwind.
What is the difference between a business lawyer and a commercial lawyer? ▾
Terms are used interchangeably in NZ. "Commercial" often signals transactional work (M&A, contracts, financing); "business" often signals SME advisory (incorporation, employment, leases).
Sources
Legislation and government fee pages checked 14 October 2026. The lawyer-fee ranges above are our estimates and have no external source.
Deeper guide: Read the full business law cost breakdown for worked examples, regional variation and pricing-question scripts to use when calling a lawyer.
Related
What other legal work costs
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Before instructing, expect the written fee information required by rule 3.4 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008.