Ask anyone who’s worked in lending what slows applications down, and they won’t say the lender. They’ll say paperwork: a missing statement, an expired licence, a trustee who’s overseas. The fix is simple — gather it before you start.
Here’s the checklist a friend would hand you, organised so you only collect what you actually need.
The basics for almost every business loan
| Document | Why it’s needed | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID for each borrower, director and guarantor | Identity verification | NZ driver licence or passport; check it hasn’t expired |
| Proof of address | Identity verification | A recent bank statement, utility bill or rates notice |
| Business details | Who’s borrowing | NZBN, trading name, business address |
| Purpose of the loan | How the funds will be used | Quotes, invoices, contract, purchase agreement |
| How you’ll repay | Your exit or repayment plan | A few sentences is fine |
New Zealand lenders have identity verification obligations under anti-money laundering rules, so expect them to confirm the identity of everyone involved. It’s not personal — everyone goes through it.
Extra for unsecured loans and lines of credit
- Recent business bank statements — several months is typical. Many lenders can access these securely online with your permission, which is quicker than PDFs.
- Details of existing loans — lender, balance and repayment.
- Trading history — usually six months or more.
Our guide to reading your bank statements like a lender helps you see what they’ll see.
Extra for property-secured loans
- Property address and ownership — who’s on the title, and whether it’s owned personally, by a company or by a trust.
- Existing mortgage details — the lender and roughly what’s owing. A recent statement helps.
- Rates notice or valuation — useful for a first view; the lender will usually arrange a registered valuation.
- Insurance — details of house or building insurance.
- Supporting party details — if someone else’s property is being used, their ID and ownership details too.
You don’t need financials or tax returns for the initial assessment of a property-secured loan with the lenders on our panel.
Extra by business structure
Sole trader
- Your personal ID and address (you and the business are the same legal person).
- IRD number and NZBN if you have one.
Company
- Company number and NZBN, and a current extract from the Companies Office register.
- ID for all directors, and for shareholders who own a significant share.
- Any shareholders’ agreement if it’s relevant — for example, in a partner buyout.
Partnership
- The partnership agreement.
- ID for all partners.
Trust
- The trust deed and any variations.
- ID for all trustees — all of them usually need to sign.
- Details of any independent or professional trustee.
Trusts often take the longest simply because more people need to sign. Line everyone up early.
Extra by purpose
| Purpose | Useful documents |
|---|---|
| Paying IRD | A current statement from myIR showing each tax type and balance |
| Refinancing debt | Written payout figures from each creditor, including break costs |
| Buying a business | Sale and purchase agreement, due diligence summary, lease |
| Buying equipment or a vehicle | Quote or invoice; PPSR search for second-hand items |
| Fit-out | Builder’s quotes, lease, consent information |
| Big contract | The signed contract and payment schedule |
| Buying stock | Supplier quote or order confirmation |
A two-minute pre-flight checklist
- ☐ ID for everyone, in date
- ☐ Proof of address for everyone
- ☐ NZBN and company or trust details
- ☐ Recent business bank statements (unsecured)
- ☐ Property and mortgage details (secured)
- ☐ Documents showing the purpose
- ☐ A sentence on how you’ll repay
- ☐ Everyone who needs to sign knows and is available
The fastest loans aren’t approved by the fastest lenders. They’re approved for the most prepared borrowers.
What about credit reports?
You don’t need to supply them — the lender runs a credit check, with your permission, when you apply. But checking your own reports first means no surprises. See understanding your credit score.
Can I start before everything’s ready?
Absolutely. Our enquiry takes about 60 seconds and needs no documents. A lending specialist will call you back and tell you exactly which of the items above apply to your situation — so you gather only what’s needed, not everything on this page.
Start your enquiry whenever you’re ready.
And if you do need funding…
That's where we come in. Tell us what's going on and we'll match you with a lender from our panel that fits — and tell you honestly if borrowing isn't the right move.
Quick questions
Why do lenders need proof of address and ID?
Lenders in New Zealand have identity verification obligations under anti-money laundering rules, so they must confirm who they're dealing with — including directors, guarantors and sometimes trustees or beneficial owners.
Do I need financial statements for a property-secured loan?
Not for the initial assessment. Property-secured lenders focus on the property and your plan to repay. They may ask for more information later depending on the situation.