How to Buy US ETFs from New Zealand

A complete 2026 guide for Kiwi investors wanting to access SPY, VOO, QQQ, and other US-listed ETFs

Why NZ Investors Buy US ETFs

Access Global Companies

Own Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and hundreds more of the world's biggest companies.

Lower Fees

US ETFs like VOO charge just 0.03% annually — far cheaper than most NZ-domiciled options.

Diversification

Reduce NZ market concentration. The NZX is tiny compared to global markets.

More Choice

Thousands of ETFs covering every sector, theme, and strategy imaginable.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Choose a Platform

You need a broker that gives NZ residents access to US markets. Your main options:

Platform Typical Use Fees
Hatch Beginners $3 USD/trade + 0.5% FX
Stake Commission-free trading $0 trades + FX spread
Sharesies Small amounts, fractional shares $1.90-5.90/month + FX
Interactive Brokers Lowest fees for larger amounts ~$1 USD/trade + tight FX

Note: Hatch and Stake are popular for their simplicity. Interactive Brokers typically has the lowest total cost for larger portfolios. Compare platforms to find what suits your needs.

2

Open Your Account

You'll need to provide:

  • NZ driver's licence or passport
  • IRD number
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
  • NZ bank account for deposits

Account approval usually takes 1-3 business days.

3

Complete W-8BEN Form

This is crucial for tax purposes. The W-8BEN form:

  • • Certifies you're a non-US person
  • • Reduces US dividend withholding tax from 30% to 15%
  • • Must be renewed every 3 years
  • • Done digitally on most platforms

Don't skip this! Without a W-8BEN, you'll lose 30% of all dividends to US withholding tax instead of 15%.

4

Deposit NZD & Convert to USD

Transfer NZD from your bank, then convert to USD:

  • • Most platforms accept bank transfer (free but slow) or POLi/instant (small fee)
  • • Currency conversion happens automatically or manually depending on platform
  • • Watch the FX spread — this is often the biggest hidden cost

Tip: Interactive Brokers has the lowest FX rates among these platforms. For others, compare their NZD/USD rate to Google's rate.

5

Search & Buy Your ETF

Use the ticker symbol to find your ETF:

VOO

S&P 500

VTI

Total Market

QQQ

Nasdaq-100

SCHD

Dividends

JEPI

High Income

GLD

Gold

Place a market order (buy at current price) or limit order (set your price). For most investors, market orders are fine.

Tax Implications for NZ Investors

Under $50,000 NZD in Foreign Investments

You're taxed on actual dividends received, minus the 15% US withholding already paid. Relatively simple — just report dividend income on your tax return.

Over $50,000 NZD in Foreign Investments

FIF (Foreign Investment Fund) rules apply. You must calculate taxable income using one of:

  • FDR Method: Pay tax on 5% of opening market value (regardless of actual gains)
  • CV Method: Pay tax on actual gains (can be better if gains were low or negative)

Most people use FDR as it's simpler. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.

Explore ETFs and Platforms

Compare platforms and popular ETFs available to NZ investors

Compare Platforms Dividend ETFs Compared