Johnston Law | Migration and Expat Tax Specialists

Johnston Law: Your trusted partner through the complexities of migrant tax.

Whether you're relocating to New Zealand, managing cross-border interests, an employer relocating staff, or a professional advisor seeking expert guidance, we've got you covered. As tax lawyers we provide advice on all aspects of tax law, including expat tax advice, property tax, GST, as well as assisting you with all matters involving Inland Revenue such as investigations, debt recovery and audits. Whether you're an individual or a business, we offer customised solutions to optimise your tax position.

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At Johnston Law, we specialise in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex intersection of New Zealand tax law and international movement. Whether you're migrating to or from New Zealand, working across borders, or managing offshore assets, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your unique situation.

Tax issues involving migration can be high-stakes and deeply personal. Our clients often face complex legislation, cross-jurisdictional rules, and significant financial implications. We’re here to make it easier - offering strategic, responsive, and jargon-free legal guidance every step of the way.

Johnston Law has been recognised both nationally and internationally for our work in migration and international tax. In 2025, we were named Tax Law Firm of the Year – New Zealand at the APAC Legal Awards, and received the APAC Insider Client Service Excellence Award the same year. We were also honoured as Best Migrant Tax Advisors - New Zealand in the Corporate Vision Corporate Excellence Awards. Individually, our director Julia Johnston has been awarded New Zealand Tax Lawyer of the Year three years running (2022, 2023 and 2024) by the Finance Monthly Taxation Awards. These awards are a testament to the firm's deep technical capability and commitment to supporting clients in navigating complex tax matters.

We bring this experience to every matter, delivering advice that is both technically sound and commercially practical - giving our clients the knowledge to make informed decisions about their assets and finances, while allowing us to structure solutions that minimise double taxation and maximise tax efficiency.

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Julia Johnston, Director & migrant tax law specialist

Our Services

Migrant Tax

We specialise in navigating the complexities of the NZ tax system for international residents and migrants. We provide expert guidance on all migrant tax issues including tax residency status, temporary tax exemption, remote working and cross-border tax planning to minimise your taxes.

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Relationship Property

We offer expert guidance on relationship property matters, including contracting out agreements (also called pre-nups), separation agreements, and property division. We'll provide support throughout these challenging times with professional advice and dedicated assistance.

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Tax Advisory

We offer comprehensive expertise, covering all areas of specialised tax advisory work, including property tax, GST, as well as assisting with various IRD matters such as tax investigations, debt recovery, and audits. We prioritise delivering commercial and practical solutions for our clients.

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Estate Planning

Our independent estate planning services assist you in creating a comprehensive will and enduring powers of attorney, ensuring that your property is distributed according to your wishes and allowing your personal affairs to be efficiently managed if you are unable to do so.

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