Company registration
in Australia.

Leverage our in-depth expertise and get everything you need to successfully and compliantly establish an incorporated company in Australia without unnecessary hassle or stress.

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Company registration in Australia

Start your business expansion in Australia with confidence.

Expert guidance

We will seamlessly guide you through the government requirements, removing the confusion and providing clarity for what can be an otherwise drawn-out process for starting a business.

Fast processing*

We listen carefully to your needs and will work with you to devise a process and timeline that meets your requirements without cutting corners and sacrificing utmost compliance.

Respectful collaboration

Acclime’s professionals work with you to establish and maintain a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. We specialise in being a trusted partner while working at distance.

*We can get you up and running in Australia in just four weeks. Our streamlined process means your Australian presence can be fully operational within four weeks of providing us all required information.
Company formation options

Select the best structure for your business.

We can reliably help you with the process of registrations when expanding to Australia. There are several structures you can choose. The most popular are:

Registered foreign company.

A branch office of a foreign company registered with ASIC to do business in Australia.

  • Long term option
  • Liability held by parent
  • Local Agent & Resident Public Officer required
  • Annual Income Tax Return required
  • ASIC registration
  • Up to 3 months to set up
  •  

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Private limited liability company.

A Pty Ltd. company is easy to set up and removes obstacles to employment and trade.

  • Long term option
  • Liability quarantined to Pty Ltd
  • Resident Director & Resident Public Officer required
  • Annual Income Tax Return required
  • ASIC registration
  • 1 month to set up

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Representative office.

An option for foreign companies wishing to study the market prior to entry.

  • Short term option
  • Liability held by parent
  • No company officers required
  • No Annual Income Tax Return required
  • No ASIC registration
  • 1 month to set up
  •  
  •  

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Unsure about which structure is right for you?

Get a clear picture of starting your company in Australia by scheduling a free 30-minute consultation with us. We can advise you on anything from the optimal business structure, capital investment, full foreign ownership options to shareholder requirements and more.

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Foreign business ownership

Own and control 100% of your company as a foreign investor.

Australia allows ownership of companies by foreign individuals or companies. If a foreign company is the sole shareholder in an Australian company, then careful consideration on how the company is set up is required. Prior approval for investment may be required in some cases e.g. real-estate and large investments. There is also the need for a director to be resident in Australia, but generally the environment is friendly towards foreign investment.

FAQ

Common questions.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Australia?

Our once-off fixed fee of A$2,900 provides for complete company formation, including:

  • Company registration
  • Follow-up registrations with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • Business bank account opening
How can foreign companies establish a business presence in Australia?

Given its strong economy, robust banking system and excellent quality of life, it’s no surprise that we receive many enquiries from foreign companies about international expansion to Australia.

A foreign company that decides to establish a business presence in Australia can do so in several ways. The two most common and simple are:

  • Private limited Company – establishing or acquiring an Australian subsidiary company, a separate legal entity
  • Registered Foreign Company – establishing a branch office by registering with ASIC to do business in Australia

Foreign companies should consider the various ways to enter the Australian market. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as legal, regulatory and taxation implications.

Who can be a director of an Australian company?

In summary, Section 201B of the Corporations Act 2001 states that a director can be any individual who:

  • Is over 18 years of age and provides their consent
  • Is not disqualified from managing corporations, unless leave is granted by ASIC (under s206F(5)) or by a court (under s206G)

A private company or proprietary company will need to have at least one director who must ordinarily reside in Australia.

    The law does not allow you to a director of a company (without court consent) if:

    • You are currently bankrupt
    • You are still subject to a personal insolvency agreement or composition under the Bankruptcy Act 1966
    • Have been convicted of offences like fraud or breaching your duties as an officeholder
    Can all of the directors of an Australian Company be foreigners?
    No. Private limited liability (Pty Ltd) companies must have at least one Australian Resident as a director. Public Companies (ending in Limited or Ltd) must have two directors who are Australian residents. For more information, see our Resident Director services page here.
    Should we register as a foreign company?
    If a foreign company wishes to carry out business in Australia but does not wish to incorporate a separate Australian entity to manage its Australian operations, the foreign company can register directly with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). A Registered Foreign Company in Australia is not a separate legal entity from the parent company. In practice, this is similar to establishing a Representative Office or branch of a foreign company in another country.
    Do I also need a Registered Office?
    In addition to the Resident Director requirements, both public and private companies require a Registered Office address in Australia (s142) where Australia’s corporate regulator, ASIC, can send important company documents. This is also usually where the company’s Corporate Register, a file containing certain documents required by the Corporations Act 2001, resides. The Registered Office address can be a different address to the principal place of business address.
    Ready to get started?

    Join the hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs and businesses who have already set up their companies in Australia.

    Request a quote
    Not sure where to begin?

    Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss starting & operating your company in Australia.

    Blair Lucas, Acclime Partner

    Schedule a discovery call

    +61 3 9419 7607

    We are open: Monday – Friday
    9:00 am to 5.00 pm (UTC+10)

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