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Private limited liability company 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. We can have your private limited liability company (Pty Ltd) set up in one month.

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Your trusted partner for starting your company.

Getting it right

We do not simply register a company; we help you start your business on the right foot. Our team has expertise in a range of industries and will give expert advice where required.

Looking ahead

We love to build long-term collaborations, and will proactively alert you to ongoing requirements and their timeframes. We aim to be a one-stop-shop for your admin outsourcing needs.

Supporting you

We work hard on delivering not just professional but also extremely personable customer support to all of our clients, whether you are managing your business from Australia or abroad.

Complete company services

Everything you need to successfully set up an incorporated company in Australia.

If you choose to establish an Australian company, this will be classed as its own legal entity able to conduct business throughout the country. Our comprehensive services make it easy to expand to Australia and get your business running efficiently whether you are in-country or not.

Essential company services.

  • Company registration

    We will prepare and file all the documents to complete your company registration with ASIC.

    Six registration steps:

    1. Registering for an Australian Company Number (ACN). We register your company with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).
    2. Registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN). This unique ID number is issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and enables your business to deal with government departments.
    3. Opening a business bank account. We will assist with opening an account with a bank licensed to operate in Australia
    4. Registering for the Goods & Services Tax. This is required if your turnover meets or exceeds AUD75,000 per annum
    5. Registering for a company Tax File Number (TFN). This is ideally applied for at the date the company is registered
    6. Registering for Pay as You Go (PAYG). This is applicable if you intend to employ staff or pay interest to an overseas affiliate

  • Registered office solutions

    Acclime provides both physical and virtual registered office solutions to minimise the cost and complexity of incorporating in Australia without a presence. Where you intend to lease your own office space, we can assist with checking the lease agreement details to make sure registration is clear.

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  • Resident Director and officers

    It is a requirement that the director and key officers be resident in Australia. Acclime will appoint an experienced and Australian-based Resident Director, Company Secretary and Resident Public Officer to expertly manage your compliance, legislative and regulatory requirements.

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Additional compliance services.

We also provide one-off and ongoing services to keep your business compliant with all the government requirements.

 
  • Local Agent for
    foreign companies

    A foreign company can register to do business in Australia, but one of the main requirements is that there is an appointed and registered Local Agent. Acclime Australia can act as your Local Agent and perform all tasks required by law to remain compliant.

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  • Accounting & tax

    Acclime offers comprehensive accounting and tax services to companies and subsidiaries that have not yet enlisted a full-time financial officer. Leverage our CFO expertise for your accounting and tax requirements.

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  • HR & payroll

    Pay your employees on time and keep track of compensations and benefits to ensure compliance with labour laws.

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  • R&D advisory

    If your business plan includes accessing the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Incentive program, our full suite of R&D Advisory services can help you maximise every benefit you’re entitled to.

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  • Tax advisory

    Our tax advisory professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in managing tax considerations throughout the whole life cycle of an Australian subsidiary company. They can provide expert and considered guidance.

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Registration process

Five requirements to
register your new company.

1. Choose your company name carefully

The name can’t be identical to another, misleading or offensive. We assist with checks and make suggestions where there is a potential issue.

2. Establish your company management

You must appoint at least one Director and one Public Officer who both reside in Australia. We offer a service to fill these roles for you while you are in the process of building your Australian business.

3. Provide details of the ultimate holding company

To register your Australian company that has another company (foreign or domestic) as a shareholder, you will need to provide the registration documents for that company.

4. Provide details of the number of shares

Minimum requirement for share structure is 1 share at AUD1.00. Obviously most businesses will require a share structure that matches the business plan, and this needs consideration prior to the incorporation. Acclime can advise you on how to structure your company.

5. Location of registered office

You will need to provide the address for your registered office and principal place of business. Acclime offers office solutions to assist you with fulfilling the requirements for legal registration with ASIC.
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 is required in how best to set up the company. 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.

Why establish a subsidiary in Australia as a Proprietary Company?
Many companies decide to establish a separate Australian entity to manage their Australian operations. This is known as a Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) Company. A Pty Ltd company would be no different from any other Australian Pty Ltd company, but other Australian companies and government bodies may feel more comfortable interacting with a Pty Ltd than a Registered Foreign Company. The process for the establishment and incorporation of a Pty Ltd company is easy, fast and inexpensive.
Quick facts about Proprietary Companies
  • Must use the suffix Pty Ltd or have Proprietary Limited in their company name
  • Provide limited liability to shareholders, meaning that the liability falling upon shareholders in the event of a wind-up is equivalent to the unpaid amount (if any) on their shares
  • Must have at least one director who is a resident of Australia, and a resident company secretary if any secretary is appointed
  • Must have a Registered Office located in Australia
What restrictions apply to Proprietary Companies?

Proprietary Companies generally cannot engage in fundraising activities that would require the lodgment of a prospectus (i.e. seeking to raise funds from the public). They can, however, raise money through private sales of equity.

Proprietary Companies cannot have more than 50 non-employee shareholders

What is the difference between a Large or Small Proprietary Company?

A Proprietary Company may be classified as a Large Proprietary Company if two out of these three criteria are met:

  • The consolidated revenue for the financial year of the company and any entities it controls is $50m or more
  • The value of the consolidated gross assets at the end of the financial year of the company and any entities it controls is $25m or more
  • The company and any entities it controls has 100 or more employees at the end of the financial year

If a company does not satisfy at least two of the above criteria, it is considered a Small Proprietary Company.

What is the process of incorporation?

Read our detailed guide to company registration to see the process and requirements. Learn more.

Ready to get started?

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

Not sure where to begin?

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

Blair Lucas, Acclime Partner