Local Agent
for foreign companies
in Australia.

A foreign company doing business in Australia needs to appoint a Local Agent in order to meet legal requirements. Acclime acts as the Local Agent for foreign companies seeking to break into the Australian market before taking the step to incorporate a subsidiary.

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Build your business prior to incorporation in Australia
with our Local Agent service.

Hassle free compliance

Leverage our years of experience in the market to achieve compliance for your business. No matter your company’s size, we can support and guide you in protecting your business interests.

Custom & flexible solutions

We are fully flexible and custom-deliver for your business. This means that we will create a tailored solution that perfectly meets your specific case and won’t include anything you don’t need.

Regular review

As your local agent we will continue reviewing your business practices and reporting to ensure compliance is uninterrupted and opportunities for growth are not missed.

Local Agent services

Fufilling your Local Agent requirements.

A foreign company can register directly with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) without incorporating in Australia. This is not a separate legal entity from the parent company. In practice, it is similar to establishing a branch office. It does, however, require a Local Agent.

Essential Local Agent services.

  • Registering as a foreign business

    Our Local Agent service includes registering your company as a foreign business by:

    • Reserving the business name
    • Compiling, completing and filing the applications
    • Acting as the named Local Agent, assuming responsibility for legal compliance
    • Liaising with regulatory authorities and financial institutions
    • Providing general advice about the Australian corporate, legal, and financial landscape

  • Maintaining foreign business compliance

    Our ongoing responsibilities as your Local Agent include:

    • Planning and managing local board meetings
    • Registering any changes to company details
    • Maintaining statutory registers
    • Providing general governance and compliance advice
    • Dissolving the registration when required

  • Providing the registered address

    A registered foreign business not only needs a Local Agent, but must also have a registered address. We provide for the following:

    • Providing a commercial address for registrations
    • Displaying the company name at places of business in line with requirements
    • Liaising with officials during physical inspections and through communications
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Additional services.

  • Accounting & tax filing

    Registered foreign companies must lodge financial statements with ASIC annually (at intervals no longer than 15 months). Financial statements comprise a balance sheet, profit and loss, and cash flow statement, any other documents the company is required to prepare by the law that applies in its home jurisdiction (such as an audit report), and an ASIC Form 405 – Statement to verify financial statements of a foreign company. Acclime’s accounting services team can expertly assist with the preparation and filing of all the necessary reports.

  • Virtual office services

    In addition to providing a registered address as your appointed Local Agent, we can provide professional office services, including:

    • Forwarding mail from ASIC, ATO, banks, etc
    • Posting and couriering official documents and correspondence
    • Making phone calls on the company’s behalf
    • Providing customer service support
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FAQ

Common questions.

Why 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.
What are the key steps for setting up a Registered Foreign Company in Australia?

Step 1 – Ensure the name you wish to register is available

Step 2 – Complete the relevant application form and compile accompanying documents

Step 3 – Lodge the form and accompanying documents with the prescribed lodgement fee

ASIC can take up to 28 days to process an application to register a foreign company. See our guide to setting up a registered foreign company learn more

Ready to get started?

We are ready to smooth your expansion to Australia through registering you as a foreign business with Acclime as your local agent.

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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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