Australia · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- Pty Ltd
- Non-resident can be sole director
- No
- Can be completed remotely
- Yes
A director without Australian identity documents applies for the director ID on paper, which can take up to 56 business days.
Official registry: asic.gov.au
Registration is federal (ASIC) — there is no state-by-state company register. But a proprietary company (Pty Ltd) must have at least one director who normally lives in Australia: a non-resident can be a director, never the only one. Every director must obtain a Director ID before being appointed.
Companies in Australia register with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and receive an Australian Company Number (ACN); most also obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register for GST. A proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) is standard.
Companies are registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which issues an Australian Company Number (ACN); an Australian Business Number (ABN) is then obtained from the Australian Business Register.
- ASIC registers the company and issues the ACN; a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) is the common form.
- An ABN from the Australian Business Register is used for tax, GST and invoicing.
- Company details are searchable on the ASIC registers.
- A proprietary company must have at least one director who normally lives in Australia; a non-resident can be a director, but never the only one.
- A secretary is optional for a proprietary company — but if one is appointed, at least one secretary must also normally live in Australia.
- Company registration is federal — ASIC keeps one national register, so there is no state-by-state incorporation choice. State and territory obligations (payroll tax, workers compensation, industry licences) apply separately once you operate.
- 1
Choose a business structure
Decide between a sole trader, partnership, trust or company; the proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) is the usual choice for a private business and gives limited liability.
- 2
Apply for a Director ID
Every company director must obtain a Director Identification Number from the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) before being appointed.
- 3
Check and reserve a company name
Search the ASIC and business-name registers to confirm the name is available, and check that a matching web domain is free; you can reserve the name if needed.
- 4
Register the company with ASIC
Register with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (directly or through the Business Registration Service) and pay the fee; you receive an Australian Company Number (ACN).
- 5
Get an ABN and register for tax
Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and a company tax file number (TFN), and register for GST if turnover will reach A$75,000, plus PAYG withholding if you employ staff.
- 6
Open a bank account and meet obligations
Open a business bank account, keep your details current on the ASIC register, and pay the annual review fee to keep the company registered.
- Business structure chosen (usually Pty Ltd)
- Director ID for every director (from ABRS)
- Company name cleared on ASIC + domain checked
- ASIC registration + Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Australian Business Number (ABN) + company TFN
- GST registration if turnover ≥ A$75,000
- PAYG withholding if employing staff
- Business bank account + annual review fee
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Company registration and corporate regulation.
- Australian Business Register (ABN)
Australian Business Number registration.
- ASIC — Company officeholders (directors and secretaries)
Who may be a director or secretary, and the Australian-residency requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a resident director?
Yes — a proprietary company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia.
What is the difference between an ACN and an ABN?
The ACN identifies the company at ASIC; the ABN is a broader business identifier used for tax and invoicing, obtained via the ATO/ABR.
Do I need to register for GST?
Registration is required once turnover reaches the GST threshold, and optional below it.
Government portals
- Australian Government — Australian Government's official entry point — quick access to all department services
- Dept of Home Affairs — Student/work visas, skilled migration (189/190/491 subclasses), and citizenship applications
- Australian Tax Office (ATO) — TFN application, tax refunds, GST, superannuation, and personal income tax lodgment