Introduction to Company Registration in Australia
Why Company Registration in Australia Matters for Entrepreneurs
Starting a business in Australia is a big decision, and choosing to register your company is a key milestone in an Australian business setup. Company registration Australia-style ensures your venture has legal recognition, access to benefits like limited liability, and builds credibility with customers, partners and investors.
When you register a company in Australia, you move beyond informal trading to become a separate legal entity with rights, duties and protections under Australian law — something that’s critical if you intend to scale, hire staff, obtain finance or deal with contracts.
Key Benefits of Starting a Registered Business in Australia
Here are some of the major benefits of a properly registered company in Australia:
Limited liability: As a registered company, shareholders’ personal assets are typically protected from business debts.
Separate legal entity: The company is distinct from its owners and continues even if shareholders change.
Professional credibility: A registered company conveys greater trust to clients, suppliers, and investors than a sole trader or informal business.
Tax advantages and incentives: In certain cases, company tax rates, deductions and structuring options may be more favourable (depending on size, structure and revenue).
Ease of growth and investment: If you plan to raise capital, bring in shareholders or expand internationally, a registered company structure often suits better than simpler structures.
Types of Companies You Can Register in Australia
Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd) – The Most Common Business Structure
In Australia, the most commonly used structure for small-to-medium businesses is a proprietary limited company (abbreviated Pty Ltd). It restricts the number of non-employee shareholders and doesn’t offer public share trading. Before registering a company, you’ll want to consider if this structure fits your plans.
Proprietary companies are often simpler to manage than public companies, have fewer public disclosure requirements and are well suited for many start-ups.
Public Company Registration in Australia
A public company (e.g., “Limited” rather than “Pty Ltd”) allows share trading publicly and has more stringent regulatory obligations. It’s appropriate for large scale ventures or those planning an IPO.
Other Business Structures – Sole Trader, Partnership and Trust
Before you choose to register a company (i.e., become a company entity), it's worth evaluating whether a company structure is best for you. Other structures include: sole trader, partnership, trust or incorporated association. These may be simpler but offer less protection or flexibility.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Australia
Here is the step-by-step breakdown to successfully complete company registration Australia-style via the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) and related authorities.
Step 1 – Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
First, you must choose a unique company name. The name must not be identical to an existing company or business name. It must display the legal status of the company (e.g., “Pty Ltd” for a proprietary company).
You can reserve a name if you’re not ready to register immediately.
When selecting your name: check availability, ensure it is not misleading or prohibited (for example: “Bank”, “Trust”, “Royal” etc may need special approval).
Step 2 – Decide on the Best Business Structure for Registration
Before registering, decide if the company structure is right for you. Your business structure affects liability, tax, governance and future flexibility.
Consider: number of shareholders, types of shares, whether you’ll need a constitution (or will rely on replaceable rules), and whether you expect to scale or raise external capital.
Step 3 – Apply for ASIC Registration (Australian Securities & Investments Commission)
This is the core of company registration Australia. You submit your application to ASIC (or through the government’s Business Registration Service) and pay the registration fee.
Key elements include:
Minimum of one director (for proprietary companies) – and that director must ordinarily reside in Australia.
Consent from directors, shareholders and occupiers of the registered office.
Decide whether to adopt a company constitution or rely on the ‘replaceable rules’ under the Corporations Act 2001.
Once approved, you receive your unique Australian Company Number (ACN) and certificate of registration.
Step 4 – Get an Australian Business Number (ABN)
After your company is registered, you will need an ABN (Australian Business Number). This is an 11-digit identifier used for dealings with the tax office and other agencies, essential for invoicing and registering for GST.
Many providers bundle ABN registration with company registration in the Business Registration Service.
Step 5 – Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if applicable
If your annual turnover is expected to exceed AUD 75,000, you must register for GST.
Even if you are under the threshold, you may opt to register for GST voluntarily if beneficial.
Step 6 – Prepare Company Constitution or Use Replaceable Rules
You must decide how your company will be governed. You have two main options:
Use the “replaceable rules” set out in the Corporations Act (no bespoke constitution required).
Draft and adopt your own constitution, which offers more tailored governance but may require updates over time.
Having this governance structure in place early avoids confusion later.
Step 7 – Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) for Your Company
Your company needs a separate TFN (Tax File Number), unless it’s a sole proprietor using personal TFN. The TFN enables reporting and lodgement of tax returns.
Step 8 – Post-Registration Setup and Compliance
Once registration is complete, you must ensure you meet ongoing compliance requirements:
Maintain company registers (directors, shareholders, share structure, minutes, etc).
Display your company name and ACN on business documents and websites.
Pay annual review fees to ASIC and update any changes to details.
Now your company is legally registered in Australia and you’re ready to do business.
Documents and Information Needed for Company Registration
Director and Shareholder Identification Details
When you register your company, you must provide details for every director (and secretary if applicable), including: full name, date of birth, place of birth, residential address, consent to act, and director identification number (Director ID) requirement.
For shareholders, you need to decide the number of shares, share classes (if any special rights), and amount paid/unpaid on shares.
Registered Office and Principal Place of Business Address
Your company must nominate a registered office address in Australia (not a PO box) where formal notices can be delivered.
You also give your principal place of business (may be same address).
If the registered office is not your own premises (for example you’re using an accountant’s service), you must get written consent from the occupier and keep it on company records.
Share Structure and Company Constitution
You must decide at registration:
The number of shares issued and their classes (e.g., Ordinary shares).
Whether to adopt a constitution or rely on replaceable rules.
Consent forms for officeholders and shareholders.
You’ll need to keep registers of shareholders and directors, minutes of first meeting, and the company’s constitution (if adopted).
Gathering these documents ahead of time ensures your application flows smoothly and avoids delays.
Post-Registration Compliance for Australian Companies
Open a Company Bank Account in Australia
Once your company is registered and you have ACN/ABN, open a separate business bank account. This ensures clear separation between personal and corporate finances, helps with compliance and auditing. Many banks will require your certificate of registration, ACN, ABN and company constitution/register.
Once your company bank account is set up, it’s crucial to maintain accurate financial records. Newly registered companies can streamline this process using Xero bookkeeping services, which helps with invoicing, expense tracking, and GST compliance.
Register for PAYG Withholding and Superannuation
If you plan to hire employees, you must register for PAYG (Pay As You Go) withholding with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and make superannuation contributions for your eligible staff.
Maintain Company Records and Meet ASIC Reporting Requirements
You must keep up-to-date records of:
Shareholders and share structure
Directors and secretaries
Company constitution or replaceable rules
Minutes of meetings and resolutions
Also you must lodge your annual review with ASIC, pay their annual fee, and notify them of changes (e.g., address, director appointment/resignation).
Register for Licences and Permits
Depending on your industry, you may need additional state, territory or local business licences or permits (for example, trade licences, health and safety certifications). Use the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to check requirements.
Company Registration Fees and Timeline in Australia
ASIC Registration Costs and Ongoing Fees
The fee to register a standard proprietary company with ASIC is around AUD $576 (2024/2025) for many cases.
Ongoing fees include annual review fees payable to ASIC, costs for preparing and maintaining compliance records, financial statements, accounting etc.
Time Required to Complete Company Setup in Australia
Registration can be very quick. Using the government’s Business Registration Service you may lodge your application and receive confirmation in as little as 15 minutes online, with final confirmation often within 2 business days provided all documents and payment are correct.
However, your full operational readiness (bank account, licences, etc) may take longer, especially if international directors or complex structures are involved. For foreign directors, obtaining Director ID or verification may add time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Company
Choosing an Incorrect Business Structure
Because your structure affects liability, tax, governance and cost, many new business owners rush into a company without evaluating whether a sole trader or partnership might suffice. Checking whether the company structure is right for your business is essential.
Ignoring Tax and Legal Compliance Obligations
Failing to register for GST when required, missing PAYG or superannuation obligations, or ignoring annual ASIC filings can lead to penalties or even deregistration. Be sure to complete the other registrations (ABN, TFN) after company registration.
Missing Annual ASIC Filing Requirements
After registration your company still has ongoing obligations — neglecting to pay review fees or update ASIC of changes can lead to non-compliance and potential legal exposure.
Failing to Maintain Proper Governance and Records
Not establishing a constitution or proper share registers, or failing to keep minutes, share certificates and statutory books can create issues during audits, investor due diligence or legal claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Company Registration in Australia
How Long Does It Take to Register a Company in Australia?
The registration itself can be very fast and often within 15 minutes to 2 business days through the online Business RegistratService — assuming all documents are in order and fees paid.
Can Non-Residents Register a Company in Australia?
Yes, but there are additional compliance requirements. For example, there must be at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia for a proprietary company.
If you are based overseas, obtaining the necessary Director ID, verifying identity and fulfilling legal obligations may take more time.
What’s the Difference Between an ABN and an ACN?
ACN (Australian Company Number): A unique 9-digit identifier issued by ASIC when you register a company. This shows your company is registered.
ABN (Australian Business Number): An 11-digit identifier used by businesses for tax and administrative purposes (issued by the ATO/Business Register). You need it whether you trade or do business.
Do I Need a Registered Agent to Form a Company?
No, you do not always need a registered agent or lawyer — you can apply directly via ASIC or the government Business Registration Service. However, many businesses choose professional assistance (lawyers/accountants) to ensure correct set-up, governance documents and compliance.
Registering a company in Australia is a well-trod path, and with the right preparation you can navigate company registration Australia with confidence. By choosing the correct structure, following the step-by-step process (choose name → decide structure → ASIC registration → get ABN/TFN → register for tax) and avoiding common pitfalls, you set your business up for success.
Launching your registered company gives you a strong foundation for growth, compliance, credibility and effective management in the competitive Australian market. With the tools and obligations clearly laid out, you’re ready to start a business in Australia and build something meaningful.
Company Registration Checklist for Australia
Step 1: Planning
Decide on your business idea and goals
Choose the right business structure (Pty Ltd, public company, etc.)
Check eligibility (at least one Australian-resident director)
Research name availability on ASIC website
Reserve company name (optional)
Step 2: Information You’ll Need
Proposed company name
Company type (Proprietary Limited, Public)
Registered office address (physical address, not PO Box)
Principal place of business
Details of each director and shareholder:
Full legal name
Date and place of birth
Residential address
Director ID (for each director)
Consent to act as director/shareholder
Share structure details:
Number and class of shares (e.g., Ordinary)
Paid/unpaid amount per share
Ownership percentages
Step 3: Documents to Prepare
Consent forms for directors and shareholders
Constitution or decision to use replaceable rules
Occupier’s consent for registered office (if applicable)
Minutes of first director/shareholder meeting
Company register (directors, shareholders, share certificates)
Step 4: Online Registration
Apply via ASIC or Business Registration Service
Pay ASIC registration fee (~AUD $576)
Receive Certificate of Registration and Australian Company Number (ACN)
Step 5: Tax and Regulatory Setup
Apply for Australian Business Number (ABN)
Obtain Tax File Number (TFN)
Register for GST (if turnover > $75,000)
Register for PAYG withholding (if hiring employees)
Register for Superannuation contributions
Step 6: After Registration
Open company bank account
Display ACN and company name on documents
Maintain company registers and minutes
Pay annual ASIC review fee
Update ASIC on any company changes (address, directors, etc.)
Apply for relevant local or industry licences
Step 7: Ongoing Compliance
Keep accounting and tax records for at least 7 years
Lodge BAS and company tax returns on time
Review constitution and share structure annually
Maintain Director IDs and check ASIC correspondence