How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in Australia in 2026?

One of the very first questions entrepreneurs and foreign companies ask when expanding into Australia is: how much does it cost to register a business in Australia? It is a straightforward question, but the answer depends on the type of structure you choose, whether you handle the paperwork yourself or engage a professional, and the ongoing obligations that come after registration.

In this 2026 guide, we provide a complete breakdown of every business registration cost in Australia — from a free ABN application through to full foreign company branch establishment. Whether you are a local sole trader, a startup founder incorporating a Pty Ltd, or an overseas company setting up Australian operations, you will find the exact government fees, typical professional charges, and practical tips to keep costs under control. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the registration process itself, see our comprehensive guide on how to register a business in Australia.

Let us start with a quick summary, then work through each registration type in detail.

Quick Cost Summary Table

The table below gives you an at-a-glance view of business registration costs in Australia for 2026. Government fees are set by ASIC or the ATO and are current as of February 2026. Professional fees are indicative ranges based on market rates.

Now let us look at each registration type in detail.

ABN Registration Cost

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is the foundation of almost every business structure in Australia. The good news is that applying for an ABN is completely free when you do it yourself through the Australian Business Register at abr.gov.au.

• Government fee: $0 — there is no charge to apply for or hold an ABN.
• Processing time: Applications can be approved instantly for straightforward cases, but may take up to 28 business days if the ATO needs to verify your identity or entitlement.
• Professional fees: Some agents and accountants charge $50 to $100 to lodge the application on your behalf. This is entirely optional.

For foreign companies entering Australia, ABN registration is typically included as part of a broader company formation or ABN and GST registration package. If you are simply registering as a sole trader, you can do it yourself at no cost.

Business Name Registration Cost

If you want to trade under a name that is different from your own legal name (for sole traders) or your registered company name (for companies), you need to register a business name with ASIC.

• 1-year registration: $39
• 3-year registration: $92 (better value if you are committed to the name)
• Renewal: The same fees apply at renewal. If you do not renew, you lose the right to trade under that name.

What You Need to Know

• You must have an ABN before you can register a business name.
• You can register online through the ASIC website or the government’s Business Registration Service.
• A business name registration does not give you a separate legal entity — it is simply a trading name.
• If you trade under your own personal name (e.g., “Jane Smith Consulting”) or under your registered company name, you do not need a separate business name registration.

Professional fees for business name registration typically range from $50 to $200 if you use an accountant or agent to handle the application.

Company Registration Cost (Pty Ltd)

Registering a proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) is the most common structure for Australian businesses that want a separate legal entity with limited liability. Here is what it costs.

Government Fees

• ASIC registration fee: $611 (one-off, payable at the time of registration)
• This fee gives you an Australian Company Number (ACN) and registers the company with ASIC.

Professional Fees

Most people use an accountant, lawyer, or corporate services provider to register a company. Professional fees typically range from $500 to $2,000 and usually include:

• Preparation and lodgement of the registration application
• A company constitution (replaceable rules or a tailored constitution)
• Appointment of initial directors and secretary
• Registered office address setup
• Share structure and initial share issuance
• ASIC key and online access configuration

Ongoing Costs

Once your company is registered, there are annual obligations:

• ASIC annual review fee: $329 per year. This must be paid on time to keep your company registration active.
• Late payment penalties: ASIC charges late fees starting from $85, escalating to over $1,100 if the review is significantly overdue.
• Tax return preparation: $500 to $3,000+ depending on the complexity of your operations.

At AusBusinessRegister, our company formation packages start from $2,997 and include everything — ASIC fees, constitution, registered office, and full setup — so there are no surprises.

Foreign Company Branch Registration Cost

If your company is incorporated overseas and you want to establish a branch office in Australia (rather than incorporating a new Australian subsidiary), you need to register as a foreign company under Part 5B.2 of the Corporations Act 2001. This is the most complex — and most expensive — registration type.

Registration Costs

• ASIC Form 402 lodgement fee: $611
• Professional fees: $3,000 to $5,000 for preparation of the application, certified translations of constitutional documents, and ASIC liaison

Mandatory Ongoing Requirements

Foreign companies registered in Australia must maintain several appointments that carry their own annual costs:

• Local agent: Required under the Corporations Act. A local agent for a foreign company typically costs $2,400 or more per year.
• Registered office in Australia: $600 to $1,800 per year depending on the provider and location.
• Resident director (if applicable): A resident director costs $2,400 or more per year, and is required for subsidiary companies.
• ASIC annual review fee: $329 per year.

Total First-Year Cost

When you add up the registration fee, professional fees, local agent, and registered office, the total first-year cost for a foreign company branch registration is typically $7,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the application and the services required.

Trust Registration Cost

Trusts are a popular structure in Australia for asset protection, tax planning, and investment purposes. Unlike companies, trusts are not registered with ASIC, so there is no government registration fee for the trust itself.

• Trust deed: $500 to $1,500. A trust deed must be drafted by a lawyer or specialist provider. This is the primary cost of establishing a trust.
• ABN registration: Free.
• Stamp duty: Some states charge stamp duty on trust deeds, although this has been abolished in several jurisdictions. Check your state’s requirements.
• Corporate trustee: If you use a company as the trustee (which is common for asset protection), you will also need to register a Pty Ltd company at $611, bringing the total setup cost to $1,076 to $2,076 or more.

Ongoing costs for a trust include tax return preparation ($500 to $2,000+), and if you have a corporate trustee, the ASIC annual review fee of $329.

Ongoing Annual Costs

Registration is only the beginning. Every business structure in Australia carries ongoing annual costs that you need to budget for. Here is a summary of the most common recurring expenses.

For foreign companies operating in Australia, the ongoing costs are significantly higher than for domestic businesses due to mandatory local agent and registered office requirements. Planning for these costs from the outset avoids unpleasant surprises down the line.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Beyond the headline registration and annual fees, there are several costs that catch business owners off guard. Here are the most common ones to be aware of.

ASIC Late Fees

If you miss the deadline for your annual review or fail to lodge required forms on time, ASIC imposes late fees. These start at $85 and can escalate to over $1,100 for extended non-compliance. In serious cases, your company may be deregistered or struck off the register entirely. For more detail, see our guide on ASIC late lodgement penalties in 2026.

Director Identification Number (Director ID)

Every director of an Australian company — including directors of foreign companies registered with ASIC — must obtain a Director ID. Applying is free, but failure to obtain one when required can result in civil penalties of up to $1.1 million or criminal penalties including imprisonment. It is free to comply, but expensive not to.

State and Territory Licences and Permits

Depending on your industry and location, you may need additional licences or permits from state or local government. These vary widely — from a $50 food handling permit to a $5,000+ building contractor licence. Check the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) for your specific requirements.

Insurance

• Professional indemnity insurance: Required for many professional services. Costs vary based on your profession, revenue, and risk profile.
• Public liability insurance: Strongly recommended for any business interacting with the public or operating from physical premises.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: Mandatory in all states and territories if you employ staff. Premiums are calculated as a percentage of your payroll.

How to Save Money on Business Registration

While some costs are fixed government fees that cannot be avoided, there are practical ways to reduce your total business registration cost in Australia.

1. Register your ABN yourself. The application is free and straightforward through abr.gov.au. There is no need to pay an agent for this unless your circumstances are complex.
2. Use the government’s Business Registration Service. This free service lets you register your ABN, business name, and tax registrations (GST, PAYG) in a single application, saving time and reducing the chance of errors.
3. Compare professional fees. Get quotes from at least three providers before engaging an accountant or corporate services firm. Prices vary significantly, and the most expensive option is not always the best.
4. Consider whether you really need a company. If you are starting small, operating as a sole trader with an ABN is the cheapest option — no ASIC fees, no annual review, and minimal compliance. You can always incorporate later as your business grows.
5. For foreign companies, use a specialist provider. Engaging a firm like AusBusinessRegister that offers all-in-one packages can be significantly cheaper than piecing together services from multiple providers. Bundled packages typically include ASIC registration, local agent, registered office, and compliance management at a lower total cost.
6. Choose the 3-year business name registration. At $92 for three years versus $39 per year, the 3-year option saves you $25 over the same period.

Frequently Asked Questions