Register an Australian Pty Ltd company for a total cost starting from approximately $1,536 (including $636 ASIC government fee + $900 professional fee). Foreign companies also need a resident director (from $6,000/yr + GST). The entire process can be completed remotely within 5–7 business days.
Want to register a company in Australia from overseas? AusBusinessRegister.com.au handles company registration in Australia for foreign businesses and founders.
We have more than 15 years of experience as registered ASIC agents. We cover structure advice, ASIC lodgement, ABN and TFN registration, and ongoing compliance. Whether you need a subsidiary, a branch or a Pty Ltd, we set it up correctly from day one.
How to Register a Company in Australia as a Foreign Business
A foreign business has three main ways to set up in Australia. The right choice depends on your goals, tax position and how you plan to operate.
Both an Australian company and a foreign company branch are registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Corporations Act 2001.
Your three main options
1. Australian Subsidiary Company
Most foreign businesses choose a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company. It is a separate legal entity from the parent, so it limits the parent's liability.
The subsidiary can sign contracts, hold assets and trade in its own name. The foreign parent can own all or part of it.
2. Branch Office (Registered Foreign Company)
A branch lets your overseas company trade in Australia without creating a new entity. You register with ASIC as a foreign company and receive an Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN).
You trade under your existing company name. The parent company stays fully liable for the branch.
3. Representative Office
A representative office suits businesses that want to explore the market before they trade. It covers market research, liaison and relationship building. Its scope is limited, but so are the rules.
Types of Australian Business Structures
Your structure is one of your most important decisions. Each option has different legal, tax and practical effects.
Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)
The Pty Ltd is the most common structure for a foreign-owned subsidiary. It gives limited liability with flexible operation. For each step, the documents and the costs, see our guide to setting up an Australian subsidiary.
Key features:
- Up to 50 non-employee shareholders.
- Cannot raise funds from the public.
- At least one director, and at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia.
- A separate legal entity from its shareholders.
- Can be wholly owned by a foreign parent company.
Advantages:
- Limited liability for shareholders.
- Clear separation from the parent company.
- Access to Australian tax incentives and treaties.
- Lighter compliance than a public company.
- A professional local presence.
Things to consider:
- You need at least one Australian resident director.
- There are annual ASIC obligations.
- Financial reporting depends on company size.
Public Company (Ltd)
A public company has no cap on shareholders and can raise money from the public. Larger groups choose it for a major presence or a future ASX listing.
Requirements:
- At least three directors, with at least two who ordinarily reside in Australia.
- A company secretary, with at least one who ordinarily resides in Australia.
- Audited annual financial statements.
- Annual General Meetings.
Advantages:
- Can raise capital from the public.
- More credibility with large stakeholders.
- A pathway to ASX listing.
Things to consider:
- More compliance and reporting.
- Higher running costs.
- A compulsory audit.
Branch Office (Registered Foreign Company)
Registering as a foreign company lets your overseas entity trade in Australia without a new company.
Requirements:
- Register with ASIC before you start carrying on business in Australia.
- Appoint a local agent in Australia.
- Keep a registered office in Australia.
- Lodge annual financial statements.
Advantages:
- A simpler structure, with no new entity.
- Direct control by the parent company.
- Profits flow directly to the parent.
Things to consider:
- The parent is fully liable for the branch.
- Some customers may see a branch as less committed.
- Tax can be complex, so get tax advice.
- The parent's financial statements are lodged each year.
Requirements to Register a Company in Australia
ASIC has specific requirements for foreign-owned companies. Knowing them early avoids delays.
Director requirements
Under the Corporations Act 2001, every Pty Ltd must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. Directors must be at least 18 and not disqualified from managing corporations. Get legal advice if a person's residency is borderline.
No suitable Australian resident? AusBusinessRegister.com.au provides professional resident director services to meet this rule.
Director Identification Number (Director ID)
Every director needs a Director ID before they are appointed. It is a unique 15-digit number that stays with the director for life.
Foreign directors apply through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). Without Australian identity documents, they use a manual identity check.
Registered office address
Every Australian company must have a registered office in Australia. It must be a physical street address, not a PO box. It appears on the public record, and ASIC, the ATO and courts send documents there.
Our registered office address services give your company a compliant Australian address.
Company secretary
A Pty Ltd does not have to appoint a company secretary, but many foreign owners do. If you appoint one, at least one secretary must ordinarily reside in Australia. A public company must have a secretary.
Our Company Registration Services
Our company formation package is built for foreign businesses. We take the complexity out of company registration in Australia.
Our formation package includes:
- Company name check. We confirm your name is available and meets ASIC rules.
- Structure advice. We help you pick the right structure for your goals.
- ASIC company registration. We prepare and lodge the application.
- Constitution. A standard or tailored company constitution.
- ACN. Your Australian Company Number on registration.
- ABN and TFN. Full ABN and GST registration with the ATO.
- Director ID help. Guidance on Director ID applications.
- Share certificates. Issued to founding shareholders.
- Company registers. Statutory registers and a minute book.
- ASIC certificate of registration. The official record of your new company.
- Compliance calendar. A clear schedule of your ongoing obligations.
Optional extras:
- Resident Director Services
- Registered Office Address
- Company Secretary Services
- Business Bank Account Introduction
- Annual ASIC Compliance Management
How to Register a Company: 8 Steps
- Consultation and structure advice. We discuss your goals and recommend a structure.
- Company name search. We check ASIC's register to confirm your name is available and allowed.
- Document preparation. We prepare the application, the director and shareholder consents, and the constitution.
- Director ID check. Every director needs a Director ID before appointment. We guide foreign directors through the ABRS application.
- ASIC lodgement. We lodge the application through our registered agent portal.
- ACN issued. ASIC issues your nine-digit Australian Company Number, usually within 1-3 business days.
- ABN and TFN. We apply to the ATO for your ABN and TFN, plus GST if needed.
- Company documents. We deliver your certificate of registration, constitution, share certificates and registers.
Timeline: a standard Pty Ltd is usually registered in 1-3 business days. That assumes all information and Director IDs are ready. Complex structures can take longer.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Company in Australia?
The minimum cost to register a company is the ASIC fee of $636 plus our professional fee. Our company registration fee starts at $900.
Most foreign-owned companies also need some optional add-ons:
- Resident director: From $6,000/yr + GST (needed if no director lives in Australia).
- Registered office address: From $500/yr (North Sydney or Gold Coast).
- ABN and GST registration: From $600 (non-resident bundle).
- Bank account setup: From $500.
For a full estimate, use our company setup cost calculator.
ASIC government fees from 1 July 2026
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Company Registration Fee (Pty Ltd) | $636 |
| Company Registration Fee (Public Company) | $636 |
| Registered Foreign Company Registration | $636 |
| Company Name Reservation (optional) | $65 |
Note: ASIC fees change each year. Check current fees on the ASIC website.
Our service fees
Your quote depends on:
- The company structure.
- A standard or tailored constitution.
- Extra services, such as a resident director or registered office.
- How urgently you need the company.
Comparing providers? See our independent 2026 review to compare formation services.
Ongoing annual costs from 1 July 2026
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| ASIC Annual Review Fee (Pty Ltd) | $342 |
| ASIC Annual Review Fee (Public Company) | $1,591 |
| Late Fees (if annual review fee not paid on time) | Up to $428 per document: $102 if up to one month late, $428 if more than one month late |
Compliance After Registration
Once your company is registered, it has ongoing duties under the Corporations Act 2001 and tax law. Knowing them from the start keeps your company in good standing.
ASIC obligations
- Annual review. ASIC sends an annual statement each year. Check the details, pay the fee and report any changes.
- Change notices. Tell ASIC within 28 days about changes to directors, shareholders, registered office or principal place of business.
- Financial reporting. A large proprietary company must prepare and lodge audited financial reports. It is large if it meets two of three tests: $50M revenue, $25M assets, 100 employees.
- Record keeping. Keep accurate registers of members, directors and secretaries.
ATO obligations
- Business activity statements (BAS). If registered for GST, lodge BAS monthly or quarterly. It reports GST, PAYG withholding and PAYG instalments.
- Company tax return. Lodge one every year.
- PAYG withholding. If you have employees, withhold tax from wages and pay it to the ATO.
- Superannuation. Pay super guarantee contributions for eligible employees.
Other rules to check
- Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). Some investments by foreign persons need FIRB approval first.
- Industry licences. Some industries, such as financial services and real estate, need a licence.
- State and territory rules. Some activities need state registrations or licences.
Why Foreign Businesses Choose AusBusinessRegister.com.au
We focus on international businesses entering Australia.
15+ years of experience
Our team has guided foreign businesses through Australian company registration for more than 15 years. We know the problems overseas clients face and how to solve them.
Registered ASIC agents
As registered ASIC agents, we lodge directly with ASIC. That means faster processing and fewer errors.
One provider for everything
We cover formation and ongoing compliance, so you deal with one team:
- Company formation and registration
- Resident director services
- Registered office address
- ABN and GST registration
- Annual compliance management
- Corporate secretarial services
A dedicated account manager
Your account manager knows your business. They answer questions and keep your compliance on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a company in Australia?
The ASIC fee to register a Pty Ltd is $636. Our company registration fee starts at $900. If no director lives in Australia, add a resident director (From $6,000/yr + GST). A registered office address is From $500/yr (North Sydney or Gold Coast).
Can a foreigner register a company in Australia?
Yes. Foreigners can register and own Australian companies, and there is no limit on foreign ownership of a Pty Ltd. But at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. Our resident director services can meet that rule. Some investments need Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval.
How long does it take to register a company in Australia?
A standard Pty Ltd can be registered in 1-3 business days. That assumes all information is ready and every director has a Director ID. The ABN usually follows soon after. Pending Director IDs or extra ASIC checks can cause delays.
Do I need to be in Australia to register a company?
No. You can register a company fully online from overseas. But your company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. Foreign directors apply for a Director ID through the Australian Business Registry Services, using a manual identity check.
What is the minimum capital to register a company in Australia?
There is no minimum capital. You can register a Pty Ltd with shares of any value, even $1 per share. Make sure the company has enough working capital for its plans.
Do I need a resident director for my Australian company?
Yes. Every Pty Ltd must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. That means Australia is where the person genuinely lives. ASIC does not set a number of days. If you have no suitable person, our resident director services meet the requirement.
What is an ACN vs ABN?
An ACN (Australian Company Number) is a nine-digit number ASIC issues when your company is registered. It must appear on your public documents.
An ABN (Australian Business Number) is an 11-digit number for tax and business dealings. Every company has an ACN. Most also get an ABN to register for GST and deal with the tax system.
Can I use my overseas company name in Australia?
Usually, if it meets ASIC's naming rules. It must not be identical to an existing Australian name. Restricted words such as "bank" need approval. We check availability as part of our service and can suggest close alternatives.
What ongoing obligations will I have after registering my company?
Each year you pay the ASIC annual review fee and confirm your company details. You also tell ASIC about changes within 28 days, keep company registers and lodge a tax return. If registered for GST, you lodge BAS. With employees, you meet PAYG withholding and super obligations. Large proprietary companies also lodge audited financial reports.
Ready to Register Your Australian Company?
Our team will guide you through every step of company formation. We make setting up in Australia simple.
Contact AusBusinessRegister.com.au for a free consultation and quote.
Email: info@ausbusinessregister.com.au
Related Services
Foreign companies often combine this service with:
- Resident Director Services: professional nominee directors to meet ASIC residency rules
- ABN & GST Registration: get your Australian Business Number and register for GST
- Registered Office Address: an ASIC-compliant registered office in North Sydney or the Gold Coast
- Banking Support Services: help opening an Australian business bank account
- Employer of Record: hire staff in Australia while the company is being set up
- R&D Tax Incentive for Foreign-Owned Subsidiaries: if your Australian company will do research and development
ABN Registration for Companies with Foreign Shareholders
Can an Australian Pty Ltd get an ABN if its owners live overseas? Yes. A company registered in Australia can get an ABN whoever owns it.
The process takes more work when directors or shareholders are non-residents. The ATO asks for extra proof of identity for them.
What the ATO asks for
An ABN application for a private company lists these associates:
- Directors: full name, date of birth, position, and either their TFN or residential address.
- Public officer: the company's tax agent or nominated officer.
- Top 20 shareholders for each class of share, if applicable.
For resident associates, the details must match ATO records. If they do not match, the application is refused.
For non-resident associates without a TFN, the ATO needs certified identity documents instead. Incomplete or wrong details can lead to refusal or delay.
Documents from foreign shareholders and directors
Non-resident individuals and corporate shareholders usually provide:
- A certified copy of their passport photo page, certified by a notary public or an Australian diplomatic mission.
- Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months.
- Full name, date of birth and position in the company.
If a foreign company is a shareholder, you also need:
- A certified copy of its certificate of incorporation (or equivalent) from its home country.
- Full details of its directors.
- Its registered address and registration number.
Common scenarios
| Scenario | What's Needed |
|---|---|
| Foreign individual setting up a Pty Ltd | Passport, proof of address, Director ID, resident director appointment |
| Foreign company establishing a subsidiary | Parent company's certificate of incorporation, director details, shareholder structure |
| Multiple foreign shareholders in a new Pty Ltd | Identity documents for each shareholder, plus top 20 shareholder details for the ABN application |
| Mixed resident/non-resident shareholders | TFN for resident associates, certified identity documents for non-resident associates |
Why ABN applications get delayed
The most common cause is incomplete or inaccurate identity documents. The ATO cross-checks every associate. Even a small spelling difference from the passport can lead to refusal.
We prepare all associate details and documents before we lodge. That avoids the back-and-forth with the ATO that can add weeks.
Without an ABN, 47% withholding tax can apply to payments made to your company under the PAYG withholding rules. Getting the ABN right first time matters.
Need help? Request a quote to discuss your company registration and ABN.
Pricing
From $900 (+ $636 ASIC fees)Register a new Australian Pty Ltd company for your foreign business, including all ASIC lodgement and documentation.
What's included:
- ✓ASIC company registration
- ✓Constitution preparation
- ✓Director & shareholder appointments
- ✓ACN issued within 24 hours
All prices in AUD. Foreign company services are GST-free. Government fees additional where applicable.
This content is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Laws and regulations change often. For advice on your circumstances, speak to a qualified adviser.