• Written by: James Carey, CA CTA
• 06/03/2026

Company Registration in Australia for Foreigners: Complete 2026 Guide

|—|
| Australian citizenship required? | No |
| Australian visa required? | No (to own/direct a company — visa needed only to work in Australia) |
| Minimum directors | 1 (must be 18+ and not disqualified) |
| Australian-resident director required? | Yes, at least 1 |
| Minimum shareholders | 1 (can be individual or corporate) |
| Foreign ownership limits | None for standard Pty Ltd (FIRB may apply for certain sectors) |
| Minimum capital | No minimum share capital requirement |

Types of Companies Available to Foreigners

Foreign entrepreneurs have two main options for establishing a legal entity in Australia.

1. Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)

This is the most popular structure for foreign founders. A Pty Ltd is a separate legal entity incorporated in Australia, with its own Australian Company Number (ACN). It provides limited liability protection, meaning shareholders are generally not personally liable for company debts.

Best for: Start-ups, small-to-medium enterprises, companies wanting a permanent Australian presence, businesses seeking Australian government contracts.

Key features:
– Limited to 50 non-employee shareholders
– Cannot raise funds from the public
– Must have at least 1 director who is an Australian resident
– Receives an ACN and can apply for an ABN and GST registration
– Australian tax resident, subject to the 25% or 30% corporate tax rate

2. Branch Office (Foreign Company Registration)

If your overseas company already exists and you want to operate in Australia without creating a separate entity, you can register as a foreign company under Part 5B.2 of the Corporations Act. ASIC issues an Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN) rather than an ACN.

Best for: Companies wanting to test the Australian market before full commitment, project-based operations, companies that want centralised governance.

Key features:
– Not a separate legal entity — the parent company retains full liability
– Must appoint a local agent (Australian resident)
– Requires a registered office in Australia
– Must lodge annual financial statements with ASIC
– Registration fee: from $1,500 + $611 ASIC fee

This guide focuses primarily on the Pty Ltd registration process. For branch registration, see our detailed guide on registering a foreign company in Australia.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Pty Ltd Company as a Foreigner

Step 1: Choose Your Company Name

Your company name must be distinguishable from existing names on the ASIC register. You can check name availability on the ASIC website. The name must end with “Pty Ltd” or “Proprietary Limited.”

Tips for choosing a name:
– Avoid names identical or similar to existing registered companies
– Do not use restricted words (e.g., “Bank,” “Trust,” “University”) without approval
– Consider registering a matching business name if you plan to trade under a different name
– You can reserve a name with ASIC for up to 2 months before registration

Step 2: Appoint Directors and a Company Secretary

You need at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. As a foreigner, you have several options:

1. Appoint someone you trust in Australia — a business partner, associate, or family member who is an Australian resident.
2. Use a professional resident director service — Aus Business Register provides resident director services from $6,000 per year + GST, ensuring full compliance without requiring you to find a local contact.
3. Move to Australia yourself — if you are relocating, you can serve as the resident director once you establish residency.

A company secretary is optional for a Pty Ltd but can be appointed if desired.

Step 3: Obtain a Director Identification Number (Director ID)

Since April 2022, all directors of Australian companies — including foreign-resident directors — must have a Director Identification Number (Director ID). This is a unique 15-digit identifier issued by the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

For non-residents applying for a Director ID:

The paper application (Form 25) is the most common route for foreigners without Australian identity documents. Processing takes approximately 28 business days.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

To register your Pty Ltd company, you will need:

• Company name (checked for availability)
• Registered office address in Australia — this must be a physical address, not a PO Box. If you do not have premises in Australia, you can use a registered office address service from $1,200 per year.
• Principal place of business — can be the same as the registered office
• Details of all directors — full name, date of birth, residential address, Director ID number
• Details of all shareholders — full name and address
• Share structure — number of shares, classes of shares, rights attached to each class
• Company constitution (optional but recommended) — sets out the internal rules governing the company. If you do not adopt a constitution, the replaceable rules in the Corporations Act apply.
• Consent from all directors and shareholders — written consent to act in their respective roles

Step 5: Register with ASIC

Registration is submitted to ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) through an authorised ASIC agent. The application includes:

• ASIC Form 201 — Application for registration as an Australian company
• All supporting director, shareholder, and registered office details
• Payment of the ASIC registration fee

ASIC Registration Fee (2025-26): $611

Once ASIC processes the application, your company receives:

• Australian Company Number (ACN) — your unique company identifier
• Certificate of Registration — confirming the company’s legal existence

Step 6: Apply for an ABN and Register for GST

After receiving your ACN, you should immediately apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register for GST if your turnover will exceed $75,000. The ABN application can typically be processed on the same day.

Step 7: Open an Australian Business Bank Account

An Australian bank account is essential for receiving payments, paying employees, and managing operational expenses. Most major banks require:

• Certificate of Registration (ASIC)
• Company constitution or replaceable rules
• Identification for all directors and beneficial owners
• Proof of business activities

Some banks allow non-residents to open accounts remotely, while others require at least one director to visit a branch in person.

Costs of Company Registration for Foreigners

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and are current as of 2026.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The biggest potential delay is the Director ID application for non-residents. We recommend starting this process well in advance.

FIRB Considerations for Foreign Investors

The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) may need to approve your investment if:

• You are acquiring an interest in an existing Australian business above certain thresholds
• You are investing in sensitive sectors (media, telecommunications, defence, critical infrastructure)
• The investment involves agricultural land or residential real estate

For simply registering a new Pty Ltd company, FIRB approval is generally not required unless you are purchasing substantial assets or acquiring existing businesses above the notification thresholds ($347 million for non-FTA countries, $1,498 million for FTA countries in 2026).

Tax Obligations for Foreign-Owned Companies

Once your Australian company is registered, it becomes an Australian tax resident and must comply with:

• Corporate income tax — 25% for base rate entities (turnover under $50 million) or 30% for other companies
• GST — 10% goods and services tax if registered (mandatory above $75,000 annual turnover)
• PAYG withholding — if employing staff in Australia
• Fringe benefits tax — if providing non-cash benefits to employees
• Annual ASIC review — $329 per year to maintain your company registration
• Annual financial reporting — lodgement obligations depend on company size and type

Why Use a Professional Company Formation Service?

While it is theoretically possible to register a company yourself, the process involves several complexities for foreigners:

• Navigating ASIC’s requirements from overseas
• Obtaining a Director ID without Australian identity documents
• Ensuring your company constitution is appropriate for your business
• Meeting the resident director requirement
• Setting up a registered office address
• Applying for ABN, GST, and other registrations

A professional formation service handles all of these steps efficiently and ensures nothing is missed. Aus Business Register specialises in company formation for foreign businesses, with services starting from $900 plus ASIC fees. Our team understands the unique challenges foreign entrepreneurs face and can have your company registered within 1-3 business days.

Get a free quote for company registration →

Or call us on +61 2 8599 9890 to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner set up a company in Australia without living there?

Yes. You can own and direct an Australian company without living in Australia. The only requirement is that at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. If you do not have a local contact, you can appoint a professional resident director to satisfy this requirement.

How much does it cost to register a company in Australia as a foreigner?

The ASIC registration fee is $611. Professional company formation services start from $900. If you need a resident director, add from $6,000 per year + GST, and if you need a registered office address, add from $1,200 per year. The total first-year cost typically ranges from $2,711 to $8,211 depending on which services you require.

Do I need a visa to own a company in Australia?

No. You do not need an Australian visa to own shares in or be a director of an Australian company. However, if you intend to physically work in Australia — for example, attending meetings, managing operations on the ground, or providing services — you will need an appropriate work visa.

How long does company registration take in Australia?

ASIC typically processes company registration applications within 1-3 business days. However, if you need to apply for a Director ID as a non-resident (via paper application), this can take up to 28 business days. Planning ahead is essential.

What is the difference between registering a new company and registering a foreign company?

Registering a new company (Pty Ltd) creates a brand-new Australian legal entity with an ACN. Registering a foreign company means your existing overseas company registers with ASIC to carry on business in Australia, receiving an ARBN. The choice depends on whether you want a separate Australian entity or prefer to operate as an extension of your overseas company. See our guide on starting a business in Australia as a foreigner for more detail.

This content is general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. We recommend consulting qualified Australian legal and tax professionals before making business decisions. Information is current as of March 2026.