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Business

Australia — Business: Company Formation

Company formation in Australia is a national process handled centrally by ASIC (not state-based) — registering a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company costs $636 (2026-27 fee) and can typically be completed online within a day, though ABN and tax registration add further steps. Business structures range from unincorporated (sole trader, partnership) to incorporated companies with their own legal identity.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and business.gov.au official fee schedules and registration guidanceLast reviewed: 2026-08-31

Why this matters

Relocating businesses to Australia must comply with ASIC and ATO registration requirements to trade legally, open a business bank account, and issue compliant invoices.

Key facts

  • A business in Australia can operate as a sole trader, partnership, trust, or incorporated company (most commonly a proprietary limited / Pty Ltd company) — company registration itself is a single national process via ASIC, not state-based, though some licenses/permits are state-specific.
  • The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) registers and regulates companies nationally; registering a company also issues an Australian Company Number (ACN).
  • Registering a new proprietary company with ASIC costs $636 (fee for the 2026-27 financial year, indexed annually on 1 July).

Steps

  1. Step 1: Choose a Business Structure — Decide on the most suitable business structure for your company, taking into account factors such as liability, ownership, and tax implications.
  2. Step 2: Register the Company — File the necessary paperwork, including the company name and address, with ASIC, and obtain any required licenses and permits.
  3. Step 3: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) — Apply for an ABN, which is required for tax and other business purposes.
  4. Step 4: Register for Taxes — Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pay As You Go (PAYG), and other relevant taxes with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Costs

  • ASIC company registration fee (Pty Ltd): AUD 636 (2026-27 financial year, ASIC fee, indexed annually 1 July)
  • Australian Business Number (ABN) application: free
  • Business name registration (if trading under a name other than the company/personal name): AUD 47 for 1 year or AUD 108 for 3 years (2026-27 ASIC fee)
  • GST registration: free (registration itself has no fee; required once turnover reaches AUD 75,000)

Timelines

  • Time to register a company online via ASIC: often same day to a few business days once documents are ready
  • Time to obtain an ABN: typically same day online if details are straightforward, otherwise up to 28 days

Required documents

  • Company name and address
  • Directors and shareholders' personal details
  • Business activity details

Common mistakes

  • Incorrect or incomplete application forms
  • Failure to meet naming convention requirements

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