How to Register a Company in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide — 2026 AU Guide

Registering a company in Australia involves applying through ASIC's online portal, choosing your company structure, and obtaining an ACN and ABN — a process that typically takes 1–3 business days and costs from $576 in ASIC fees alone. Most Australians use a professional registration service or accountant to navigate the legal requirements and avoid costly mistakes.

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What You Need to Know Before You Start

Before you lodge a single form, understanding the landscape of Australian company registration can save you significant time and money. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 350,000 new businesses entered the Australian economy in the 2024–25 financial year, with the vast majority structured as either sole traders or proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) companies.

Choosing a company structure is the most consequential early decision you will make. A proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) is the most common choice for small-to-medium businesses, offering limited liability protection that separates your personal assets from your business debts. Other options include public companies, companies limited by guarantee (typically used by not-for-profits), and registered foreign companies operating in Australia.

It is worth speaking with an accountant or business lawyer before committing to a structure, particularly if you anticipate taking on investors, hiring staff, or operating across state borders. Many Australians underestimate the ongoing compliance obligations — annual review fees, ASIC reporting, and tax lodgements — that come with operating a registered company.

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The Core Registration Options Compared

Not everyone registers their company the same way. You can apply directly through ASIC, use a specialised online registration service, or engage an accountant or solicitor. Each path has different cost, speed, and support trade-offs.

The $576 figure reflects ASIC's 2026 fee for registering a proprietary company. Keep in mind that using an online service adds their fee on top of this, but the guidance they provide is often well worth the cost for first-time directors. If you want a full comparison of providers, see our cost guide for a breakdown of what each service includes.

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Step 1 — Choose Your Company Name and Structure

Your company name must be unique and not identical or too similar to an existing registered name. You can search the ASIC register at no charge before committing. If you already operate under a business name and want to transfer it, note that business names and company names are registered separately under different legislation.

For most small businesses, a proprietary limited company with one to 50 shareholders is the appropriate choice. You must appoint at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia — a requirement that catches out many foreign founders who try to set up an Australian entity remotely.

Consider whether you need a company constitution or whether you are comfortable relying on the *Corporations Act 2001* (Cth) replaceable rules. A custom constitution gives you more control over internal governance but adds cost and complexity upfront.

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Step 2 — Gather Your Required Information

ASIC requires a specific set of information before it will process your application. Having everything ready in advance prevents delays and reduces the chance of rejection. You will need:

- Proposed company name (with at least one backup) - Registered office address (must be a physical Australian address, not a PO Box) - Principal place of business address - Director details: full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and consent to act as a director - Shareholder details: name, address, number of shares, and share class - Officeholder consent forms signed by each director and secretary

If you are appointing a company secretary — optional for proprietary companies since 2010 — you will need their details as well. Ensuring every director has a valid Tax File Number (TFN) and access to their myGovID credentials will also speed up downstream tasks like ATO registration.

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Step 3 — Register Through ASIC and Obtain Your ACN

Once your documents are in order, you lodge the application through ASIC's online portal. The Australian Company Number (ACN) is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to your company at the point of registration. This number must appear on all public documents and official correspondence.

ASIC processes most straightforward applications within one to three business days, though same-day processing is common for simple Pty Ltd structures lodged through the portal or via a registered agent. According to ASIC's 2024–25 annual report, over 92% of company registrations were processed digitally with no manual intervention required.

Keep your ACN confirmation documents safe — you will need them repeatedly when opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and lodging ATO applications.

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Step 4 — Apply for an ABN and Register for Tax Obligations

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is technically separate from your ACN, though in practice you apply for both in a seamless flow via the Australian Business Register (ABR). Your ABN is an 11-digit number used in invoicing, GST registration, and dealing with the ATO.

At the same time as applying for your ABN, consider whether you need to:

- Register for GST — mandatory if your projected annual turnover exceeds $75,000 - Register for PAYG withholding — required if you intend to pay wages or salaries - Register a business name — if you intend to trade under a name different from your company's registered name (an additional $44/year for one year or $102/three years via ASIC)

The ATO strongly encourages new companies to set up a myGovID and link it to their ABN for streamlined tax lodgements. This is also required to access the ATO's Online Services for Business portal, which you will use for BAS lodgements, payroll reporting, and other obligations throughout the year.

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Step 5 — Set Up Post-Registration Essentials

Registration is the beginning, not the end. Once your company is live, there are several immediate steps that will keep you compliant and operational:

1. Open a dedicated business bank account — required to keep company finances separate from personal funds 2. Obtain a registered office address if you used a service provider temporarily — ensure ASIC's records reflect a current, monitored address 3. Issue share certificates to shareholders and record them in your share register 4. Set up your company's internal records — a minute book, register of members, and register of charges 5. Review your insurance needs — public liability, professional indemnity, and workers' compensation (where applicable under state law)

Many first-time company directors are surprised to learn that ASIC charges an annual review fee of approximately $310 for proprietary companies as of 2026. Missing this payment attracts late fees and can ultimately lead to deregistration.

If you are based in New South Wales, our guide to best company registration services in Sydney covers locally-based providers who can assist with both federal ASIC requirements and state-specific licences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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