Business Establishment

Company Formation

Establish your limited liability company in Australia quickly, with expert guidance and full compliance from our trusted local team.

01

Product Overview

Setting up a company in Australia shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze.

At ABN Australia, we cut through the complexity to make company setup fast, clear, and stress-free. We help international businesses register proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) companies with speed and precision, often within one business day once compliance requirements are met.

Whether you’re expanding from overseas or launching your first venture Down Under, our company formation services get you started the right way: compliant, efficient, and fully supported by a senior team that knows the landscape inside out.

And we don’t stop at setup. From day one, we deliver everything essential to running your business in Australia under one roof. This includes tax registrations, resident director and address services, bank account coordination, and ongoing tax and ASIC compliance, ensuring continuity and confidence as your business grows

02

What's Included

Company setup essentials prepared by our senior team

When you register a proprietary limited company with ABN Australia, you receive a professionally prepared, end-to-end package designed to give your business the best start in Australia. Everything is handled by our senior team, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind from day one.

Core Company Documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation issued by ASIC

  • Australian Company Number (ACN)

  • Tailored company constitution


Governance & Shareholder Records

  • Director and officeholder consent documentation

  • Consent to act as Public Officer

  • Initial directors’ minutes

  • Share applications and certificates

  • Statutory registers and shareholder/officeholder registers

  • Company journals and records


Setup Support

  • Bank account opening kit for a smooth start with banking

  • Optional: printing, binding, and courier delivery service for hard-copy packs


Additional Requirements

Most new companies also need an Australian Business Number (ABN), a registered office address, Director Identification Numbers (DINs), and a resident director. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through these requirements and include them in your tailored service plan where required.

03

How It Works

Step-by-step support to register your company with confidence

Setting up a company in Australia is more than ticking boxes, and that’s why we take a guided, consultative approach. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

  1. Provide Your Details

    Complete our online registration form or request a fillable PDF to share the key details about your company including company shareholders, directors, and business addresses.

  2. Consultation and Review

    We schedule a call to walk you through share capital requirements, governance considerations, and the obligations of a proprietary limited company. Our senior compliance team then reviews your information for accuracy and compliance, answering questions along the way and, if required, providing tailored advice on the best structure for your business.

  3. ASIC Registration

    Once everything is confirmed, we register your company directly with ASIC. This registration process typically takes less than one business day.

  4. Delivery of Documents

    You’ll receive a complete company pack, including your certificate of incorporation, constitution, and registers, often the same day.

04

Requirements

Complete assurance your company meets all requirements

Key Requirements for Registering a Company in Australia

If you’re based overseas and want to register a company in Australia, there are a few key requirements to meet. Our team will guide you through each step, but here’s what you need to know upfront:

1. Company Name: Your chosen name must be available with ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and must include “Proprietary Limited” (Pty Ltd) to show it is a private company with limited liability.

2. Registered Office in Australia: Every company must have a local Australian street address for official notices (PO Boxes are not accepted). If you don’t yet have an office, you can use our Registered Office service.

3. Directors: At least one director must be an Australian resident (other directors can live overseas). Directors must be 18 or older, provide consent to act, and apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN) before appointment. If you don’t yet have a resident director, our Resident Director service ensures you meet this requirement. 

4. Shareholders and Shares: Every company needs at least one shareholder (this can be you personally or an overseas company). There’s no minimum capital requirement – you can start with as little as one share valued at AUD1. 

5. Company Rules: You can either use the default replaceable rules under Australian law or adopt your own tailored constitution (we provide this option as part of our service).

6. Registration with ASIC: Once the above details are confirmed, your company is registered with ASIC and issued with a unique Australian Company Number (ACN). An annual government fee applies to keep the company active.

More Than Just ASIC Registration

Incorporating with ASIC is only one piece of the puzzle. In reality, every new company also requires:

  1. Officer and address services to meet residency and registered office rules

  2. DIN applications for directors

  3. Tax registrations (ABN, TFN, GST, PAYG) to legally operate

  4. A local bank account to transact in Australia


At ABN Australia, we package all of these into a tailored solution under one roof; cutting through the complexity, saving you time, and ensuring nothing is missed.

KYC and Proof of Identity (POI)

Australian law requires directors and shareholders to provide proof of identity (POI) and verification documents as part of the various registration processes. This can be frustrating when ASIC, the ATO, and banks all ask for slightly different documents.

Our approach is simple: we summarise the total POI requirements across all registrations and collect them once, upfront. This means less paperwork for you, fewer back-and-forth requests, and a streamlined onboarding experience.

Order Forms and Guides

Your Guide
to Starting a Business in Australia

Download our free guide Starting Your Business in Australia. Inside, you’ll find clear instructions, compliance essentials, and insider advice from our team designed to help you navigate market entry smoothly and make informed decisions with confidence.

Put Your Trust
in the Industry Professionals

Starting a company in Australia is a big deal, something you might only do once in your life. Don't risk getting it wrong elsewhere. Put your trust in the industry professionals.

Unrivalled Experience

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We have been official ASIC Registered Agents for almost 50 years, and have incorporated more than 200,000 companies during that time.

Legendary Customer Service

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We pride ourselves on great and informed customer service, with professional and prompt support available via chat, phone or email.

Easy to Work With

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We use the latest tech to streamline all our processes, and we offer a comprehensive range of related services ensuring we can be a 'one-stop-shop' for your business.

From the Knowledge Base

Still have more questions? We have the answer.

What is required to register a company in Australia?

To register a company, you need a company name, an Australian registered office address, at least one Australian resident director, and details of shareholders and share capital. ABN Australia manages the full process with ASIC to ensure your company is correctly established.

Can a foreign company or individual own an Australian company?

Yes. Foreign individuals and overseas companies can fully own an Australian company. The key requirement is having at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia, which ABN Australia can provide through its resident director service.

How long does the company formation process take?

Company formation is usually completed within one to two business days once all information is received. Our streamlined systems and direct ASIC connection allow for fast, accurate incorporation without unnecessary delays.

Do I need to be in Australia to form a company?

No. You can register a company remotely from anywhere in the world. ABN Australia coordinates all documents and digital verifications so you can complete setup without needing to visit Australia.

What documents are required to form a company in Australia?

You’ll need details for each director and shareholder, including identification, residential address, and share structure. We prepare and file all ASIC forms and provide you with a complete company register and certificate of incorporation.

How do I choose the right company structure in Australia?

Most foreign businesses establish a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company, which offers limited liability and flexibility. Other options include a branch office or representative office. ABN Australia helps you assess your goals, risk profile, and tax considerations to choose the right structure.

Get Started

Book a hassle-free discovery call with one of our team.