Company incorporation in Australia

If you do business in Australia there may be a point that it makes sense to set up a local company. Then you need to know how to comply with local regulations and who can help you.

This article describes:

  • the most likely types of company to set up;
  • how you do this and who can help you;
  • a few important fiscal regulations.
Office building where a foreign company is incorporated

Your legal entity in Australia

Australia is one of the most developed and stable economies in the world, offering foreign businesses access to a skilled workforce, excellent infrastructure, and a high quality of life. With its strong legal and financial systems, Australia is a popular destination for foreign companies looking to expand into the Asia-Pacific region.

Most Common Business Forms for Foreign Companies

The most common business structure for foreign companies in Australia is the Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd).

  • The Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd) is a private company that limits the liability of its shareholders. This structure is most suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, and it is the preferred choice for foreign investors.
  • The company can have 1 or more shareholders, and at least one director, who must be a resident of Australia. Shareholders can be foreign nationals, though at least one director must be Australian or a resident with a visa that allows them to work in Australia.
  • The minimum paid-up capital is typically AUD 1, though businesses may choose to start with higher amounts depending on their operations.

An alternative structure for foreign businesses is the Branch Office, where the foreign parent company operates directly in Australia. While this option allows greater control, the branch office is not a separate legal entity and is subject to the same tax rates as the parent company.

Setting Up a Company in Australia

Setting up a Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd) in Australia involves several steps:

  1. Choosing a company name and ensuring it complies with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulations.
  2. Filing the company’s incorporation documents with ASIC, including the company’s constitution (Articles of Association), registration forms, and proof of the company’s registered address in Australia.
  3. Appointing at least one director, who must be an Australian resident, and at least one shareholder. The director can be a foreign national, but the company must have an Australian resident director.
  4. Opening a corporate bank account in Australia to manage company finances.
  5. Registering with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for tax purposes and obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) and a tax file number (TFN).

The process is relatively quick and can usually be completed within a few days if all required documents are in order. Many businesses opt for professional services to ensure compliance with Australian regulations and streamline the incorporation process.

Taxation and Withholding Taxes

Australia offers a competitive tax environment, with a corporate income tax rate of 30% for most companies. However, smaller businesses with an annual turnover under AUD 50 million are eligible for a reduced tax rate of 25%.

Regarding dividends:

  • Dividends paid to foreign shareholders are subject to a 15% withholding tax under the default tax rate, but this can be reduced or eliminated if the foreign shareholder is based in a country with which Australia has a double taxation agreement (DTA).
  • Australia has signed DTAs with many countries, which can help reduce withholding taxes on dividends and other income.

Service Providers for Company Incorporation

These service providers can assist with the entire process of company formation, legal compliance, tax registration, and more, ensuring that foreign businesses are set up correctly and efficiently in Australia.

Do you need a local company?

A local entity is not always the answer. A distributor, an agent or an employer of record gives you presence in the market without the administration of your own company.

You do need one when you hire local staff, hold stock or an office, bid for public tenders, or when your activity creates a permanent establishment for tax purposes. The alternative is usually a branch: cheaper to set up, but the parent company stays liable.

Do you need help in Australia?

Our service providers are local specialists. They know the market, the regulations and the parties that matter, and they can support you with the steps on this page.

Ask a professional

Setting up a company in Australia in three steps

Step 1

Choose the legal form

Compare a limited company, a branch and a representative office on liability, minimum capital, local director requirements and what a bank will accept.

Step 2

Incorporate and register

Prepare the statutes and identification documents, register with the trade register and the tax authority, and open a local bank account — usually the slowest step.

Step 3

Stay compliant

Arrange bookkeeping, VAT and payroll from day one and note the filing deadlines. Fines for late annual accounts are common and easy to avoid.

Company incorporation in other countries

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