How to register a company in Australia

When you start a new business in Australia, it’s important that you register the company with the correct government agencies. 

There are 2 main government departments that you need to register with – and you may also need to register for additional items like GST. 

It can be complicated but with the right advice you can start your new company without running into issues like ASIC compliance or ATO issues. 

We’ll guide you through the necessary documents and steps to register your company, as well as how to ensure you’ve completed everything correctly.

Before you register

Before you even register your business, there are some things you need to get ironed out. 

Is a company the right structure for your business? 

Not all businesses need to be registered as companies, so you first need to decide if this is the correct business structure for you. 

Benefits of a company structure

A company functions as a separate legal entity authorized to operate in Australia, providing a fixed corporate tax rate and limited liability, appealing to many Australian entrepreneurs. 

You can also differentiate between the registered company name and the registered business name.

Other business structures

Alternative corporate structures to consider include:

• Sole trader
• Trust
• Partnerships
• Not-for-profit or charitable organisations
•  Specialized types of companies

A registered accountant can help you decide what business structure is right for you and if you need to register.

Company director ID numbers and registration

Company directors will also need to apply for a director identification number.

How to register a company

We’ll take you through everything you need to know about registering a company in Australia

1. Decide on your company name

Choose a name that represents your company. There are some rules that apply when naming your company but you might also want to consider things like 

• Is there someone else with a similar name? If so, are they servicing similar areas to you? 
• Is the website domain available? 
• Are social media handles available if this is important to you? 

If you have a great company name but aren’t ready to register your company yet, you can also reserve a company name. 

You should also check for any Trademarks you might infringe upon. ASIC registration only makes sure you meet the below rules, it doesn’t check to see if there are companies with registered trademarks that could take action against you. 

Rule 1: Your company name must be unique

Before May 2012, it was possible for companies with the same name to exist in different states and territories. However, since then, according to ASIC’s requirements, if the same name already exists, the company name cannot be registered.

If you’d like help with registering your business, we recommend coming prepared with 3-4 names and we can screen each of these for you. 

You can also check yourself, using the ASIC website.

If your preferred company name is taken, try some adaptations or words with similar meanings. 

Rule 2: You can use special characters – but only specific ones

You can only use the following special characters 

• {}
• ()
• |
• @
• #
• \
• $
• %
• *
• &
• =
• _
• Space
• .
• ,
• ?
• !
• :
• ;
• ” “
• ‘
• /

Rule 3: You cannot use certain words

Some of ASIC’s banned words include 

• Bank
• Trust
• Royal
• Incorporated 
• ANZAC

ASIC can also reject any registration if it is considered offensive or suggests involvement in illegal activities.

Rule 4: You can abbreviate word

Here are some common abbreviations

Full Word or phrase	Approved abbreviation
and	&
Australian Business Number	ABN
Company	Co Coy
No Liability	NL
Australian	Aust
Australian Company Number	ACN
Limited	Ltd
Number	No
Proprietary	Pty

2. Get your information together

You’ll need to provide the following information when you register so make sure everything is confirmed and ready to go

• Your company name
• Your address including a registered office address and a principal place of business address 
• Company rules or constitution document. You can create your own or use the replaceable rules from the Corporations Act 2001 as a starting point. (more on this later).
• The share structure, as well as the addresses of all shareholders. 
• A list of officeholders including their name, address and place and date of birth  

3. Create a company rules or constitution document

You’ll need to create a company constitution to register your company. 

A company constitution is a legal document that sets out some rules and principles about a company. This includes the rights, duties and powers of:

• The company
• The directors
• The shareholders (or members) 

There are 5 key parts: 

Replaceable Rules or company constitution

Corporations Act 2001 provides for a set of replaceable basic operating rules, called Replaceable Rules, which can be used to govern the operation of a company in the absence of a company constitution.

Most companies choose to develop their own constitution or use a widely used company constitution template to manage their operations.

Special rules for sole director/member proprietary companies

Special rules for sole director/member proprietary companies require these individuals to bear sole responsibility for the management of the company and may be required to submit regular reports to relevant authorities. They need to maintain independence and ensure that the company’s information disclosure is complete and compliant.

Ownership Structure

The ownership structure section should specify how shares are held (including ownership distribution), transferred and what rights are associated with those shares. 

There are also restrictions on ownership structure if you are registering a company. A limited company in Australia must have no more than 50 non-employee shareholders.

If you need help creating your company constitution a registered accountant can help.

4. Get written consent from your owners and board members to register the company

Registration must have the written consent of the person holding these roles:

• Company director (must be over 18 years old)
• Secretary (must be over 18 years old)
• Shareholder, at least 1 person.

At least one director and company secretary must ordinarily reside in Australia.

A public company must have at least two directors ordinarily resident in Australia.

5. Register your company with ASIC – Online application

ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission) is the government agency that oversees business registration in Australia and will administer your ACN (Australian Company Number). 

Go to the Business Registration Website and click “Get started” under “Register your company” (do not click on “Register your business”)

Follow the prompts on screen to register your company

You can create an account to save your progress.

Once you’ve finished the application, ASIC will contact you either approving or denying your registration. 

Where to get help registering a company?

Registering a company can be more complicated than many people expect. If you need help, specialised accountants can often do the entire application for you. MNY Group Chartered Accountant specialises in helping companies and entrepreneurs register their company – and can assist in preparing documents, submitting registration requests and help ensure government compliance. Contact us to find out more or to start registering your business.

6. Register with the ABR – Online application

As well as an ACN you will need to apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number) and a company TFN (Tax File Number)

7. Receive your registration documents

Once you have registered your company and it has been approved by ASIC you will receive the following documents and certificates. 

Certificate of Registration

After successful registration, the company will receive a company registration certificate. The company does not need to display the registration certificate, but if there is a registered business name (Business Name), it must be displayed in all locations and documents.

If you used a third party, like a specialised account such as MNY to register your business, they will also provide you with the following: 

Company register documents

The company’s registration information sheet contains vital details such as officeholder information, shares held, class of shares, Share Certificate, Minutes Book (meeting minutes), and any other relevant information pertaining to the company’s registration and governance.

Company constitution

A finalised copy of your company constitution 

ASIC information form（Client copy ASIC form）

The form will meticulously document the information provided during the application process, encompassing details such as the registration location, company particulars, existence of a parent company, identification of officeholders, equity structure, and additional member information.

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

It currently costs between $474 to $611 to register a company in Australia depending on the company type. This excludes professional fees for third parties who can help you set up your company.

Here are some common fees associated with registering and running a company

Company Fees	From 1st July 2025
Application for registration as an Australian Company (proprietary company that has share capital)	$611
Reserving a company name	$62
Late payment fee for up to one month late	$98
Late payment fee for more than one month late	$411
Application for voluntary deregistration of a company	$50
Annual review fee for a proprietary company	$329
Annual review fee for a registered scheme or a public company	$1,528

Officeholder obligations for running a company in Australia

If you are going to be an officeholder, you must fulfill your rights and obligations in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Law Corporations Act 2001. 

The two most common officeholder roles are: 

• Director
• Company Secretary

If you serve on a company’s board, you must adhere to the provisions outlined in the Companies Act. This entails meeting various legal obligations, including:

• Ensure that company information is updated promptly;
• Maintain accurate company records and registration information;
• Pay applicable application fees and annual fees;
• The designated individual responsible for the company bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Companies Act.

From April 5, 2022, it’s required to obtain a director number before assuming the role of a director. Application procedures are categorized into domestic and overseas applications.

Read more:  Have You Obtained Your Director ID?- mnygroup.com.au

At least one director and company secretary must ordinarily reside in Australia.

A public company must have at least two directors ordinarily resident in Australia.

Company director obligations

Every company must have at least one director. 

Eligibility for a company director

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must provide written consent to act as a director
• Must hold a DIN (Director Identification Number) 
• Must not be disqualified from acting as a director by ASIC
• At least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia 

Responsibilities of a company director 

Directors must act according to the Directors Act which includes, among others, the following duties 

• Act in the best interests of the company
• Act with care and diligence
• Avoid conflicts of interests
• Act honestly 
• Act in good faith

Failure to perform these duties can result in legal action including penalties of $200,000, 5 years imprisonment, or both. 

Company secretary obligations

According to the Corporations Act 2001, every company must have a secretary. The Secretary and Director can be the same person. 

Eligibility for a company secretary 

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must provide written consent to act as a secretary
• At least one secretary must ordinarily reside in Australia 

Responsibilities of a company secretary

A company secretary must follow responsibilities set out in the Corporations Act 2001, which includes, among others, the following responsibilities:

• Notify ASIC about changes to identities, names and addresses of a company’s directors and company secretaries
• Ensure the company lodges its annual return

Responsibilities may continue even after the company has been deregistered.

Different addresses when registering a company

When you register a company, you will be asked to provide 2 different types of addresses.

Registered Office

This address primarily serves to receive official correspondence from ASIC. It may differ from the company’s business address and cannot be a PO Box. If an accounting firm acts as the ASIC agent, its address can serve as the registered office.

Principal Place of Business

This address denotes the physical location where the business operates. It holds significant importance, especially for government subsidies announced during the epidemic, as they often require a business address based on the registration details submitted to ASIC.

A registered office and principal place of business can be the same address. They can also be the same as your residential address if this is where you conduct business.

How long does it take to register a company in Australia

It usually takes only 1-3 working days to register a new company. If the company name is unique or the information of the company directors is inaccurate, the registration time may be longer.

Keep in mind that it may take longer to get all the documents together before you complete the registration.

Regulatory requirements for company operations

During operation, companies are subject to oversight not only from the ATO for tax-related matters but also from ASIC. ASIC typically requires companies to submit an Annual Statement, report any changes related to company registration promptly (usually within 28 days), and provide information such as solvency resolutions (solvency agreement/statement).

It’s important to note that different industries are governed by specific regulations. After successfully registering a company, it’s necessary to obtain the appropriate licenses and certifications before commencing operations. For instance, selling alcohol requires a liquor license, the catering industry requires a food safety certificate, playing music in public places requires authorization, and hiring employees necessitates WorkCover compliance. For further information on relevant compliance requirements, the Australian Business License and Information Inquiry Service can be consulted.

Pros and Cons of registering as a company in Australia

There are benefits and disadvantages to registering as a company. 

Benefits of registering as a company

Here are some of the top benefits of officially registering as a company in Australia

Legal entity

A company is a legally independent entity with its own rights and responsibilities, separate from its owners.  

Limited liability

Shareholders’ liability is usually limited to the value of their shares, and personal assets are not affected.

Business reputation

Registering a company helps to enhance your business reputation and makes it easier to work with potential customers, suppliers and partners.

Tax benefits

A company may enjoy tax benefits, such as low tax rates or specific tax exemptions.

Permanence

The existence of a company is not affected by changes in shareholders or owners, and has a long life cycle. 

Financing convenience

A registered company can more easily obtain financing from banks, investors or partners.

Employee incentives

The company structure helps to implement incentives such as employee stock option plans to attract and retain talent.

Professional image 

Registering a company helps to establish a professional image and enhance its attractiveness to customers, suppliers and employees.

Clarity over decision making

The Company Constitution outlines how to make decisions so you always know who gets the final say and how to act. 

Disadvantages of registering as a company

Here are some disadvantages of officially registering as a company in Australia

Added complexity in setting up a company

Registering a company is more involved than registering a business as a sole trader or partnership. 

Additional upfront and ongoing fees 

Because of the added complexity, ASIC has higher fees for registering a company compared to some other business structures. 

More complex regulations 

Benefits such as a flat 25% tax rate come with additional regulations that must be adhered to

Less privacy

Directors are required to register their names and addresses which can be accessed by members of the public. 

These disadvantages are easily overcome with professional advice from specialised accountants like MNY Group. 

Tax types and structures involved in setting up a company in Australia

There are many tax types and structures involved in setting up a company in Australia. The types of taxes that a company may need to consider include corporate income tax, goods and services tax (GST), employer obligations (such as payroll and wage taxes when paying employees), capital gains tax, etc. The tax structure can vary depending on the type of company and business activities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, or registered companies. In terms of tax invoices, a company may need to issue the following types of invoices:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) invoices: Applicable when goods are sold or services are provided to customers and GST is charged.
• Deduction invoices: Allow companies to claim GST deductions for goods or services purchased from other companies for company operations.
• Salary invoices: Used to record salaries and wages paid to employees and deduct applicable taxes.
• Other tax invoices: May include other expenses related to company operations, such as rent, utilities, etc.

Frequently asked questions about registering a company in Australia

Some questions you might come across when researching how to start your own company in Australia

What is the difference between Pty Ltd and Pty Limited?

Pty Ltd and Pty Limited are the same. Ltd is an approved abbreviation for the word Limited. The full phrase is Proprietary Limited. In Australia this means that a company is privately held and shares are not offered to the general public. “Limited” means that shareholders liability is restricted to what they have invested in the company. 

Do you need an ABN to register a company? 

You will need an ABN however you can apply for this at the same time as you apply for your ACN and register your company. 

Do I have to register for GST? 

In general you need to charge for GST if your company will have a turnover of $75,000 or more – or if you expect your business to do this within its first year. 

There are other times you must register for GST. Speak to a specialised accountant to learn more. 

What is an ACN?  How is it different to an ABN 

An ACN (Australian Company Number) is a unique 9-digit number that identifies a company issued by ASIC. It is only for companies. 

An ABN (Australian Business Number) is an 11-digit number issued by ATO for all businesses including sole traders and partnerships. 

If registering as a company, you will need both an ABN and an ACN. 

You can get an ACN by registering using the steps above to register a company in Australia. 

What is a DIN? 

A DIN is a Director Identification Number. It is 15 digits long. You can register for one on the ABRS.

Register for a Director Identification Number. 

How can accountants help entrepreneurs register a company?

• If you’re uncertain whether your company’s business model requires GST registration or if GST will impact your cash flow stability, it’s crucial to analyze your needs and assess the necessity of company registration.
• Our firm can assist in recommending the most suitable tax structure based on your circumstances.
• We provide comprehensive guidance on the roles within your company, their decision-making rights, and obligations.
• Additionally, we explain the varying tax characteristics across industries and the associated tax costs under different business models.
• Our goal is to analyse your company’s income, tax costs for directors and shareholders, and optimize profit distribution to minimize tax burdens.
• As professional accountants, we offer forward-looking tax advice by leveraging our expertise and practical experience.  
• We recommend appropriate entrepreneurial structures, such as family trusts, tailored to your specific needs.

If you are preparing to register a company but feel you don’t know where to start, you can make an appointment for a free consultation with MNY Group Accounting Firm.