Select the right Business Structure
Australia offers various business structures, each with its advantages and considerations. There are four main types of business structures that overseas companies can choose to operate in Australia:
Proprietary Limited Company
A separate legal entity from its owners which necessitates registration with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Branch
office
A branch office is an extension of the overseas parent company and not a separate legal entity. It conducts Australia business under the same name as the parent company.
Representative Office
A representative office is established to undertake marketing and promotional activities for the parent company in Australia. Representative offices do not have legal status in Australia and cannot enter into contracts.
Shelf
Office
Buying a shelf company used to be the best way to quickly acquire a company without going through the time-consuming procedure of registering a new one.
How to get started
You need to decide if a company suits your needs or if you should use a different business structure. Business.gov.au has a great ‘Help me decide’ tool that can help you work out the business structure that will best suit your needs and what registrations you should consider.
Learn moreSelect a company name
Choose a unique and suitable name for your company that complies with ASIC’s guidelines. Ensure the name is not already in use by another business.
Register your company
If you opt for a company structure, you’ll need to register business with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). You can do this online through the ASIC website or by using the services of a registered agent.
Get essential business registration
You need to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if applicable. Additional permits or licenses may be required depending on your business type and location.
Our Service
Replus also provide blank meeting, consent and register (including option and debenture holders) templates to help your keep your register up to date.
Hiring a Director
You can set up a company in Australia without being physically present or submitting any documents using our Director Representative service.
Brand Office
Best for foreign companies that want to conduct business and manage their operations in Australia without separating legal liability from their parent company.
Representative Office
Establishing a representative office in Australia can be a good option for companies that want to test the market and establish a presence without the need for a full-fledged subsidiary or branch.
Australian company registration in Replus
100+
happy customers
100%
of clients are satisfied
Our services go beyond just company registration. We offer expert advice on everything from taxes and ongoing compliance to securing government grants.
FAQs
If your desired company name is already taken, you’ll need to choose a different name that is unique and not already registered. You can search for available company names through the ASIC website.
There are costs associated with registering a business however, they may not always apply. Before you register a business, there’s a number of things you need to consider. This includes:
- The type of legal structure your business will have
- Whether you will need a business name or not
- How long do you want to keep your business name registered
- If there are any local, state or industry-related costs to getting your business set up i.e licencing fees
Once your company is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and you have obtained necessary business numbers such as an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration (if applicable), you are legally allowed to commence business operations. However, it’s essential to ensure that you comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including any industry-specific licensing requirements, before engaging in trading activities.