Company setup and compliance in Australia
Register a proprietary company or a foreign company branch, obtain your tax registrations, and keep ASIC and ATO obligations on one calendar.
- Tax authority
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Company registry
- ASIC
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)
- Financial year
- 1 July to 30 June for most
Choose the right structure
| Entity type | Best suited to | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) | Most subsidiaries and start-ups | Limited liability, up to 50 non-employee shareholders. At least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. |
| Registered foreign company (branch) | A foreign company trading directly in Australia | Registered with ASIC with a local agent. Reporting obligations of the foreign company continue. |
What setting up involves
The usual sequence. Order and requirements depend on the entity type and your ownership.
- Select the company name and structure
- Appoint a director who ordinarily resides in Australia, and obtain a Director ID for each director
- Provide a registered office address in Australia
- Register the company with ASIC to receive an ACN
- Apply for an ABN and tax file number
- Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold, or earlier if beneficial
- Register for PAYG withholding and set up superannuation if you will employ staff
Recurring obligations after set-up
| Filing or obligation | Frequency | Typical due date |
|---|---|---|
| Company tax return | Annual | 31 October for most companies; later dates available through a registered tax agent |
| Business Activity Statement (BAS) | Monthly or quarterly | 28th of the month after a quarter; the December quarter is due 28 February |
| Superannuation guarantee contributions | Quarterly | 28 days after the end of each quarter |
| ASIC annual review fee | Annual | Within 2 months of the company's review date |
| PAYG instalments | Quarterly | With the BAS |
General guide only. Rules, thresholds and due dates change by notification and differ by entity type and industry. We confirm the position for your company at scoping.
Our role in Australia
- ASIC registration and ATO registrations
- Local director and registered office coordination
- Bookkeeping, BAS, payroll and superannuation support
- Preparation of annual tax return schedules for your tax agent
- Compliance calendar covering ASIC and ATO deadlines
Where local law requires a locally licensed professional, such as a registered agent, company secretary or statutory auditor, we coordinate that role with a licensed provider.
Questions about Australia
Can a foreign company own an Australian Pty Ltd?
Yes. Shareholders can be foreign. At least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia.
Do directors need a Director ID?
Yes. Every director must obtain a Director Identification Number before or when appointed.
Pty Ltd or branch?
A Pty Ltd is a separate entity with its own liability. A registered foreign company extends the parent. We compare tax, liability and reporting before you decide.
Other countries: United States United Kingdom Canada United Arab Emirates Singapore India
Ready to set up in Australia?
Share your plans and we will reply within one business day with next steps.