Thinking of setting up your organisation in Australia? With its transparent regulations and stable economy, Australia makes it easy for professionals to establish and grow their business. But before you begin, it’s important to understand the cost to register a company — from government fees to optional expenses — so you can plan your budget without any surprises.
Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding an existing one, this guide breaks down the full cost of registering a company in Australia, including ASIC fees, business structure charges, and how professional support can simplify the entire process.
Australia’s Company Registration Authorities
As one of the most regulated countries, Australia is known for its clean and compliant business operations managed by authorities who make sure every process is streamlined and straightforward. So setting up a company in Australia is not a one-day task, for it involves strict checking from
- Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), the primary authority responsible for company registration and regulation in Australia
- Followed by the Australian Business Register (ABR), which manages the Australian Business Number (ABN) and the Tax File Number (TFN).
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO), which governs the taxation of your company.
- State-based operators who serve as legal authorities depending on the type of your business.
Types of Business Structures in Australia
The first and most important step in registering a company in Australia is choosing the right business structure. With 4 business models available, choosing the one that best supports your business purpose, goals, and long-term growth is crucial.
Business Structure Comparison Table (as of Dec 2025)
| Business Structure | Who Regulates It | Typical Costs | Best For |
| Sole Trader | ABR & ATO (ASIC only if business name registered) | Business name: $45/year or $104/3 years | Individuals, freelancers, small operators |
| Partnership | ABR & ATO (ASIC only for business name) | Partnership agreement (optional): $500–$2,000 | Two or more people jointly running a business |
| Trust | ABR, ATO, ASIC (if corporate trustee) | Higher accounting fees and trust setup costs vary | Asset protection, family wealth structures |
| Company (Pty Ltd) | ASIC | Name reservation: $62Registration: $503 or $611Annual review: $329 | Startups, SMEs, businesses seeking growth |
| Public Company (Ltd) | ASIC | Annual review: $1,528IPO: 4%–7% of capital | Large companies raising public funds |
Sole Trader: The simplest and most affordable business structure in Australia, where one person owns the business and makes all its decisions. In this type of business structure, the AISC does not regulate or oversee the business, unless you choose to operate under a business name other than your name, because they manage the national Business Name Register (BNR). In this case, the AISC fee is approximately $45 for a year or $104 for 3 years.
Partnership: As the name indicates, this type of business structure is shared between two individuals who are legally and financially responsible for the business, including all its debts and liabilities. Just like a sole trader, AISC steps in only if the partnership wants to use a business name that is not the partner’s name. While not legally required, most partnerships invest in formal agreements to outline roles, responsibilities, and how profits are shared, either using a free or DIY template or through a lawyer-drafted agreement, which costs between $500 and $2000.
Trust: A complex and expensive form of business structure in Australia, which was formed to manage and protect family assets through an appointed trustee (either an individual or a company). If the trustee is an individual, setup costs remain relatively low. But if the trustee is a company, then the respective company must be registered with the AISC, which adds to the overall cost. Managing a trust in Australia can be demanding, as trust taxation is complex and often leads to higher accounting charges than other business structures.
| Related Reading: What is a family trust and why does it play an important role in family assets? Read to know more |
Company: A company is a separate legal entity from its directors and shareholders, offering the advantage of limited liability. In Australia, it’s a preferred structure for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to attract investment and scale their operations. However, running a company comes with its own complexities, like the company registration fee that costs $503 to $611 and the ongoing annual review fees.
Related reading: Which is the optimal business structure for your needs? Read to know more.
The Two Main Company Types in Australia
If you choose a company as your business structure, then it is necessary to understand the two main types of company models available in Australia.
Company Registration Cost Comparison
| Cost Component | Proprietary Company (Pty Ltd) | Public Company (Ltd) |
| Name Reservation | $62 | $62 |
| Registration Fee | $611 | $512 |
| Annual Review Fee | $329 | $1,528 (approx.) |
| Raise Public Capital? | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes |
| Compliance Level | Moderate | High (audits, disclosures) |
| Best For | Startups, SMEs | Large companies |
Proprietary Company (Pty)
- As a privately owned business model, a proprietary company does not allow shares to be listed on a stock exchange or raise capital from the public. Also, it comes with moderate compliance requirements, which, when compared to a public company, make it a practical choice for small- to medium-sized business owners. If you are planning to set up a business in Australia, choosing Pty Ltd structure is the best choice for it has
- Name reservation fee – $ 62
- Name registration fee—$611
- Annual review fee—$329
Public Company (Ltd)
- Preferred by medium to large businesses, this company model can distribute their shares to the public and raise capital through the Australian Stock Exchange. In this type of company model, the regulations and reporting standards are high, strict and expensive, as it undergoes annual review, shareholder meetings, and extensive financial reporting. Here,
Key costs involved include:
- ASIC registration fee: $1,528 AUD
- IPO costs: Usually between 4% and 7% of the capital raised
- Administrative and staffing expenses: For example, salaries often average around $20.33 AUD per hour, depending on the role and award rates
The Hidden Costs To Consider While Registering A Company In Australia
No matter what type of company you choose to register, the hidden charges are often overlooked or ignored during the setup process in Australia. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
- Failing to lodge your annual statements on time can result in ASIC penalties that are $98 if you are under 30 business days late and $411 if the delay exceeds 30 business days. In addition, overdue industry funding levies attract a 20% per annum penalty on the outstanding amount.
- Changing key company details affects your company’s identity or legal documentation, leading to a penalty of $501. However, routine updates like appointing directors and changing office addresses do not attract any charge.
- Reserving a company name with the AISC is valid for 2 months, after which you will need to pay $96 to extend the reservation or lodge a fresh application to secure the name again.
- Choosing to hold multiple potential company names at once allows ASIC to charge $62 per name. These costs can add up quickly if you reserve several names before finalising your choice.
Overall, setting up a company in Australia is a strategic investment, but knowing how to do it is where the real skill lies. Partnering with experienced firms like Accountants Direct can simplify the entire process, guiding you seamlessly from registration to compliance, helping you avoid hidden or ignored charges.
Mandatory Conditions Before Company Registration
Non-negotiable criteria set forth by the Australian government before registering a business in Australia.
- A proprietary company should have at least one director who lives in Australia, while a public company must ensure that a majority of its directors (2 out of 3) are Australian residents.
- You must have an official Australian address where AISC can send legal notices and documents as part of the communication process.
- Your company must define its share structure, including the number and value of the shares, along with the powers attached to them.
- Every director must be 18 years or above without any history of bankruptcy or disqualification from the AISC.
| Related Reading: Read and learn about the significance of TFN and ABN and how they matter for your company registration. |
Step-By-Step Process to Register A Company In Australia
Step 1: Choose your business structure
As the first step, decide on the type of business model you want to operate with, as each structure comes with a different setup cost. For example, registering a proprietary model costs less than registering for a public company.
Step 2: Select & Reserve your company name
Choosing a company is an important part of the registration process, where the AISC ensures the chosen name is not already taken or too similar to an existing one. If you are not ready to register the company immediately, you can reserve the company name using the Form 410, where AISC will hold the name for 2 months, after which you’ll need to pay an additional fee if you want to extend.
Step 3: Outline the company rules & regulations
Having the governance policies before the registration makes it simple for you to streamline the company process, as this impacts the company’s long-term success. This includes deciding on your directors and finalising your share structure so that your application is accurate and complete.
Step 4: Provide a registered office address
Next, you have to provide the AISC with a registered office address located in Australia, as this will serve as the official place for company notices and legal documents to be sent. A physical Australian address is mandatory, without which you cannot complete your registration.
Step 5: Register with the AISC
In this step, you are required to lodge your company with the AISC either online through their website or with the support of professional firms like Accountants Direct, who will handle all the documentation process and submission on your behalf. To register, you will be required to submit Form 201 with the corresponding application fee.
- 201A Public company with share capital – $611
- 201B Public company limited by guarantee – $512
- 201C Proprietary company – $611
Once the AISC approves your registration, you’ll receive your Australian Company Number (ACN) and a certificate of registration, confirming your company is legally established in Australia.
Step 6: Apply for ABN, TFN, & GST
After registration, the next step is to work with the ATO to obtain your key tax identifiers.
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Tax File Number (TFN)
These identifiers ensure your business can operate legally, invoice clients, open a business bank account, and stay compliant with tax obligations.
If you expect your business to generate $75,000 or more in annual turnover, you must also register for GST with the ATO. Early registration keeps your business compliant and avoids any unwanted penalties or administrative issues later on.
The Most Cost-Effective Registration Method
- DIY Registration:
DIY registration can be suitable only for very simple setups with minimal compliance needs. However, many people find the forms and legal requirements confusing, and a small mistake can lead to delays or extra fees later. This option works only if you are comfortable handling paperwork on your own.
- Using a Service Agent:
Using a service agent is ideal when you want to avoid handling Form 201 and other documentation processes and expect a quick, smooth, and error-free result submission to the AISC.
- Hiring a Professional Accountant:
Working with an experienced accountant — like the team at Accountants Direct — is generally the most cost-effective option in the long run. You receive:
- Complete end-to-end support
- Error-free documentation and compliance
- Advice on the right structure
- Tax planning and ASIC compliance
- Help with ABN, TFN, GST and ongoing obligations
This is especially valuable if your business has multiple stakeholders, plans to grow, or simply wants to avoid costly mistakes.
| Ready to Register Your Company the Right Way? Call 1300 829 746 or Book a free consultation Get expert support from Accountants Direct, trusted by businesses across Australia. |
Conclusion
Australia is one of the best countries to invest and scale business in this growing economy. But how you do it matters just as much as where, because every country has its own set of rules and regulations that need to be adhered to to avoid penalties. Choosing to set up a company in Australia is a strategic move thanks to its skilled workforce and business-friendly environment, but being aware of the registration process is one of the primary aspects before finalising the decisions.
Partnering with professionals from Accountants Direct can make the entire registration process simple and stress-free. They take care of your bookkeeping, track expenses, and keep you updated on key deadlines. More importantly, they ensure your company stays compliant with ASIC requirements at all times. From managing taxes and GST registration to handling complex legal and administrative tasks, experts help you avoid costly mistakes and allow you to focus completely on building and growing your business. Take your first step in company registration by connecting with an expert at Accountants Direct today!
FAQs About Company Registration Costs in Australia
1. How much is the ASIC company registration fee?
ASIC charges $576 to register a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company in Australia.
A public company costs $1,440.
Additional fees may apply for name reservation, annual review, or updating company details.
2. Can a foreigner register a company in Australia?
Yes. Foreigners can register a company in Australia, but there are conditions:
- You must appoint at least one Australian resident director for a Pty Ltd company. Accountants Direct may be able to assist with this by appointing an experienced Nominee Director for a short or long term.
- A public company must have two resident directors.
Foreign owners can hold shares, run the business, and make decisions, provided residency rules are met.
3. How do I register my company in Australia?
To register a company, you need to:
- Choose your business structure
- Select and reserve your company name
- Decide on directors and share structure
- Provide a registered office address in Australia
- Lodge Form 201 with ASIC
- Apply for ABN, TFN and GST (if required)
You can register yourself or get expert help from Accountants Direct for a smoother, error-free process.
4. How much does it cost to register a small business in Australia?
For a basic small business setup:
- Sole Trader: Free (only pay for business name: $42/year or $98/3 years)
- Partnership: Free (plus optional partnership agreement fees)
- Company (Pty Ltd): $611 ASIC fee + annual review fee of $310
Many small businesses prefer the Pty Ltd structure for liability protection.
5. Do I need to register my small business in Australia?
You only need to register with ASIC if you are setting up a company.
You must register a business name if you operate under a name different from your personal name.
Every business also needs:
- ABN
- TFN
- GST registration (if turnover exceeds $75,000)
