Australia — Company registration
Register a proprietary company (Pty Ltd) in Australia
This editorial page explains the common steps, documents and procedural milestones involved when an international client seeks company formation in Australia. It is intended as general legal-information only, not legal advice.
Overview
Australian proprietary limited companies ("Pty Ltd") are commonly used for private business operations. Incorporation requires registration with ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission) and compliance with the Corporations Act. Many steps can be completed remotely but some matters — for example, bank identity checks — often require in-person attendance.For firm information, practice areas and ways we work, see /our-firm/, /our-practices/ and /services/. For specialist matters you may also find these practice pages relevant: Foreign direct investment, Tax law, and Financial services regulation.Package & scope (summary)
This section summarises common tasks involved in company formation and early post‑incorporation compliance. The items listed are typical components reported for standard formation services; treat any fee figures as indicative.- Company name availability search and ASIC registration
- Preparation of constitution and incorporation documents
- Assistance with Director Identification Number (DIN) applications
- Assistance with ABN/TFN/GST registration applications (ATO)
- Registered office and mail-notification arrangements
- Corporate secretarial setup and templates (minutes, registers)
- Support for bank account opening (note: banks usually require directors' in-person verification)
Indicative fee quoted in source materials: AUD 7,650 (for a complete package as published). Confirm current fees and scope with a formal engagement before proceeding.
Process & typical timeline
The following is a high-level roadmap. Timeframes are estimates based on reported averages and administrative processing windows; individual matters may vary.- Initial instructions & document collection — client provides proposed names, identities and proof of address, shareholder details.
- Director Identification Number (DIN) applications — applications to the ATO; processing may take several weeks.
- Name availability & incorporation filing — prepare and lodge incorporation with ASIC; ASIC may issue the certificate within days if filings are complete.
- Company kit & statutory registers — preparation of registers, share certificates, constitution and corporate minutes.
- ABN/TFN/GST applications — lodgement with the ATO; processing times vary.
- Bank account opening — banks usually require directors' in-person verification; timing depends on the bank.
Typical end‑to‑end period reported by many providers: incorporation in days; full administrative registrations (DIN, ABN, TFN, GST) may take several weeks. Discuss scheduling and any urgent requirements when you book.
Required documents — practical checklist
Documents must be clear and, where required, certified. Use this checklist when preparing materials for an incorporation engagement.- 2–3 proposed English company names (ending with “Pty Ltd” / “Pty. Limited”)
- Passport copy for each director and shareholder
- Address proof for each director and shareholder (utility bill/bank statement dated within 3 months)
- Share capital and shareholder allocation (number/percentage of shares)
- If a corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation and register excerpts
- Completed KYC questionnaire and any order forms requested by the provider
- Evidence of beneficial owners (where applicable)
Certified copies may be required by banks or government agencies. Providers often accept notarised or certified documents from regulated professionals.
Frequently asked questions
ASIC registration can be completed quickly when forms and identity documents are complete. Additional registrations (DIN, ABN, TFN, GST) follow separate processes with variable timescales.
Yes. Non‑residents can be shareholders and directors, subject to identification and regulatory requirements. Certain tasks — especially bank identity checks — often require in‑person attendance.
Every Australian company must have a registered office in Australia (not a PO Box). Providers may offer registered office and mail‑notification services.
DIN is a unique identifier issued by the ATO for directors. It is applied for through the ATO and stays with the individual.
Most Australian banks require directors to attend in person for identity verification. Providers can coordinate and, where available, arrange local support for the bank visit.
Related practice pages and further reading
For connected matters consider:Next steps
If you would like personalised advice or a written engagement proposal, book a short introductory consultation or email our enquiries address. During a consultation we will confirm scope, current fees and timing based on your facts.Legal-information disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not create a lawyer–client relationship or constitute legal advice. For tailored advice, arrange a consultation and provide full instructions and documents.