How to Register a Company in Australia: Options and Timeline

Foreign founders often ask how to register a company in Australia. The short answer is that you choose a legal structure, register it with the official registry, and then complete your tax registration and any licences your activity needs. Below are the registration routes ORBIZLY lists for Australia, with their typical timeline.

How do you register a company in Australia?

Company Registration (ASIC). Typical time: Often the same day (minutes to a few days). Where this comes from: Adviser guides, because the office does not publish an official figure. Foreign directors may wait longer for a Director ID. Official page: https://asic.gov.au/for-business/registering-a-company/

Not-for-Profit / Charity Registration (ACNC). Typical time: Varies. Confirm with the registry. Official page: https://www.acnc.gov.au/for-charities/start-charity

Pick the route that matches what you plan to do. If you are unsure which structure suits a business that will hire staff, sell abroad or take investment, ask an expert before you file.

What do you need after the company is registered?

A registered company usually still has to complete tax registration and, in some industries, extra permits. In Australia these are handled by the following bodies.

Tax and goods and services registration: the Australian Taxation Office (ABN and GST registration). Official source: ato.gov.au

Sector-specific permits: the federal, state and local regulators for your industry. Official source: business.gov.au

Importing goods: the Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Official source: abf.gov.au

Exporting controlled goods: the Australian Border Force and the regulator for controlled or agricultural exports. Official source: abf.gov.au

Should you protect your brand when you register?

Registering a company does not protect your brand name. A trademark does. Filing early stops someone else from taking your name in Australia.

Trademark Filing (IP Australia). Typical time: At least 7 months. Where this comes from: Official source: IP Australia says registration takes at least 7 months. Official page: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/trade-marks

What is the next step?

Take the free ORBIZLY eligibility assessment to see which countries and programs fit your business, or book a consulting session to talk through company registration in Australia with an expert.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Timelines change and depend on your business. Ask for a quote for your case. Confirm the details with the official source linked above or with an expert before you apply.