Set up a company in Australia as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Australia is the Pty Ltd. Foreign ownership: No general ownership cap on the pages checked; FIRB notification applies to foreign government investors starting a business and to substantial interests (generally 20% or more) above thresholds. Minimum capital: None stated. Government fee: A$636 to register a proprietary company with share capital (ASIC fees data; $ in source).
The Pty Ltd in Australia, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Companies can be registered through the Business Registration Service. | asic.gov.au |
| Government fee | ASIC fee to register an Australian company having share capital: $636 (A$). | download.asic.gov.au |
| Local director | A proprietary company needs at least one director who normally lives in Australia. | asic.gov.au |
| Registered local address | The registered office must be a physical street address in Australia, not a PO Box. | asic.gov.au |
| Director ID | Every director must have a director ID before the company is registered. | asic.gov.au |
| Foreign founders | Non-citizens and non-permanent residents need a visa to run a business in Australia. | business.gov.au |
| Foreign ownership | FIRB: a substantial interest (generally 20% or more) in an Australian business can need notification above monetary thresholds. | foreigninvestment.gov.au |
| Foreign government investors | Foreign government investors must notify FIRB when starting an Australian business. | foreigninvestment.gov.au |
| Corporate income tax | Base rate entities pay the lower company rate (25%); other companies pay 30% (Income Tax Rates Act 1986, s 23). | legislation.gov.au |
| Small company rate | A base rate entity has aggregated turnover under A$50 million (and limits on passive income). | legislation.gov.au |
| Annual compliance | Pay ASIC's annual review fee ($342 for a proprietary company) by the due date, usually 2 months after the annual review date. | asic.gov.au |
Questions founders ask about Australia
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Australia?
- No general ownership cap on the pages checked; FIRB notification applies to foreign government investors starting a business and to substantial interests (generally 20% or more) above thresholds.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in Australia?
- None stated.
- How much does it cost to register a company in Australia?
- A$636 to register a proprietary company with share capital (ASIC fees data; $ in source).
- Do I need a local director in Australia?
- Yes: at least one director who normally lives in Australia.
- Can I register a company in Australia from abroad?
- Online via ASIC or the Business Registration Service, but every director needs a director ID first.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Australia?
- 30%, or 25% for base rate entities (aggregated turnover under A$50 million).
Other countries
Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Ireland · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Netherlands · Philippines · Portugal · Singapore · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- Proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd), registered with ASIC, including through the Business Registration Service
- Foreign ownership
- No general ownership cap on the pages checked; FIRB notification applies to foreign government investors starting a business and to substantial interests (generally 20% or more) above thresholds
- Minimum capital
- None stated
- Government fee
- A$636 to register a proprietary company with share capital (ASIC fees data; $ in source)
- Local director
- Yes: at least one director who normally lives in Australia
- Register from abroad
- Online via ASIC or the Business Registration Service, but every director needs a director ID first
- Corporate tax
- 30%, or 25% for base rate entities (aggregated turnover under A$50 million)
- Official page
- asic.gov.au
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check asic.gov.au before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.