“Professional services helping foreign companies register and operate in Australia. Company formation, resident directors, ASIC compliance, and ongoing business support. Led by James Carey, CA CTA JP.”
“No, you do not need to be physically present in Australia. We handle the entire company registration process remotely. Our team manages all ASIC filings, provides a registered office address, and can appoint a resident director on your behalf so you can establish your Australian presence from anywhere in the world.”
“Australian companies must register for an ABN (Australian Business Number) and may need to register for GST if annual turnover exceeds $75,000. Companies are subject to a 30% corporate tax rate (or 25% for base rate entities). We help you navigate all tax obligations including BAS lodgments, annual tax returns, and ensure compliance with ATO requirements.”
“Company registration with ASIC typically takes 1-3 business days once all documentation is prepared. ABN registration is usually instant. The entire setup process, including registered office, resident director arrangement, and bank account introduction, can be completed within 1-2 weeks depending on your requirements.”
“Yes, both Australian residents and foreign nationals can register a business in Australia. Australian citizens and permanent residents can register as sole traders, partnerships, or companies with minimal requirements.”
“Absolutely. Foreign nationals and overseas companies can register businesses in Australia through several pathways.”
“No, you do not need an Australian visa to register a business or company in Australia. Company registration, ABN applications, and ASIC lodgements can all be completed without a visa or physical presence in Australia.”
“The first step is to choose your business structure - sole trader, partnership, company (Pty Ltd), trust, or branch of a foreign company. This decision affects your tax obligations, personal liability, and regulatory requirements.”
“Yes, most Australian business registrations can be completed entirely online. ABNs are registered through the Australian Business Register website.”
“Timeframes depend on the type of registration. An ABN is often issued instantly for Australian residents and within a few business days for foreign applicants.”
“Generally, no. Under Part 5B.2 of the Corporations Act 2001, a foreign company that carries on business in Australia must register with ASIC.”
“ASIC compliance services keep a company's ASIC records and lodgements up to date. They cover the annual review, change notices, solvency resolutions and company registers. For a foreign-owned company, the provider tracks deadlines and lodges on its behalf, so nothing is missed from overseas.”
“An ASIC registered agent is a firm registered with ASIC to lodge documents and pay fees for companies. The agent can receive the company's annual statement and lodge changes online. AusBusinessRegister.com.au acts as a registered agent for its clients.”
“From 1 July 2026, the annual review fee is $342 for a proprietary company and $1,591 for a public company. A special purpose company, such as an SMSF trustee, pays $70. A registered foreign company instead pays $1,583 when it lodges its annual return. Late fees are $102 (up to one month late) or $428 (more than one month late).”
“Missing an ASIC deadline typically results in late fees being applied to your account. The amount varies depending on the type of lodgement and how late it is.”
“Public companies must appoint one under the Corporations Act. Proprietary companies are not required to, but appointing a qualified company secretary is strongly recommended for foreign-owned companies that lack local staff familiar with ASIC procedures. It reduces the risk of missed deadlines, incorrect lodgements, and compliance penalties.”
“Yes, for proprietary companies. A director can hold both positions simultaneously. For public companies, the sole director cannot also be the sole company secretary.”
“The most common are Form 484 (changes to company details), the annual company statement and solvency resolution (annual review), Form 405 or 406 (foreign company annual filing), Form 205 (special resolutions), and Form 361 (share issues). The specific forms depend on your company type and what changes occur during the year.”
“Late annual review fees are $102 if paid within 1 month of the due date, or $428 if more than 1 month late. Other late lodgements can result in infringement notices with penalties ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Persistent non-compliance may lead to deregistration. Directors and company secretaries can be held personally liable.”
“Yes, foreign companies can open Australian business bank accounts, but it's often challenging without local presence. Banks typically require: a registered Australian entity (subsidiary or branch), an ABN, verified identification of directors and beneficial owners, proof of business activities, a local contact or signatory, and sometimes physical meetings in Australia.”
“Banks typically require: ASIC company registration documents (certificate of registration, company extract), ABN confirmation, certified copies of foreign incorporation documents, identification documents for all directors and beneficial owners (passport, proof of address), company constitution or articles, board resolution authorising account opening and appointing signatories, completed bank application forms, and sometimes audited financial statements.”
“Major Australian banks accepting foreign company applications include: ANZ (generally accommodating to foreign companies), Westpac (has international business banking specialists), NAB (experience with foreign companies), Commonwealth Bank (largest bank but can be strict on foreign applications), and various second-tier banks like Bank of Queensland, Macquarie Bank, and Judo Bank.”
“Not always, but it helps. Some banks require at least one signatory to attend a branch in person for ID verification.”
“Yes, foreign companies can obtain an ABN if they are carrying on an enterprise in Australia. You must demonstrate genuine Australian business activities, not merely passive investment or speculative future plans. The entity must be making supplies of goods or services in connection with its Australian enterprise.”
“It varies. Simple, well-prepared applications can be processed quickly. Foreign entities often need extra identity checks, so allow up to 70 days. Complete, certified documents are the best way to avoid delays.”
“No, you do not need to be physically present in Australia to apply for an ABN. Foreign companies can apply from overseas, though you will need to provide certified documentation and may need to work through a registered tax agent. Your business activities must have an Australian connection, but your directors and staff can be based overseas.”
“An ABN (Australian Business Number) is an 11-digit tax identifier for any business entity operating in Australia. An ACN (Australian Company Number) is a 9-digit number issued only to companies registered with ASIC.”
Download this profile and inspect its supporting evidence.