Starting a Business - Australia

A foreigner typically forms an Australian proprietary company (Pty Ltd): choose an available company name, obtain a Director Identification Number for each director, register the company with ASIC to receive a 9-digit ACN, then obtain an 11-digit ABN and relevant tax registrations (e.g., GST) — all available through the single Business Registration Service.

Under s201A of the Corporations Act, a proprietary company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia (public companies need at least two). This cannot be waived, so a foreign founder usually must appoint a local resident director.

Anyone who becomes a company director, including foreign residents, must verify their identity and obtain a Director ID from the Australian Business Registry Services before being appointed.

There is no general cap on foreign ownership of an Australian company, but foreign investors must notify and obtain FIRB/Treasurer approval before acquiring interests in businesses above monetary thresholds (most business investments at $347 million from 1 January 2026, higher for certain free-trade-agreement investors), and prior approval is required for starting or acquiring a national security business regardless of value.

There is no minimum share-capital requirement to register a proprietary company (it can be incorporated with nominal capital, e.g., one $1 share), but the company must maintain a registered office in Australia.

Alternatively, an existing overseas company can register as a foreign company in Australia with ASIC using Form 402 (lodging certified incorporation documents and appointing a local agent), and must keep a registered office in Australia.