Originally published in July 2016. Updated December 2025 for accuracy and relevance.
Australia Company Formation: A Complete Guide for Non-Residents
Australia is one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the world for international entrepreneurs and foreign investors. With a strong economy, transparent legal system, and direct access to Asia-Pacific markets, Australia company formation for non-residents offers significant long-term opportunities.
This comprehensive guide explains how to register a company in Australia as a non-resident, covering legal structures, director requirements, taxation, compliance, and strategic considerations. For a full-service solution, explore our dedicated Australia Company Formation page.
Why Form a Company in Australia?
Choosing Australia as your business destination delivers both commercial and strategic advantages:
1. Stable and Resilient Economy
Australia has one of the most resilient economies globally, supported by strong financial institutions, political stability, and consistent GDP growth.
2. Gateway to Asia-Pacific Markets
Australia’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for expanding into Asia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
3. Transparent Legal & Regulatory System
Australia operates under a common law legal system with clear corporate governance rules, ensuring investor confidence and business security.
4. Skilled and Multinational Workforce
Access to a highly educated workforce across finance, technology, logistics, mining, and professional services.
5. Government Incentives for Foreign Investors
Australia offers grants, tax incentives, and R&D benefits designed to attract overseas entrepreneurs and innovative companies.
6. High Quality of Life
Australia consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life, making it easier to attract global talent and senior management.
Company Formation in Australia for Non-Residents: Step-by-Step
1. Choosing the Right Company Structure
The most popular structure for foreign investors is:
Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)
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Separate legal entity
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Limited liability for shareholders
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Flexible ownership structure
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Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
Other available options include:
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Public Company (Ltd) – for large enterprises or public fundraising
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Branch Office – extension of a foreign company
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Representative Office – non-commercial market research only
Learn more about structures on our Australia Company Formation service page.
2. Director and Company Secretary Requirements
Director Requirement
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At least one director must be an Australian resident
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Can be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
Non-residents often solve this by:
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Appointing a professional resident director
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Using nominee director services
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Relocating under a business visa
Company Secretary
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Optional for Pty Ltd companies
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Mandatory for public companies
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Must reside in Australia if appointed
3. Registered Office Address in Australia
Every Australian company must maintain a local registered office address for official correspondence. This can be:
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A commercial office
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Your accountant’s address
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A registered agent’s address
BRIS Group can provide registered office and compliance support.
4. Australian Company Number (ACN) & ABN
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ACN – Issued by ASIC upon company registration
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ABN – Required to conduct business and issue invoices
Both registrations are essential for opening bank accounts and tax compliance.
5. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration
Your company must register for GST if:
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Annual turnover exceeds AUD 75,000
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You supply taxable goods or services in Australia
GST compliance is managed through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
6. Opening an Australian Bank Account
An Australian bank account is critical for:
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Receiving payments
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Paying taxes and suppliers
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Managing operational expenses
Requirements usually include:
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ACN and ABN
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Company constitution
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Director identification
Some banks require directors to attend in person, though alternatives are available.
7. Australian Taxation Obligations
Your Australian company may be subject to:
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Corporate income tax
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GST
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Payroll tax (if hiring staff)
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Withholding tax on cross-border payments
Professional tax structuring is essential. Refer to our Australia FAQ for common tax questions.
8. Visa Requirements for Non-Resident Owners & Employees
If you intend to work in Australia, suitable visa options include:
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Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
Visa planning should be aligned with your business structure.
9. Intellectual Property Protection in Australia
Protect your business assets by registering:
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Trademarks
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Patents
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Designs
Australia has strong IP enforcement, making early registration essential.
10. Ongoing Compliance & Reporting
After incorporation, companies must maintain ongoing compliance:
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Annual ASIC company review
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Financial statements and record-keeping
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Annual tax returns
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Updating company details
Failure to comply may result in penalties or deregistration.
Key Considerations for Non-Resident Entrepreneurs
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Resident Director Requirement – Often the biggest challenge
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FIRB Approval – May be required for certain foreign investments
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Tax Residency & Double Tax Treaties
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Cultural & Business Practices
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Professional Advisory Support
Working with experienced advisors significantly reduces risk and setup time.
Why Use a Registered Agent in Australia?
A professional registered agent can:
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Act as your local representative
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Handle ASIC and ATO correspondence
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Ensure ongoing compliance
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Save time and operational costs
BRIS Group provides end-to-end support for Australia company formation, compliance, and corporate administration.
Start Your Australia Company with Confidence
Forming a company in Australia as a non-resident is a powerful step toward international expansion. With the right structure, expert guidance, and full compliance, Australia offers a secure and profitable environment for global entrepreneurs.
👉 Visit our Australia Company Formation page to get started
👉 Review common questions on our Australia FAQ
👉 Contact BRIS Group for tailored advisory and corporate services
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult qualified professionals before proceeding.
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If you are finding it tough to form an Austrian company all by yourself, you need to get in touch with BRIS GR LIMITED, a trusted company formation agency. We are the best company formation agent helping investors in Company formation with registered office.
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