Registering a proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) online typically takes ~15 minutes; ASIC issues your Australian Company Number (ACN) soon after approval. ABNs are usually issued immediately on a successful application, letting you register for GST and PAYG straight away.
Establish Your Business in One of the World’s Most Stable and Attractive Markets
Australia remains a resilient, rules-based, business-friendly economy with deep capital markets, a predictable legal framework and a AAA sovereign credit rating from all three major agencies — a status reaffirmed into 2025 (with agencies noting they’re watching fiscal settings closely).
Backed by a sophisticated financial system and skilled workforce, Australia offers long-term growth, strong IP protection, and easy digital interactions with government (company registration, tax, payroll reporting). CityLinkers streamlines incorporation and ongoing compliance so you can launch quickly and operate with confidence.
Australia remains a resilient, rules-based, business-friendly economy with deep capital markets, a predictable legal framework and a AAA sovereign credit rating from all three major agencies — a status reaffirmed into 2025 (with agencies noting they’re watching fiscal settings closely).
Backed by a sophisticated financial system and skilled workforce, Australia offers long-term growth, strong IP protection, and easy digital interactions with government (company registration, tax, payroll reporting). CityLinkers streamlines incorporation and ongoing compliance so you can launch quickly and operate with confidence.
Key benefits of Australia company set up
Streamlined registration process
Access to the local banking system
Business Visa support
Visa pathways are being overhauled. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) is being closed, with a new National Innovation Visa replacing the Global Talent visa stream under the government’s Migration Strategy; criteria are shifting to “talent and contribution” rather than passive investment. We’ll orient you to current, lawful options in force at the time you apply.
Reputation and market credibility
An Australian entity (Pty Ltd) signals compliance and governance maturity. Australia’s AAA standing and transparent regulatory regime support investor and counterparty confidence globally.
Gateway to Asia-Pacific markets
From Australia you can leverage high-quality trade architecture: CPTPP, RCEP, AANZFTA, AUSFTA (US) and Australia-UK FTA (in force since 31 May 2023), reducing barriers across key regional partners.
Requirements for company registration in Australia
Australia company formation criteria
A Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) is the standard vehicle. You need:
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At least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia; all directors must be individuals aged 18+ and consent in writing.
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A registered office in Australia (physical street address; no PO Box).
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Shareholders (one or more; no residency/nationality restriction).
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Director ID (DIN) for each director before appointment.
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Decide on replaceable rules vs constitution for governance.
Registered office address
By law you must maintain a registered office at an Australian physical address (can be your agent’s address). A phone/fax/email is not a statutory requirement, though good practice.
Business activity description
Provide a clear description of your activities (industry, products/services, target markets). This supports tax registrations (ABN/GST/PAYG), bank onboarding and regulatory clarity.
Directors
Minimum one director who ordinarily resides in Australia; all directors must be 18+, give written consent, and hold a director ID before appointment.
Shareholders
Minimum one shareholder; 100% foreign ownership is permitted for Pty Ltd companies. The same person may be both sole director and shareholder.
Share structure
Issue any number of shares (e.g., a simple 100-share structure) to allocate ownership cleanly; fully paid ordinary shares are typical. (Governed by your constitution/replaceable rules.)
Required documentation for Australia company incorporation
Personal identification documents
Directors & significant controllers provide certified ID (passport/driver licence) and residential address evidence for KYC and director ID. Banks frequently apply a 100-point check.
Director ID (DIN)
Each director must apply personally (agents cannot apply on your behalf). Apply before appointment; online applications are available and can be completed from overseas using ABRS processes.
CityLinkers end-to-end Australia company formation services
CityLinkers offers a full range of incorporation and compliance services designed to simplify your Australian business setup from start to finish. Our Service Package Includes:
Registered office and corporate agent
We provide a compliant Australian registered office for official notices and act as your local correspondence point with ASIC and other authorities.
Government registration services
We handle the registrations you’ll need to trade:
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ACN via ASIC/company registration
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ABN (usually immediate if details match)
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GST registration (mandatory once AUD 75,000 projected/rolling 12-month turnover is reached; AUD 150,000 for NFPs)
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PAYG withholding for employers (register before first taxable payment)
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State payroll tax guidance (thresholds vary by state).
Company secretary and resident director services
A company secretary is optional for proprietary companies (if not appointed, directors assume those obligations). For residency, we can arrange a nominee resident director to satisfy Corporations Act requirements while maintaining your governance controls.
Banking and operational support
We coordinate introductions to major banks and fintechs. Expect robust AML/KYC checks; sole-director companies may be able to open accounts online, while multi-signatory setups often require branch verification. We’ll prepare the right pack to minimise friction.
Ongoing corporate compliance
We keep you on track for:
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ASIC annual review (confirm details, pass a solvency resolution within 2 months of review date, pay the annual fee).
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Notifying ASIC of changes within 28 days to avoid late fees.
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Lodgement obligations if you become a large proprietary company or are foreign-controlled without relief.
Why choose CityLinkers for Australia company set up
We specialise in cross-border structures (Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, BVI and more). Expect a single, transparent package covering: name checks, ACN/ABN/GST/PAYG registrations, director ID support (guidance), registered office, nominee resident director, banking pack, company registers, and ongoing ASIC compliance — all mapped to current 2025 rules. (Where the law requires the individual to act — e.g., Director ID — we guide you step-by-step so you complete it correctly.)
Get started with your Australia company set up with CityLinkers
Ready to explore an Australian entity or convert an existing structure? We’ll propose the right pathway, timeline and costings based on your sector, ownership, and hiring plan — including GST/PAYG/Super settings and bank onboarding strategy.