🇦🇺AAA Economy · ASIC-Regulated · R&D Tax Offset · 12 Free Trade Agreements

Register an Australian Pty Ltd
as a Non-Resident

Proprietary Limited Company — fully incorporated with ASIC, resident director arranged, ABN/ACN registered and banking coordinated. Mandatory resident director explained upfront — no surprises. Operational within 1–2 weeks once the resident director is in place.

AAA
Sovereign Credit Rating
43.5%
R&D Tax Offset (Refundable)
1
Resident Director Required
12
Free Trade Agreements
✓
Resident Director Sourced
Licensed nominee arranged via our local partner network
✓
ABN & ACN Registered
Both registrations handled — ASIC and ATO
✓
Full Beneficial Control Retained
DSA protects your ownership — nominee has no economic interest
✓
Banking Setup Coordinated
Airwallex / Wise or Big Four bank introduction
Get My Free Quote →How the Resident Director Works ↓
Register Your Australian Pty Ltd

Free consultation · response within 4 hours · no obligation

🔒 Free · No commitment · Written quote before any payment

Why Australia

Why Register a Company
in Australia as a Non-Resident?

💰
AAA-Rated, Stable Economy
One of only a handful of countries with an unbroken AAA credit rating from all three major agencies — decades of uninterrupted economic growth prior to COVID, and a swift recovery since.
🌍
Asia-Pacific Gateway
English-speaking, common-law jurisdiction positioned between Asia and the Americas — a natural base for businesses serving APAC, the Pacific Islands, or expanding from Asia into Western markets.
🤝
12 Free Trade Agreements
FTAs with China (ChAFTA), Japan, South Korea, India (ECTA), the UK (A-UKFTA), the USA (AUSFTA) and ASEAN — preferential tariff access most competitors don't have.
💵
R&D Tax Incentive — Cash Refund
43.5% refundable tax offset for eligible R&D activity if turnover is under AUD 20M — meaning loss-making startups can receive a cash refund, not just a future deduction.
⚖️
Globally Recognised Legal System
English common law, strong contract enforcement, transparent courts and a well-regarded corporate regulator (ASIC) — reassures international banks, investors and counterparties.
🏦
World-Class Banking & Fintech
Big Four banks (CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) plus a mature fintech sector (Airwallex, founded in Melbourne) — genuinely global-standard payment infrastructure.
👨‍💼
Skilled, English-Speaking Workforce
Deep talent pool in software engineering, finance, mining services and professional services, with strong university-industry links (CSIRO, Group of Eight universities).
🛂
Pathway to Residency for Founders
Business Innovation & Investment visas and the Global Talent visa offer founders and key staff a route to Australian residency, distinct from company registration itself.
Who Should Choose Australia

Which Businesses Benefit Most
From an Australian Pty Ltd?

Australia is not the cheapest or fastest jurisdiction — it is exceptional for businesses that genuinely need APAC market access, R&D incentives, or trade agreement benefits. The businesses below see the strongest real-world benefit.

🏗️
Best Fit
Mining & Resources Services
Australia's mining and resources sector is one of the largest in the world — service providers, equipment suppliers and consultants to this industry benefit from being locally incorporated, with direct access to major resources companies and supply chains.
🔬
Best Fit
R&D-Intensive Tech & Biotech
The 43.5% refundable R&D tax offset is a genuine cash benefit, not just a future deduction — making Australia exceptionally attractive for biotech, medtech and deep-tech startups conducting real experimental development work.
🏦
Strong Fit
Fintech & Financial Services
A mature regulatory framework (ASIC, AUSTRAC) combined with a genuinely innovative fintech ecosystem (Airwallex, Afterpay's origins) gives credibility to financial services businesses targeting the APAC region.
🚚
Strong Fit
Import / Export & Logistics
12 free trade agreements including with China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN give import/export businesses preferential tariff access that materially reduces landed costs on cross-border trade.
🎓
Good Fit
EdTech & Professional Services
Strong university links and a sophisticated professional services market (legal, accounting, consulting) make Australia a credible base for EdTech and B2B professional services targeting APAC clients.
🛢️
Good Fit
Tourism & Hospitality Tech
A large domestic tourism economy plus geographic proximity to Asia-Pacific travel markets makes Australia a sensible base for tourism technology, booking platforms and hospitality services companies.
⚠️ When Australia Is NOT the Right Fit
  • ✗Solo founders unwilling to either pay for an ongoing licensed nominee director or relocate to Australia themselves — the mandatory resident director is a real, recurring cost that some lighter jurisdictions (Singapore, Estonia, UK) do not impose.
  • ✗Very early-stage, pre-revenue businesses purely testing an idea with no immediate Australian customer base — the resident director cost and annual ASIC fees may not be justified until there is a clearer reason to be incorporated specifically in Australia.
  • ✗Businesses prioritising the lowest possible total cost of incorporation and compliance — Australia's mandatory resident director and ASIC annual fees make it more expensive on an ongoing basis than audit-exempt, no-director jurisdictions like Estonia or the UK.
  • ✗Founders expecting to extract most profits as dividends immediately — Australia's dividend withholding tax (30% on unfranked dividends to non-residents) is materially higher than jurisdictions with 0% dividend withholding such as Singapore or Estonia.
Resident Director — The Key Requirement

Australia's Mandatory Resident Director
Explained Properly

Unlike Estonia, Singapore or the UK, Australia legally requires every Pty Ltd to have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia — there is no way around this requirement for a 100% non-resident-owned company. This is the single most important practical fact for a non-resident founder to understand before incorporating.

What "ordinarily resident" actually means: An 'ordinarily resident' director is someone who actually lives in Australia — an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or someone on a long-term visa who genuinely resides there. A director who simply visits occasionally does not qualify.

Your Three Options
1
Licensed Nominee Director
CompanyVista sources a professional, licensed Australian resident director through our local partner network. A Director Services Agreement (DSA) is signed alongside this, giving you — the beneficial owner — full operational control, while the nominee satisfies ASIC's legal requirement on paper. This is the standard, fastest route for non-resident founders.
2
A Trusted Local Contact
If you already have an Australian-resident business partner, co-founder or trusted associate, they can be appointed as the resident director instead of a nominee — provided they are genuinely willing to take on the legal duties and liabilities that come with the role.
3
Relocate & Become the Resident Director Yourself
Founders who obtain Australian residency (via a Business Innovation & Investment visa, Global Talent visa or other pathway) can become their own resident director once their residency is confirmed — removing the ongoing nominee cost.
⚠️
Important: Directors of an Australian company carry personal legal duties under the Corporations Act — including duties to avoid insolvent trading, act in good faith and avoid conflicts of interest. A nominee director arrangement does not remove these statutory duties from the nominee; it is precisely why a properly licensed, experienced nominee (not a friend doing a favour) is strongly recommended.
Entity Type & Requirements

Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)
Key Facts & Requirements

Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)
Entity NameProprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)
Governing LawCorporations Act 2001 (Cth)
Minimum Shareholders1 — individual or corporate, any nationality
Minimum Directors1 — must be ordinarily resident in Australia
Resident Director RequirementMandatory — non-residents need a licensed nominee director
Minimum Share CapitalAUD 1 — no meaningful minimum
LiabilityLimited to share capital ("Pty Ltd" = limited liability)
ACNAustralian Company Number — issued by ASIC on incorporation
ABNAustralian Business Number — separate registration with the ATO
Public RegisterDirectors & shareholders publicly searchable via ASIC
Registered OfficeMust be a physical Australian address — CompanyVista provides this
Statutory AuditNot required for most small/proprietary companies (size-based exemption)
Key Advantages of Australia
  • →AAA-Rated, Stable Economy
  • →Asia-Pacific Gateway
  • →12 Free Trade Agreements
  • →R&D Tax Incentive — Cash Refund
  • →Globally Recognised Legal System
Documentation & Restrictions

What You'll Need to Provide
& What to Be Aware Of

Here is exactly what CompanyVista will ask you for, and the genuine restrictions non-resident founders should know about before starting.

Documents You'll Need to Provide
1
Valid Passport
Clear colour copy of your passport bio page — all shareholders and proposed directors.
2
Proof of Address
Recent utility bill, bank statement or government letter (within last 3 months).
3
Resident Director's Identity Documents
If using a nominee, their identity and consent-to-act documents are arranged by CompanyVista — you don't need to source these yourself.
4
Consent to Act as Director/Shareholder
Standard ASIC-format consent forms signed by every director and shareholder named on the application.
5
Source of Funds Declaration
Brief written explanation of how the company will be funded, required for AML/CTF compliance under Australian law.
6
Tax File Number / ABN Application Details
Basic information needed to register for the company's ABN alongside ASIC incorporation.
⚠️ Restrictions Non-Residents Should Be Aware Of
  • ⚠A 100% foreign-owned Pty Ltd is permitted — there's no cap on foreign shareholding for most ordinary trading businesses.
  • ⚠Every Pty Ltd must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia — this is a hard legal requirement with no exception for foreign-owned companies (see the GBC/AC-equivalent section above).
  • ⚠Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval may be required for certain large investments, agricultural land purchases, or investments by foreign government-related entities — not relevant for most standard small business incorporations, but worth flagging for larger acquisitions.
  • ⚠Regulated sectors (financial services, banking, insurance) require separate licensing from ASIC or APRA regardless of where the owner is resident.
  • ⚠Australia applies standard sanctions and AML screening — beneficial owners from sanctioned jurisdictions cannot be onboarded.
Tax Environment — In Depth

Australia Tax Environment
For Non-Resident Owners

Key tax rates and obligations for your Australian Pty Ltd. CompanyVista prepares and files all returns with the ATO. See Tax Preparation & Filing for full detail.

Corporate Tax Rate
25% for "base rate entities" (turnover < AUD 50M and ≤80% passive income) · 30% for larger companies
GST (Goods & Services Tax)
10% · Mandatory registration once GST turnover reaches AUD 75,000 (AUD 150,000 for non-profits)
R&D Tax Incentive
43.5% refundable offset (turnover <AUD 20M) · 38.5% non-refundable offset (larger companies)
Superannuation Guarantee
11.5% employer contribution on top of salary (rising to 12% from 1 July 2025) — applies to all eligible employees
Dividend Withholding Tax
30% on unfranked dividends to non-residents · Reduced or nil on "franked" dividends where Australian company tax has already been paid
State Payroll Tax
Varies by state (NSW 5.45%, VIC 4.85%, QLD 4.75%) — only applies once total wages exceed the state threshold
Capital Gains Tax
Treated as ordinary income for companies — no separate CGT discount (unlike individuals, who get a 50% discount on assets held 12+ months)
Filing Authority
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for tax · ASIC for company registry matters
Annual Company Return
ASIC annual review (with annual review fee) on the anniversary of registration
Tax Return Deadline
Company tax return generally due by 28 February (later if lodged through a registered tax agent)
Banking — The Real Picture

Can a Non-Resident Actually
Open a Bank Account in Australia?

Banking for a foreign-owned Pty Ltd is realistic but requires the right preparation — Australia's banks apply thorough AML/KYC checks, and the resident director plays a key role in making this smoother.

Traditional Banks
Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Westpac, ANZ, NAB ("the Big Four")
These banks offer the strongest local credibility and full business banking functionality, but typically expect either an in-person branch visit, or strong supporting documentation (ASIC certificate, ABN, proof of the resident director's identity and address, and a clear description of business activity) when applying remotely.
⭐ Recommended for Speed — Fintech
Airwallex (Australian-founded), Wise Business
Airwallex in particular is a strong option given its Australian roots — multi-currency accounts, local AUD account details, and online onboarding that is typically faster than the Big Four for a newly incorporated company with a non-resident beneficial owner.
💡
CompanyVista's standard approach: CompanyVista's standard approach: apply for an Airwallex or Wise Business account immediately after incorporation for fast, functional banking — then pursue a Big Four bank account in parallel if your business specifically needs the credibility or services (e.g. AUD term deposits, trade finance) that only a traditional bank provides.
Australia vs Other Jurisdictions

How Australia Compares
for a Non-Resident Founder

Jurisdiction
Corporate Tax
Local Director
Audit Exempt?
Formation Time
Australia Pty Ltd
25%/30%
Mandatory
Yes (size-exempt)
1–2 weeks
Singapore Pte Ltd
17% (partial exemptions)
Mandatory
No (audit mandatory)
1–2 days
UK LTD
19–25%
No
Yes (size-exempt)
24–48 hrs
New Zealand Ltd
28%
Conditional
Yes (size-exempt)
1–3 days
Hong Kong Ltd
8.25%/16.5%
No
No (audit mandatory)
3–5 days
Formation Process

Registering Your Australian Pty Ltd
Step by Step

1
Free Consultation & Structure Check
CompanyVista reviews your business model and confirms whether a Pty Ltd is the right vehicle, and which resident-director option (nominee, local contact or self-relocation) fits your situation.
2
Company Name Availability Check
Your proposed name is checked against the ASIC register for availability and compliance with naming rules before any filing begins.
3
Resident Director Arranged
For non-resident founders, CompanyVista sources a licensed nominee director through our local partner network, and the Director Services Agreement (DSA) is prepared to protect your full beneficial control.
4
ASIC Incorporation Filed
CompanyVista lodges the incorporation with ASIC — constitution, registered office, share structure and director/shareholder details. The Australian Company Number (ACN) is issued on approval.
5
ABN & Tax Registrations
The Australian Business Number (ABN) is registered separately with the ATO, alongside GST registration if your expected turnover requires it, and PAYG withholding registration if you plan to employ staff.
6
Business Bank/EMI Account Opened
CompanyVista coordinates opening an Airwallex or Wise Business account for fast operational banking, while pursuing a Big Four account in parallel if your business model requires it.
7
Compliance Calendar Set Up
ASIC annual review date, company tax return deadline, GST/BAS lodgement schedule (if registered) and superannuation due dates (if you have employees) are all logged so nothing is missed going forward.
💰
Pricing: confirmed in your written quote — covering ASIC incorporation, resident director sourcing (Misc Charges at exact cost), ABN/ACN registration and registered office. The right fee depends on your specific structure and requirements. CompanyVista sends one complete written quote covering every cost before any payment — no hidden add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions

Australia Company Registration
Questions Answered

Does Australia really require a local resident director, with no exceptions? +
Yes — under the Corporations Act 2001, every Australian Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia, meaning they actually live there as a citizen, permanent resident or long-term visa holder. There is no exemption for 100% foreign-owned companies. For non-resident founders, the standard and fastest solution is a licensed nominee director sourced by CompanyVista, backed by a Director Services Agreement (DSA) that keeps full beneficial control and decision-making power with you, the actual owner.
What is the difference between an ACN and an ABN, and do I need both? +
Yes, both are required and they serve different purposes. The ACN (Australian Company Number) is a 9-digit number issued automatically by ASIC the moment your company is incorporated — it identifies your company on the corporate register. The ABN (Australian Business Number) is an 11-digit number registered separately with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) — it's required for invoicing, claiming GST credits, registering for GST, and most dealings with government and other businesses. CompanyVista registers both as part of the standard formation process.
How does Australia's R&D tax incentive actually work, and is it really a cash refund? +
Yes — for companies with aggregated turnover under AUD 20 million, the R&D Tax Incentive provides a 43.5% refundable tax offset on eligible research and development expenditure. "Refundable" means that if your company is not yet profitable (a common situation for early-stage tech and biotech companies), the ATO pays you cash for 43.5% of your qualifying R&D spend rather than just letting you carry forward a tax deduction you can't yet use. Companies with turnover over AUD 20 million receive a 38.5% non-refundable offset instead. Eligibility depends on conducting genuine experimental activities aimed at generating new knowledge — CompanyVista can advise on whether your activities are likely to qualify.
Can I avoid the resident director requirement if I get an Australian visa? +
Obtaining Australian residency (through a Business Innovation and Investment visa, Global Talent visa, or another pathway) and becoming an Australian tax resident yourself is the only way to genuinely satisfy the resident director requirement without an ongoing nominee. Many founders start with a licensed nominee director for speed, and transition to being their own resident director later once their personal residency status is confirmed — CompanyVista can advise on this transition when relevant, in coordination with our VisaVista.us immigration brand.
What ongoing compliance does an Australian Pty Ltd require each year? +
Annual obligations include: the ASIC annual review (a yearly health-check of your company's registered details, accompanied by an annual review fee, due on the anniversary of incorporation); a company tax return lodged with the ATO (generally due 28 February, though registered tax agents often have later deadlines); GST returns via Business Activity Statements (BAS) if you're GST-registered, typically quarterly; and superannuation guarantee contributions for any employees, currently 11.5% of ordinary earnings, paid quarterly. CompanyVista manages this full compliance calendar so nothing is missed.
Company Registration — Australia

Register Your Australian Pty Ltd
Free Written Quote in 4 Hours

Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd). Resident director sourced and explained upfront. ABN/ACN registered. CompanyVista manages incorporation, banking and ongoing compliance.

Get Free Quote for Australia → WhatsApp Us Now
✓ Free written quote✓ Resident director sourced for you✓ ABN + ACN registered✓ Realistic banking setup✓ Full beneficial control retained✓ No hidden fees

Australia Company Registration for Non-Residents — Complete 2025 Guide

CompanyVista provides comprehensive Australian Pty Ltd formation for non-resident founders. Unlike Estonia, Singapore or the UK, Australia mandates at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia — CompanyVista sources a licensed nominee director through our local partner network, backed by a Director Services Agreement that retains full beneficial control with the actual owner. Australia is particularly well suited to mining and resources services, R&D-intensive tech and biotech companies (thanks to the 43.5% refundable R&D tax offset), fintech and financial services, import/export and logistics businesses leveraging Australia’s 12 free trade agreements, EdTech and professional services, and tourism technology. Realistic banking guidance matters: while the Big Four banks (CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) offer the strongest local credibility, Australian-founded fintech Airwallex and Wise Business typically provide faster remote onboarding for newly incorporated companies with non-resident beneficial owners. CompanyVista manages the complete formation lifecycle — resident director sourcing, ASIC incorporation, ABN and ACN registration, GST registration where required, banking coordination, and ongoing ASIC annual review and ATO tax return compliance. CompanyVista’s professional fee is confirmed in a personalised written quote based on the specific structure and requirements, before any payment.

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