Establishing an Australian Company

Australia is a stable democratic country with a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy and a population of over 24 million. The official language is English. Australia is a highly developed country. Its multiculturalism, pleasant weather, mature political system, no property tax, and emphasis on humanities and scientific research have made it the top country for immigration and investment for many years.

Our professionals at Topx CPA Limited can provide you with the following one-stop services:

Australian Company Formation Services

Australia Resident Director Services

Provide Australian registered and correspondence address

ABN GST register

Tax Compliance Services

Investment Immigration

FIRB Apply

Australian company opening a bank account in Hong Kong

Eligible business structures for companies registered in Australia

The following are the types of business structures:

1) Branch Offices

A branch is usually established by a foreign parent company. An Australian branch is simply an extension of the parent company's business. Profit-making business can be carried out by the Australian branch. The foreign company must register the branch with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the foreign parent company must appoint a representative for the branch. This is mandatory to ensure compliance with the branch. In order to establish a branch in Australia, the registered office must have a local address.

2) Representative

This type of office is usually set up by a foreign parent company. The Australian representative office is simply an extension of the parent company's business. The representative office in Australia cannot carry out profit-making business. Foreign companies must register their representative office with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

3) Publicly listed companies

Public companies are entities that are allowed to list on a publicly traded stock exchange. Foreign companies that choose this type of entity need to have a minimum capital to be listed on a stock exchange. Shareholders of this type of entity enjoy limited liability. At least one shareholder is required to form this type of entity. However, there is no limit to the number of shareholders of this type of entity. Shares can be offered to the public. However, compliance must be maintained as required by the Companies Act 2001.

4) Private Company

Investors considering a company registered in Australia can set up this form of entity. Under the Australian company registration, the liability of the entity is not limited. The number of shareholders forming this type of entity may be less than 50. The individual liability of the shareholders does not exceed a certain number of shares agreed to be invested.

Eligibility criteria for company registration in Australia

Directors and Shareholders

Applicants for registering a company in Australia must have a minimum number of directors and shareholders. This will depend on the requirements of the specific form of entity. A proprietary company must have at least one director who resides in Australia. Therefore, a foreign company or individual wishing to set up a company in Australia usually requires the services of a resident who is willing to take on the role of a nominee resident director. In view of the responsibilities and fiduciary risks of acting as a company director in Australia, the person should have experience in meeting corporate governance and other business registration requirements.

Age requirement

All directors, shareholders and key management personnel of an Australian company must be aged 18 or over. Written consent is required from the individual operating the company in Australia.

FIRB approve

If a non-Australian person acquires shares, FIRB approval must be obtained under Australia’s foreign investment regime.

other

Free Trade Agreement

Australia has free trade agreements with other countries that allow it to trade without interference. In addition, Australia has DTAAs with other countries. This does not tax investors twice. Australia's current corporate tax rate is 30%.

Stable business environment

Australia provides an ideal environment for conducting different forms of business activities. Such an environment is supported by a stable political system. The country has a low inflation rate. Therefore, investors can register their company in Australia.