How to start a company in Australia (2026)

If you want to start a company in Australia, the core job is to choose the right structure, register with ASIC, and then complete your tax setup with the ATO. This guide explains the full sequence in plain English so you know what comes first and what can wait until after incorporation.

Step 1 — Choose the right structure

Before you register anything, decide whether you need a Pty Ltd company or a simpler structure such as a sole trader. If you want liability protection, plan to bring on investors, or expect multiple owners, a company is often the better fit.

If you are still deciding, compare your options in our Pty Ltd vs sole trader guide.

Step 2 — Confirm your company name

Your company name must be available and compliant with ASIC naming rules. This is separate from a business name registration: when you start a company, you are creating the legal entity itself, not just reserving a trading name.

If you are unsure how company names, ACNs, and ABNs fit together, start with our ABN vs ACN guide.

Step 3 — Prepare your ASIC details

ASIC needs a clear set of company details before registration can be lodged:

• At least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia
• Shareholder details and share allocation
• A registered office address in Australia
• A principal place of business
• Consent from each director and shareholder

The registered office must be a physical street address. Our registered office guide explains what ASIC accepts.

Step 4 — Register the company with ASIC

Once your details are ready, you lodge the company registration. ASIC then issues the company with an Australian Company Number (ACN). This is the point where your company becomes a separate legal entity.

For a more detailed walkthrough of the incorporation step itself, see our ASIC company registration guide.

Step 5 — Apply for ABN, TFN, and tax registrations

After ASIC registration, most companies set up their ATO registrations. In practice, that usually means applying for an ABN, obtaining a TFN, and then deciding whether you need GST or PAYG withholding registrations based on turnover and staffing plans.

• ABN: used for invoicing and business identification
• TFN: used for tax administration and ATO records
• GST: usually needed once turnover reaches $75,000
• PAYG withholding: needed if you will employ staff

Step 6 — Complete your first compliance tasks

Starting a company is only the first milestone. You should also open a business bank account, store your company records, keep your ASIC register current, and plan for recurring obligations such as the annual review fee and director updates.

If you are hiring people, you should also understand upcoming changes like Payday Super.

Common mistake: confusing a company with a business name

Many founders search for “register a business” when what they really mean is “start a company”. A business name lets you trade under a particular name, but it does not create a company and it does not give you limited liability. If you want a separate legal entity, you need company registration.

Summary

To start a company in Australia, choose the right structure, prepare your directors and addresses, lodge with ASIC, then complete your ABN and TFN setup. If you want a guided path instead of assembling the process yourself, you can start online from the homepage and work through the steps in sequence.