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Company registration checklist

Company Registration Requirements in Australia

Gather the people, ownership, address and governance details before starting the registration form.

Reviewed 19 September 2026

Registration checklist

What you need before you begin

You need the proposed company type and name, details and consent for each director and secretary, director IDs, shareholder and share details, registered office and principal place of business addresses, and a decision about the company's internal rules.

1. Company type and legal status

Most Australian small businesses that register a company use a proprietary company limited by shares, commonly shown as Pty Ltd. Other company types have different rules and may not suit the standard online registration process.

2. Company name

Choose an available name that meets ASIC's rules, or use the company's ACN as its name. Decide whether the business will also trade under a different registered business name.

Compare company names and business names.

3. Director and secretary details

  • Full current name and any former names.
  • Residential address.
  • Date and place of birth.
  • Director ID for every proposed director.
  • Written and signed consent to act as an officeholder.

A proprietary company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. A secretary is optional, but if appointed their details and consent are required.

4. Shareholder and share details

Record each member's name and residential address, the share class, the number of shares, the amount paid or agreed to be paid and whether the shares are beneficially held. Keep written consent from each member to take the agreed shares.

5. Company addresses

Provide a registered office address and principal place of business address, plus the Australian state or territory of registration. A registered office cannot be a post office box. Keep the occupier's written consent if the company does not occupy that address.

6. Internal governance

Decide whether the company will rely on replaceable rules, adopt a constitution or use a combination. Multiple owners should also consider whether a separate shareholders agreement is appropriate.

7. Registration fee and payment

ASIC states that the current fee for most company registrations is $636. Fees can change, so check the official ASIC fee page before paying.

See the company registration cost guide.

Ready to register?

Open the Business Registration ServiceRead the full setup guide first
Related company setup guides

Keep working through the details

How to set up a companyUse the full ten step guide to make each decision in order.Director ID requirementsMake sure every proposed director applies before registration.Company registration costCheck the ASIC fee and other likely costs.
Important

This guide provides general information and practical compliance assistance. It is not legal, accounting or tax advice. Company structure and registration choices can have lasting consequences, so seek professional advice when your circumstances require it.