Get started
Contact Sales
AU flag
Australia
English
flag
Singapore
English
flag
Hong Kong
English | 繁體中文
flag
United Kingdom
English
FAQs

Starting a business in Australia

Expert guidance to help you start your business in Australia; from choosing the right structure to getting your registrations, costs, and compliance sorted.

Is there a legal difference between a "Trading Name" and a "Company Name”?

Yes. A company name is the official legal name registered with ASIC. A “trading name” is simply the name you use publicly and has no legal status. If you want to trade under a name different from your company name, you generally need to register it as a business name.

Can I start a business in Australia if I am on a temporary visa (e.g., Student or Working Holiday)?

You can only start a business if your visa allows business or work activity. Each visa has specific conditions, and some may restrict or limit what you can do. You should check your visa conditions using VEVO before starting or operating a business.

How do I choose between a Pty Ltd Company and a Family Trust for a new startup?

It depends on your goals. A company is a separate legal entity and is often better suited to trading businesses, scaling, and bringing in investors, while a trust is a different structure often used for asset holding or distribution flexibility and comes with its own legal and tax complexity.

How do I protect my brand's logo and IP before I officially launch?

In Australia, the main way to protect a logo or brand name is through a trade mark. IP Australia states that registered trade marks generally provide stronger legal protection than unregistered rights, and many businesses register both the word mark and the logo separately for broader protection.

What are the biggest mistakes new business owners make in their first year?

Common mistakes include choosing the wrong business structure, not registering correctly, failing to keep proper financial records, mixing personal and business finances, and missing tax or compliance deadlines. Sleek can help set up your business correctly from the start and keep you compliant as you grow.

What registrations or licences do I need before I start operating?

It depends on your structure, activities, and location. Most businesses need an ABN, a business name or company registration, and industry-specific licences and permits can be checked through ABLIS and Business Registration Service tools.

What compliance obligations begin as soon as I start trading?

Your obligations can begin immediately and may include keeping proper records, meeting tax registration and reporting requirements, complying with license conditions, and updating ASIC if you operate through a company or registered business name. The exact obligations depend on your business structure and activities.

What are the real upfront and ongoing costs of starting a business in Australia?

Upfront costs include ASIC company registration (around $611) and business name registration ($45 for 1 year or $104 for 3 years), while ABN registration is free. Ongoing costs include ASIC annual review fees (around $329 per year), accounting and bookkeeping, software subscriptions, and any required licences or compliance services.

What do I need in place before I can legally start trading in Australia?

Before trading, you generally need the right business structure, any required registrations, the correct name registration if you are not using your own legal name, and any licences or permits your business activity requires. Some businesses also need tax registrations before they begin operating.

Can I start a business in Australia if I don’t have all registrations yet?

You can only start trading once all required registrations are in place. This typically includes an ABN, and if applicable, a registered business name or company registration, plus any licences required for your industry. Starting without these can lead to penalties or prevent you from legally invoicing customers. Sleek can help you complete all required registrations quickly so you can start trading with confidence.

What is the benefit of using Sleek for Australian registration?

Sleek handles the entire “groundwork”; from obtaining the ACN to applying for your ABN and TFN, and setting up GST registration. We also provide ongoing support for accounting, bookkeeping, and ASIC compliance through a single digital platform.

How long does it take to register a company?

The registration with ASIC (ACN) is typically completed within 24 hours. The ABN and TFN generally follow within 48 hours, though this can take longer if there is a foreign shareholder, as the ATO may require additional checks.

What’s the difference between ACN and ABN?

An ACN (Australian Company Number) is issued to companies by ASIC for legal identification, while an ABN (Australian Business Number) is issued by the ATO for tax and business purposes. Companies have both, but the ABN is used for transactions and invoicing.
Still figuring out how to start your business?

Our specialists can guide you through the first steps of incorporating in Australia.

Talk to an Expert
Start Your Company

Sleek is the preferred partner of entrepreneurs

Expertise in company incorporation, accounting, tax services, and compliance.
Trusted by over
450,000
businesses worldwide.
4.8/5
on Google
from 4,100+ reviews.
95%
satisfaction rate from
16,000 surveyed clients.
Contact us

RELATED READS

Daniel S,
Sleek Advisor

Daniel Sleek employee
Ready to get started with us?
Contact us
google logo
4.5 gold star icon
4.9/5.0 on Google Reviews