- When you factor in ASIC fees, compliance, and setup support, the real first-year company registration costs in Australia typically ranges from $1,600 to $6,000+
- ASIC company registration fee ($611), Director ID (free but mandatory), registered office and address requirements (free if self-provided or ~$300–$500/year via a provider), and accounting/tax setup (commonly $500–$2,000+ depending on complexity).
- Most cost blowouts come from fixing mistakes after registration, such as choosing the wrong structure, incorrect share setup, missing compliance obligations, or needing to restructure later, all of which are far more expensive than getting the setup right from day one.
Thinking of incorporating in Australia? For many founders, the challenge isn’t choosing the right business structure, it’s understanding the company registration cost, from one-off ASIC registration fees to ongoing compliance expenses. Miss a small detail, and those hidden costs can quickly add up and eat into your budget.
The good news? With the right planning, you can set clear expectations from day one. This guide breaks down the cost of setting up a company in Australia, including government fees, legal and accounting support, and ongoing obligations, so you can budget confidently and avoid costly surprises.
If you’re cost-conscious, the smartest way to control incorporation expenses is planning before you lodge anything with ASIC. Decide upfront whether you actually need a company, how you’ll trade, whether GST registration is required, and what compliance support you’ll need in year one. Clear decisions at this stage prevent duplicate registrations, unnecessary services, and rework that drives costs up later.
What are the core company registration costs in Australia?
These are the essential, non-negotiable fees required to get your company officially registered:
- ASIC company registration fee: The primary company registration cost is the one-off fee paid to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to register your company. For 2026, this fee for a standard proprietary limited company is $611.
- Business name registration: If you plan to trade under a name that is different from your registered company name (e.g., your company is “XYZ Holdings Pty Ltd,” but you trade as “Sydney Coffee Cafe”), you must register that business name with ASIC.
- 1-Year Registration: $45
- 3-Year Registration: $104
- Company name reservation (Optional): If you’ve chosen a name but aren’t ready to incorporate immediately, you can pay ASIC a $62 fee to reserve the name.
This is an optional part of the cost of setting up a company, but it can be useful if you need time before registering.
Professional fees for registering a company (Lawyers and accountants)
While it’s possible to register a company on your own, it’s not always advisable. Engaging professionals can save you from costly mistakes and ensure your company is structured for success. This is where you invest in quality.
- Legal fees ($600 – $2,000+): A lawyer can be invaluable during setup. Their services often include:
- Drafting a company constitution: While you can use the replaceable rules, a tailored constitution is often better for governing your company.
- Shareholders agreement: This is a crucial document for any company with multiple founders. It outlines rights, responsibilities, and what happens if a shareholder wants to exit.
- Ensuring compliance: A lawyer will ensure your registration is done correctly, avoiding potential legal issues down the track.
- Accounting/tax advisor fees ($300 – $1,500+): An accountant or tax advisor can support the financial side of the cost of registering a company, including:
- Tax-effective structuring: Advising on the best way to set up your company to be tax-efficient.
- Essential registrations: Assisting with your Australian Business Number (ABN), Tax File Number (TFN), and Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration.
- Company registration services (Varies): There are many online services that can register your company for a fee. These can be a cheaper alternative to a lawyer or accountant, but they often provide a less personalized service and may not offer the tailored legal and financial advice a new business needs.
Most new businesses should budget between $1,500 and $3,000 to cover all upfront professional and registration costs for a quality setup.
What are the ongoing costs of running a company
The cost of setting up a company in Australia isn’t a one-time expense. You need to budget for these recurring annual costs to keep your company compliant.
- ASIC annual review fee: This is the most important ongoing cost. To keep your company registered, you must pay an annual review fee to ASIC. For 2026, this fee is $329 for a proprietary company.
- ASIC compliance fees ($300 – $600 per year): Many businesses appoint a registered ASIC agent (often their accountant or lawyer) to manage their ASIC correspondence and ensure deadlines are not missed.
- Accounting and tax compliance ($300 – $1,500+ per year): This includes the cost of bookkeeping services, preparing and lodging your annual company tax return, and managing Business Activity Statements (BAS).
Full breakdown: one-time and annual company registration costs in Australia
When you factor in ASIC fees, legal support, accounting setup, and annual compliance, registering a company in Australia can cost anywhere from $1,600 to over $6,000 in your first year.
Cost item | One-time or ongoing | Price | Notes |
ASIC Company Registration | One-time | $611 | For a Pty Ltd company registered in Australia |
Business name registration | One-time (renewable) | $45 (1 year) / $104 (3 years) | Only required if trading under a different business name from your registered company. |
Legal fees | One-time | $600 – $2,000+ | Highly recommended for a proper setup. The fee can be higher for multi-shareholder or cross-border setups. |
Accounting fees | One-time | $300 – $1,000+ | For tax structuring and registrations |
ASIC Annual Review Fee | Ongoing (Annual) | $329 | Required to maintain your company registration in Australia |
ASIC compliance | Ongoing (Annual) | $300 – $600 | Optional but recommended |
Accounting and tax | Ongoing (annual) | $300 – $1,500+ | For tax returns, BAS, etc. |
Other business setup costs (Beyond company registration costs)
Business setup and operational costs
These are the costs associated with creating your business presence and getting the tools you need to operate.
Cost item | One-time or ongoing | Price | Notes |
Website & Domain | Both | Domain: $20 – $50 (Annual) Website: $500 – $10,000+ (One-Off) | Website cost varies hugely. A simple site is cheaper, while a complex e-commerce platform is a major investment. |
Business Bank Account | Ongoing | $0 – $10+ per month | Most banks offer business accounts. Fees depend on the bank and the features included. |
Software and subscriptions | Ongoing | $50 – $300+ per month | This includes accounting software (e.g., Xero, MYOB), project management tools, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace. |
Business insurance | Ongoing | $500 – $2,000+ per year | Public liability and professional indemnity insurance are common. The cost depends on your industry and risk profile. |
Hiring employees in Australia: payroll, super, and insurance costs
Cost item | One-time or ongoing | Price | Notes |
Wages/salaries | Ongoing | Based on market rates | Australia’s national minimum wage is a baseline, but you’ll need to pay competitive rates for your industry. |
Superannuation | Ongoing | 12% of ordinary time earnings | It’s a compulsory contribution for all eligible employees in Australia. |
Worker’s compensation | Ongoing | Varies by state and industry | This insurance is mandatory and covers employees if they are injured at work. |
The cost of setting up a company in Australia breaks down into four layers, not just one fee.
First, there’s the ASIC incorporation fee.
Second, pre-registration requirements such as Director IDs, registered office consent, and company details preparation.
Third, post-registration tax setup, including ABN, GST (if required), PAYG, and banking.
Finally, ongoing compliance costs, including ASIC annual review fees, accounting, tax lodgements, and record-keeping. Understanding all four layers upfront gives founders a realistic view of what incorporation actually costs and prevents cash-flow shocks after launch.
Licensing and trademark costs for Aussie companies
Cost item | One-time or ongoing | Price | Notes |
Industry licenses and permits | Both | $100 – several thousand dollars | Costs vary significantly by industry. A food licence is generally cheaper than a financial services licence. Always check with your local council and relevant industry body before setting up a company. |
One-time (Renewable) | From $250 per class of goods/services | Protects your brand name, logo, or slogan. Trademark registration is not part of the core company registration cost, but it’s an important additional cost when setting up a company in Australia. Fees apply per class of goods or services. |
Is it worth registering a company yourself in Australia?
The temptation to reduce your company registration cost by handling the incorporation process yourself is understandable. However, this is often a false economy. The risks of doing it on your own can include:
- Errors in registration: Mistakes in your application can lead to delays and extra costs to fix them.
- Lack of a proper legal framework: Without a well-drafted constitution and shareholders agreement, you are exposed to significant risks, especially if you have business partners.
- Non-compliance: The Corporations Act 2001 imposes many obligations on company directors. A professional advisor will ensure you are aware of and comply with these from day one.
Investing in professional advice at the start is a small price to pay for the long-term health and stability of your business. It sets a strong foundation and gives you peace of mind that everything has been done correctly.
Many founders try to register a company themselves and only realise later that small mistakes can be expensive, registering under the wrong structure, missing Director ID timing, using an incorrect address, or setting up a poor share structure can trigger rejected applications, delays, or forced restructures. These fixes often cost more than professional setup in the first place. Getting expert help upfront isn’t about convenience, it’s about avoiding legal, tax, and compliance errors that compound as the business grows.
How Sleek helps you register a company in Australia: fast, easy & compliant
Sleek’s company registration services in Australia handle the paperwork, ASIC lodgements, and ongoing compliance so you can focus on growing your business, not admin.
- Fast, compliant setup: We handle ASIC registration, ABN/TFN, and GST/PAYG so you’re business-ready without delays.
- Expert guidance: Get tailored advice on constitutions, shareholders, and tax-effective structuring.
- All-in-one support: From incorporation to accounting and bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance, everything under one roof.
- Transparent pricing: Fixed-fee packages with no hidden surprises.
- Ongoing compliance: Annual reviews, reminders, and ASIC updates managed for you.
We also help overseas founders set up and manage Australian companies with full compliance support from day one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can overseas founders register a company in Australia, and what extra costs apply?
Yes. A foreign founder can register a company in Australia, provided at least one director is ordinarily resident in Australia. Extra costs may include:
- Hiring a resident director service (often AUD 1,500–5,500+ per year) if you don’t have an Australian resident director.
- Registered office services if you don’t maintain a physical presence.
- Legal and accounting advice on cross-border taxation, transfer pricing, and profit repatriation
Do foreign-owned companies in Australia face higher compliance costs than local companies?
Yes. While the ASIC registration and annual review fees are the same, foreign-owned companies may need:
- Audited financial reports (if they meet “large” thresholds under the Corporations Act).
- Transfer pricing documentation for cross-border dealings.
- More complex tax advice and ATO reporting.
This can add several thousand dollars annually to compliance budgets.
What’s the total budget I should set aside to register and operate in year one?
A lean setup (DIY, minimal professional advice) might cost ~AUD 1,000–1,500. A more realistic and professional setup for a growth-focused business is AUD 2,000–5,000+ in the first year, factoring in ASIC fees, legal/accounting setup, and ongoing compliance.
For overseas founders, the cost can climb higher due to resident director services, registered offices, and more complex tax advice.
